Hidden Hiking Guide in Hangzhou

West Lake is stunning all year round 🌿, here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more unique experience! 🌟Season Recommendations Spring (March-May) to see the willows swaying, summer (June-August) to admire the blooming lotus flowers, autumn (September-November) is the most romantic with osmanthus fragrance and colorful foliage, winter (December-February) turns into a fairyland if it snows! 🚶🏻♂️Classic Hiking Route Broken Bridge Remnant Snow ➡ Bai Causeway ➡ Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake ➡ Su Causeway ➡ Flower Harbor Viewing Fish ➡ Leifeng Pagoda About 3 hours in total, very comfortable for walking and taking photos~ Remember to wear comfortable shoes 📸Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Broken Bridge Remnant Snow: The meeting place of Lady White Snake and Xu Xian, least crowded before 8 AM 2️⃣ Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: One of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, best seen up close by boat (Boat ticket 55 RMB/person) 3️⃣ Leifeng Pagoda: The best spot to overlook the entire West Lake, entrance fee 40 RMB 4️⃣ Quyuan Fenghe (Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in the Breeze): A must-visit in summer, the lotus flowers are breathtaking 💡My Hidden Tips ▪️Go to Su Causeway at 6 AM to watch the sunrise, fewer people and beautiful scenery for photos ▪️Rent a rowboat to experience "boating in a painting" (150 RMB/hour) ▪️Spend an afternoon at a cozy café on Nanshan Road ▪️Watch the sunset over Leifeng Pagoda at Changqiao Park in the evening 🍴Nearby Food ✔ Lou Wai Lou (No. 30 Gushan Road): The top spot for West Lake Vinegar Fish ✔ Zhiweiguan (No. 83 Hubin Road): Century-old famous snack shop ✔ Xinfeng Snack: The locals’ favorite breakfast place ⚠️Useful Tips 1. The scenic area is large, renting a shared bike is recommended for getting around 2. Holidays are very crowded, try to visit on weekdays 3. West Lake Music Fountain shows at 7 PM and 8 PM 4. Bring an umbrella! Hangzhou’s weather changes quickly