How to take stunning photos of West Lake in the rain? This guide will make you a photography god.

"West Lake is more beautiful in the rain than on a sunny day." When the misty rain falls, West Lake transforms into a poetic ink painting, and it's the perfect time to take photos! Want to know how to take stunning photos of West Lake in the rain that will wow your friends? Follow this guide to elevate your photography skills!🌿 🏖️ Recommended Spots - Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Capture the iconic view featured on the one-yuan banknote at the Heart-to-Heart Pavilion. With the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and the lake surface as your backdrop, this spot is ideal for panoramic shots and close-ups. - Leifeng Pagoda: Take photos of Leifeng Pagoda near the Sakyamuni Hall of Jingci Temple, using the yellow walls as a background for a beautiful color contrast. You can also capture the sunset glow of Leifeng Pagoda from afar at Long Bridge Park, using the lines of the bridge for composition. - West Lake Scenery: The most beautiful corner is near the Xiling Bridge bus stop, where the road ends at the lake, creating a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Other great spots include the Guanghua Fudan sign opposite Gushan Park and the large Gushan sign straight ahead inside Zhongshan Park. - Flower Harbor: The stone bridge about 100 meters in front of the Lakeside Residence is perfect for capturing passing boats. Another great spot is the stone bridge 100 meters before Green Qi Bridge, where you can capture the golden light piercing through the bridge's arch. - Bai Causeway: The viewing platform 30 meters east of the lakeside platform in front of the West Lake Expo Museum offers a framed view of Leifeng Pagoda, its reflection in the lake, and the pink peach blossoms and green willows. Capture the Chenghuang Pavilion framed by pink and green foliage at the Beishan Street sign. The second bench after entering the back mountain road of Gushan offers a view of Baochu Pagoda, the colorful foliage, and mandarin ducks. ⏰ Recommended Times - 40 minutes after sunrise: The lingering morning mist creates a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, perfect for capturing Su Causeway, Quyuan Fenghe, and other scenic spots, evoking the charm of ink painting. - 1 hour before sunset: The setting sun casts a golden glow on the scenery. Capture the "gilded wonderland" of pink peach blossoms and green willows on Bai Causeway, or the sunset glow of Leifeng Pagoda. 📷 Photography Tips - Composition: Experiment with different compositions, such as symmetrical composition and the rule of thirds. Use foreground elements like branches and flowers to add depth and storytelling to your photos. - Poses: Stand near the lake, showing your jawline, and gaze at the lake or into the distance. Drape a coat over your shoulders and shrug slightly. Lean against a tree by the lake and casually play with your hair. Sit on a bench, tilt your head slightly, and place your arms naturally on your legs. - Equipment and Settings: To capture the pink peach blossoms and green willows on Bai Causeway, use a camera with a focal length of 200mm or more, or a phone with 10X optical zoom. For Baochu Pagoda, use a 50mm focal length on your camera or 2X zoom on your phone. 🛍️ Clothing and Props - Clothing: Choose bright colors or contrasting outfits. Long dresses are particularly flattering. You can also wear a cheongsam, modern Chinese clothing, or a horse-face skirt to complement the scenery of West Lake. - Props: Bring props like hats, bags, fans, flowers, umbrellas, and cameras to add interest to your photos. 🚗 Transportation - Bus: Many bus routes reach the West Lake area, such as routes 1314 and Tourist Route 10. - Subway: Take Subway Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station or Line 7 to Wushan Square Station, then walk to West Lake. - Taxi: Convenient and fast, but traffic jams are possible during peak tourist season. 🍱 Food Recommendations - Time-honored Restaurants: Try the West Lake Vinegar Fish at Lou Wai Lou, the Crab Roe Stuffed Orange at Zhiweiguan, and the Dongpo Pork at Hangzhou Restaurant. - Local Snacks: Try the Shrimp and Eel Noodles at Kuiyuanguan, the Tomato-based Noodles at Fang Laoda, and the Shrimp Xiaolongbao at Xinfeng Snacks. 🏠 Accommodation - Luxury: Consider the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake or the Hangzhou State Guest House for beautiful surroundings and excellent service. - Budget-friendly: Choose budget hotels or homestays near Hubin Yintai for convenient access to transportation, shopping, and dining. 💡 Tips - West Lake is a large scenic area. Plan your itinerary based on your physical condition and available time. - If you choose to take a boat, pay attention to the boat schedule and pier locations. - Book hotels and restaurants in advance during peak season to avoid delays.