West Lake play guide
1. Basic information
Opening hours: West Lake is open all day, but some scenic spots (such as Leifeng Pagoda, Santan Yinyue, etc.) may have specific opening hours, it is recommended to check in advance.
Ticket information: The West Lake scenic area is free, but some scenic spots need to buy a separate ticket, such as Leifeng Pagoda ticket 40 yuan, Santan Yinyue ferry ticket 55 yuan.
2. Traffic guide
External traffic
Flight: After arriving at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, you can take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station and walk 10 minutes to the West Lake Music Fountain.
High-speed rail: After getting off at Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station, you can take Metro Line 1 directly to the surrounding stations of West Lake, or take bus No. 7 or K155 to Hubin.
Self-drive: Navigate to the West Lake Scenic area parking lot, but the holiday parking space is tight, it is recommended to park around the shopping mall (such as Hubin Yintai) and walk to the scenic spot.
Internal traffic
Walking: The West Lake scenic area is the most convenient walking tour, you can enjoy the scenery along the way.
Cycling: Recommended to ride in the Children’s Palace to Nanshan section, through the art museum and Internet celebrity cafe, you can scan the code to rent a shared bike (about 15 yuan/hour).
Boat cruise: There are painted boats at the Lakeside Wharf to Santan Yinyue (ticket from 55 yuan), or you can pack a hand-cranked boat (about 150 yuan/hour) to experience a more private lake excursion.
Three, must visit attractions
Broken bridge snow
Highlights: The bridge of love between Lady White and Xu Xian, the bridge seems to be broken after the winter snow, which is a great choice for photography lovers.
Suggestion: Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and feel the mood of ink painting.
Su Causeway spring dawn
Highlights: The 2.8-kilometer long embankment runs through the north and south of the West Lake, and six arch Bridges connect three of the ten scenic spots of the West Lake.
Suggestion: Rent a bike to explore, or stroll on the embankment to enjoy the lake and mountains.
Leifeng sunset
Highlights: Climb the tower overlooking the panoramic view of the West Lake, the shadow of the tower and the light of the lake in the evening, the night scene is particularly shocking.
Suggestion: Buy tickets in advance, avoid the elevator queue peak, choose to walk up the tower (a total of 7 floors) experience better.
Three pools print the moon
Highlights: The largest island in the West Lake, the prototype of the pattern on the back of the one yuan note, and 33 lunar wonders can be seen in the autumn night.
Suggestion: Take a boat to visit the island and look for the beautiful scenery in the “field” shaped garden.
The willows hear the warblers
Highlights: The Royal Garden of the Southern Song Dynasty is transformed into a free park. In spring, the weeping willows are brushing the water and the yellow warblers are singing. It is a good place for leisure walking.
Suggestion: Take a stroll in the garden and enjoy the peace and harmony of nature.
Other recommended attractions
Quyuan Fenghe: Summer lotus bloom, is a good place to watch the lotus.
Huagang Fish Viewing: Koi in the red fish pond, is a good place to watch and feed koi.
Lonely Mountain: Visit Xiling Seal Society, Wenlan Pavilion, free visit to Zhejiang Museum (reservation required), feel the thick history and quiet nature.
Fourth, hidden gameplay
The Secret of the Lonely mountain
Visit Lin Bu “plum wife crane son” allusion birthplace, Xiling Seal Society to see a century of stone exhibition.
Yang Gongdi night tour
Avoid the crowds during the day and feel the lake’s starlight under the lights of the “Jihongqiao”.
Maojiabu wild interest
Reed and meadow egret, taste the farm tea fragrant rice (dragon well tea stir-fried shrimps recommended).
The Secret of the hand boat
Chat stories with the boatman to unlock the “Turtle Pool” metasequoia secret environment (about 2 hours /300 yuan).
Five, food recommendation
Hangzhou cuisine
Building outside building: Recommended dishes are West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo meat, called chicken.
Grandmother’s house: cost-effective, suitable for family dinner.
snack
Onion wrapped juniper, Dingsheng cake, lotus root powder, etc., can be tasted in Hefang Street, Longxiang Bridge and other snack streets.
6. Practical Tips
Dress advice
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for long walks and bike rides.
Spring tour is recommended to carry a light coat, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large.
Ticket reservation
Some popular scenic spots (such as Leifeng Pagoda and Santan Yinyue) suggest booking tickets online in advance to avoid on-site queues.
Off-peak travel
There are more tourists on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to travel at different peaks to enjoy a more peaceful sightseeing experience.
Eco-friendly travel
Try to choose public transport or cycling to the West Lake to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
7. Itinerary planning example
A day of luxury tour
07:00 Broken bridge morning fog photography
08:30 Morning tea outside the building
10:00 Hand boating through Maojiabu secret area
13:00 Su Causeway ride
16:00 Leifeng Pagoda overlooking
18:00 Lakeside Music Fountain
19:30 Wulin Night Market tasting snacks
Two day deep tour
Day 1
Morning: Lingyin Temple vegetarian → Feilaifeng cold spring
Afternoon: Longjing Village tea picking experience → China Tea Museum
Evening: Hefang Street night tour
Day 2
Morning: Xixi Wetland Helium Balloon → China Wetland Museum
Afternoon: West Lake ten scenic depth tour (such as Su Dyke spring dawn, three pools of moon, etc.)
Evening: Songcheng Eternal Love Performance (separate tickets required)
Follow the above guide to visit the West Lake, you will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the West Lake and cultural heritage, and spend a happy holiday.
