One Lake, One Temple, One Legend - A Breathtaking Journey

Experience: Day 1: West Lake Core Area + Leifeng Pagoda + Hefang Street Morning: Classic Tour of West Lake's Ten Scenes 1. Broken Bridge Snow (8:00-9:00) - Perfect for photos in early morning when crowds are thin, walk to Bai Causeway 2. Moon Over Peaceful Lake (9:00-9:30) - Enjoy tea while appreciating lake views, experience scholarly elegance 3. Solitary Hill Park (9:30-10:30) - Visit Xiling Seal Society and Zhejiang Provincial Museum (reservation required) 4. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (10:30-12:00) - Take boat to the island (CNY 55 including admission), photograph the scene from 1-yuan note Lunch: Lou Wai Lou (Solitary Hill Branch) or Zhi Wei Guan (West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, Longjing Shrimp) Afternoon: Leifeng Pagoda and Southern Route 5. Leifeng Pagoda (13:30-15:00) - Climb for panoramic views of West Lake (CNY 40), learn about the White Snake Legend 6. Red Fish Pool (15:00-16:00) - Stroll through royal gardens, view red carp pools and Peony Pavilion 7. Su Causeway in Spring Dawn (16:00-17:30) - Cycle or walk along Su Causeway, beautiful in sunset light Evening: Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street - Dinner recommendations: Huang Fan Er (Dongpo Pork), Xin Zhou Ji. Browse intangible cultural heritage shops, night tour of Drum Tower Day 2: Lingyin Temple + Longjing Village + Xixi Wetland (Optional) Morning: Lingyin Temple and Flying Peak 1. Lingyin Temple (7:30-10:00) - Arrive early to avoid crowds (CNY 45 + CNY 30 for incense), focus on Grand Hall and 500 Arhats Hall 2. Flying Peak Grottoes (10:00-11:30) - Explore Northern Song Dynasty rock carvings, visit Ji Gong's Bed and Thread of Sky Lunch: Lingyin Temple Vegetarian Restaurant or Tian Wai Tian Restaurant (Vegetarian Goose, Water Shield Soup) Afternoon: Nature and Cultural Experience 3. Longjing Village (13:00-14:30) - Walk through tea fields, taste Pre-Qingming Longjing tea (check prices before purchasing) 4. Nine Creeks and Misty Trees (14:30-16:00) - Hike along streams and forests (travel light, wear non-slip shoes), spectacular autumn foliage Alternative: If time permits, visit Xixi Wetland instead (half day, CNY 80) Accommodation Recommendations - West Lake Area: Hangzhou West Lake State Guest House (high-end), Willow Lake Lodge (hostel style) - Near Lingyin Temple: Amanfayun (luxury), Baileqiao Guesthouse Area (tranquil) Transportation Tips - Use shared bikes and electric carts (CNY 10/section) within West Lake Scenic Area - Take Bus 7 or taxi to Lingyin Temple, note traffic restrictions if driving Important Notes - Book West Lake cruise and museum tickets in advance - Collect three free incense sticks at Lingyin Temple entrance, no need to buy extra