Xiao Na's Hangzhou West Lake Roaming Guide Covers Your Romantic Jiangnan Journey!
Babies! Who understands! Hangzhou West Lake is truly a "fairyland destination"! Whether it's the cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, osmanthus fragrance in autumn, or the remaining snow in winter, it's all stunning enough to make you scream~As a travel blogger who has explored every corner of West Lake, Xiao Na is here to offer a comprehensive guide. Follow it and you'll definitely get tons of likes on your social media!
🌟The "Fairyland Advantages" of West Lake! Why must you come?
1. A natural painting at every step: Unlike other scenic spots where you have to deliberately look for views, every snap at West Lake is a painting! The lake sparkles, surrounded by green hills, walking by the lake feels like stepping into an ink painting~
2. Beautiful all year round with no disappointments: In spring, enjoy cherry blossoms on Su Causeway; in summer, the lotus at Quyuan Garden; in autumn, the osmanthus rain at Manlong; in winter, the snow on Broken Bridge. No matter when you come, there’s a unique romantic scene~
3. Super friendly "free + convenient": No entrance fee for the core West Lake scenic area! Plus, transportation is very convenient with metro and buses directly reaching it. There are also various ways to get around inside the park, so students and budget travelers can easily enjoy it~
🚗 How to get to West Lake? Here’s the transportation guide!
• For out-of-town babies: Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus (20 RMB/person) or Metro Line 7 transfer to Line 1 to "Longxiangqiao Station," then a 5-minute walk to the lake; take high-speed rail to Hangzhou East Station, then Metro Line 1 directly to "Longxiangqiao Station," about 20 minutes total~
• For local/surrounding babies: Prioritize the metro! Line 1 "Longxiangqiao Station" and Line 2 "Fengqi Road Station" both reach West Lake, avoiding traffic jams if driving; if driving, there are parking lots around West Lake, but spaces are tight in peak season, so arrive early~
• Transportation inside the scenic area:
◦ Sightseeing bus: 40 RMB/person for a loop around the lake, stops on request, perfect for those who don’t want to walk~
◦ Boat rides: A must for Three Pools Mirroring the Moon! Regular boat 55 RMB/person (includes island ticket), rowboat 150 RMB/hour (fits 2-3 people), leisurely cruising on the lake is super relaxing~
◦ Cycling: Shared bikes and rental bikes (20 RMB/day) are available by the lake. Ride along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, the breeze feels amazing~
📸 Must-shoot check-in spots! Social media likes explosion guide
1. Broken Bridge Snow: The iconic West Lake spot! After snow in winter, half the bridge is snowy and half is not, very poetic; on sunny days, stand on the bridge to shoot the lake and distant mountains, the light is perfect, wear light-colored clothes for better photos~
2. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: The scene on the back of the 1 RMB bill! Take a boat to Xiaoyingzhou Island, find the three stone pagodas, shoot at dusk when the sunset reflects on the lake, the pagoda reflections are stunning, remember to use your phone’s wide-angle mode~
3. Su Causeway Spring Dawn: A spring must-go! Peach and willow trees line both sides of Su Causeway, peach blossoms bloom in March-April, pink petals fall on the lake surface, walking on the causeway and shooting, every shot is a romantic spring masterpiece~
4. Leifeng Pagoda: Climb the pagoda for a panoramic view of West Lake! There’s an elevator inside, the top floor view is amazing, perfect for shooting the whole lake; the red walls at the base are also photogenic, wearing Hanfu here feels like time traveling to ancient times~
5. Quyuan Garden Lotus: A summer must-check-in! Lotus blooms in July-August, large lotus leaves and pink flowers, sit in the lakeside pavilion or stand on the wooden walkway by the lotus pond for fresh and vibrant photos~
6. Yang Gong Causeway: A hidden gem with fewer people and beautiful scenery! There are six bridges on the causeway, surrounded by lush greenery and clear water, photos come out very peaceful, perfect for those who like less crowded spots~
7. Gushan (Solitary Hill): A must for art lovers! Gushan has Xiling Seal Art Society, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and lots of greenery. When osmanthus blooms in autumn, the whole island is fragrant, photos have an artistic filter naturally~
🍜 West Lake must-eat foods! Foodie babies, look here
• West Lake Vinegar Fish: A famous Hangzhou dish! Made with fresh grass carp, sweet and sour flavor, tender fish meat. Some babies might not be used to it, but you must try this local specialty when at West Lake~
• Dongpo Pork: The divine fatty but not greasy meat! Braised with yellow wine, the skin is chewy, the meat is tender, tastes great with rice, available at many old-brand restaurants~
• Scallion Pancake Wrap: Hangzhou street snack! Fried dough sticks and scallions wrapped in dough and pan-fried, brushed with sweet bean sauce, crispy outside and soft inside, sold at small stalls by West Lake, 5 RMB each, best eaten hot~
• West Lake Lotus Root Starch: A sweet and stomach-soothing dessert! Made from lotus root powder from West Lake, mixed into a transparent paste, add some osmanthus honey, with a faint osmanthus fragrance, warm and comforting in winter~
• Dingsheng Cake: A highly photogenic pastry! Pink and white rice cakes with beautiful patterns, soft texture, filled with red bean paste, sweet but not greasy, also great as a gift~
🏡 Accommodation recommendations! Comfortable stays make for happy trips
1. Hangzhou West Lake State Guesthouse · West Lake No.1 Garden: Top choice for luxury travelers! Right by West Lake, open the window to see the lake view, the hotel has gardens and lake-view terraces, beautiful environment, free breakfast included, about 1200 RMB/night per person~
2. Hangzhou Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel: Cost-effective choice! Not far from West Lake, just 2 metro stops away, spacious and clean rooms with large floor-to-ceiling windows, some rooms have city night views, about 500 RMB/night per person~
3. Hangzhou Manju · West Lake Resort Hotel: Artsy style guesthouse! Located in alleys near West Lake, decorated in Instagram style, with a small courtyard and terrace, you can sit in the yard drinking tea at night, very close to Su Causeway, about 350 RMB/night per person~
4. Hangzhou West Lake Luyi Hotel: A hidden gem by the water! Near Yang Gong Causeway, rooms are Chinese style, some have lake-view balconies, you can hear birdsong in the morning, quiet environment, about 600 RMB/night per person~
5. Hangzhou Qingmang Guesthouse: Perfect for girlfriends! Located in residential areas around West Lake, offers double rooms and lofts, cozy decoration, the owner recommends off-the-beaten-path routes, about 200 RMB/night per person~
💡 Xiao Na’s travel tips! Pitfall avoidance guide
1. Off-peak travel is important: West Lake is very crowded on weekends and holidays, weekdays are recommended; before 8 AM and after 5 PM there are fewer tourists, photos are cleaner, and strolling is more comfortable~
2. Wear the right clothes for better photos: Light pink or white dresses in spring; light blue or mint green in summer; caramel or khaki in autumn; white or light gray in winter, matching West Lake scenery better~
3. Don’t buy overpriced "West Lake specialties": Pearls, silk, and other souvenirs in the scenic area are expensive and often fake. For gifts, go to supermarkets or old-brand stores in the city, like buying West Lake lotus root starch or Dingsheng cake~
4. Pay attention to boat safety: Choose official boats, wear life jackets, don’t horse around on the boat; try to bargain for rowboats, prices may rise in peak season~
5. Bring "must-have items": UV rays are strong by West Lake, bring sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses; mosquitoes are many in summer, bring repellent; temperature difference between morning and evening is big, remember a light jacket~