West Lake: Encounter a Poetic and Leisurely Time
⚜️"West Lake, whether lightly made up or heavily adorned, is always beautiful." West Lake, like a dazzling pearl, is inlaid in the gentle land of Hangzhou, carrying a thousand years of poetry and romance. But for those who want to experience the essence of West Lake in one day without getting too tired, proper route planning is crucial. Today, join me on this lazy, leg-friendly West Lake one-day tour, and easily take in all the beautiful scenery.
☀️Morning: Liulang Wenying, A Poetic Beginning
In the early morning, when the sun still carries a hint of coolness, we'll exit from Exit C of Wushan Square Subway Station and stroll towards Liulang Wenying. Unlike the hustle and bustle of other popular West Lake scenic spots, Liulang Wenying is like a secluded beauty, serene and beautiful. Here, green willows shade the paths, and the gentle breeze rustles the branches, creating a picturesque scene. Find a bench, sit down, and listen quietly to the birdsong, feeling the gentle awakening of West Lake. Let your body and mind slowly relax in this natural embrace, and start a pleasant day.
🌞Late Morning: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, A Dreamlike Island
Leaving Liulang Wenying, we'll arrive at the Qianwang Temple Pier, where our water journey begins. Purchase a boat ticket for 55 yuan; no advance reservation is needed, just scan the code to buy – convenient and fast. It not only includes round-trip boat tickets but also covers the island entrance fee, offering excellent value. Board the boat, feel the breeze on your face, and watch the shimmering lake surface. Soon, we'll arrive at Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. This poetic islet is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake and the scene depicted on the back of the one-yuan RMB banknote. Find the best shooting spot, frame yourself with the beautiful scenery, and leave a unique West Lake memory. The island is shaded by lush trees, with pavilions and towers scattered throughout. A casual stroll will lead you to countless beautiful scenes.
☀️Midday: Flower Harbor Viewing Fish, A Lively Interlude
From Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, we'll take a boat to the Flower Harbor Viewing Fish Pier. If you still have energy, take a short break at Flower Harbor Viewing Fish. This is a paradise for fish. In the Red Fish Pond, schools of red carp swim happily in the water. Throw in some fish food, and they'll instantly swarm and compete for it, creating a lively scene. If you're lucky, you might even see mandarin ducks and other ducks playing on the water. They sometimes dive into the water and sometimes emerge to preen their feathers, looking incredibly cute. Stroll along the lake, admire the scenery, and enjoy this lively and beautiful atmosphere.
☀️Afternoon: Jingci Temple and Leifeng Pagoda, Echoes of History
After leaving Flower Harbor Viewing Fish, Jingci Temple and Leifeng Pagoda are not far away, separated only by a road. Due to limited time, choose one to visit. The entrance fee for Jingci Temple is only 10 yuan. Stepping into the temple, you'll feel a sense of tranquility and solemnity. Ancient trees tower inside, incense smoke curls, and Buddhist chants resonate. Climb the steps to the highest point of the temple, and you'll have a panoramic view of Leifeng Pagoda. The Leifeng Pagoda captured at this moment, set against the ancient temple and the blue sky and white clouds, is incredibly beautiful. If you're interested in historical legends, you can also visit Leifeng Pagoda. The 40-yuan entrance fee takes you into the legendary story of Xu Xian and the White Snake. Standing at the top of the pagoda, overlooking the entire West Lake, is another breathtaking experience.
🌇Late Afternoon: Xiling Bridge, The Most Beautiful Sunset Rendezvous
From Leifeng Pagoda, take the West Lake Outer Ring bus or the sightseeing bus across Su Causeway (Su Causeway is beautiful, but the entire 2-3 kilometers is quite a walk, so walking the whole way is not recommended) to Xiling Bridge. Xiling Bridge is known as the most beautiful corner of Hangzhou. Standing on the bridge, the lake before you is vast and boundless, like a "sea." If you happen to be there at sunset, the sky is dyed orange-red, and the afterglow sprinkles on the shimmering lake surface, creating a romantic "orange sea." Find a corner here, sit down quietly, watch the sun slowly set, and enjoy this tranquility and beauty. All your fatigue will melt away.
🌆Dusk: Broken Bridge, A Romantic Ending
Leave Xiling Bridge and cycle to Broken Bridge. Ride along Beishan Street, where tall plane trees line the road, and sunlight filters through the leaves, creating patches of golden light. From afar, you can see the crowds at Broken Bridge. As a landmark attraction of West Lake, Broken Bridge carries countless legends and stories. Although it's just an ordinary bridge, when you step onto it, feeling the surrounding bustle and the beauty of West Lake, a unique emotion will well up in your heart. If you still have energy, explore further; you might discover more surprises.
🌃Night: Hubin Yintai, A Feast of Food and Music
End your day's journey at Hubin Yintai. This is a food paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. If you want to try authentic Hangzhou cuisine, you can also go to Hang San Jie Mei or Jin Zhu on Fengqi Road. Classic Hangzhou dishes like Longjing Shrimp, Dongpo Pork, and West Lake Vinegar Fish will delight your palate. After dinner, don't miss the West Lake Musical Fountain at 7:30 pm. With the rhythm of the music, the water columns dance gracefully, and colorful lights intertwine and flicker, bringing a perfect end to this West Lake journey.
💯💯💯Every scene at West Lake is imbued with the charm of time. This lazy, leg-friendly one-day tour route allows you to easily experience the essence of West Lake. Whether you're traveling alone or with friends, you can find your own joy at West Lake. Save this itinerary and embark on a spontaneous West Lake trip!