Maojiabu

茅家埠

Located near Yanggong Causeway, it is not usually crowded with tourists. It is the only way for Hangzhou pilgrims to go from the city to Tianzhu Temple for worship.
The scenic area is full of farmhouses and wetlands, and there are many places to eat and drink tea.
The south bank is sparsely populated with tourists and densely packed with reeds. Wintering birds like to nest here, making it a great place for birdwatching.
In addition, the former residence of Du Jinsheng in Xiamaojiabu is worth a visit.

Attractions Location: Yanggong Dike, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Transportation:
Take bus No. 1314/197/27/87 to Maojiabu Bus Station, get off and walk to the destination

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Maojiabu tours

1-Day Itinerary: Tranquil Exploration of Maojiabu

Begin your journey with a serene visit to Maojiabu Village, a hidden gem near West Lake. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, perfect for a relaxing day trip.

  • Morning: Arrive at Maojiabu Village via Bus 318 to "Guo's Villa" stop. Walk along the Ancient Incense Trail and visit Du Jinsheng Former Residence.
  • Lunch: Riverside restaurant in Maojiabu, serving local Hangzhou cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Stroll along the waterfront, birdwatching and enjoying the natural scenery.
  • Evening: Return to Hangzhou accommodation.

Accommodation/Food: Stay at Zhejiang Hotel near West Lake. Try local dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.

Souvenirs: Silk products, traditional tea sets, and handcrafted items from village artisans.


2-Day Itinerary: Cultural Immersion and Scenic Delights

Extend your exploration to nearby cultural and natural attractions for deeper insight into Hangzhou’s heritage and landscapes.

  • Day 1: Maojiabu Village (morning), Bus 87 to Guo's Villa, walk to China National Tea Museum (afternoon), Su Causeway for sunset.
  • Day 2: Longjing Tea Fields (morning), lunch at local tea house, Hangzhou Botanical Garden (afternoon), return to accommodation.

Accommodation/Food: Zhejiang Hotel; local specialties include Longjing Shrimp and traditional Hangzhou dishes.

Souvenirs: Longjing tea, Chinese fans, silk products from local shops.


3-Day Itinerary: Nature, Culture, and Local Life

Delve deeper into Hangzhou's rich tapestry of nature, culture, and local life with this extended itinerary.

  • Day 1: Maojiabu Village, Guo's Villa, China National Tea Museum, Su Causeway.
  • Day 2: Longjing Tea Fields, tea house lunch, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, West Lake Musical Fountain.
  • Day 3: Lingyin Temple, vegetarian lunch at temple, Feilai Feng rock carvings, evening return.

Accommodation/Food: Zhejiang Hotel; local eateries for Hangzhou cuisine.

Souvenirs: Buddhist artifacts, tea products, local handicrafts.


4-Day Itinerary: Historical Sites and Scenic Views

Explore Hangzhou's historical sites and scenic views for a comprehensive experience.

  • Day 1: Maojiabu Village, Guo's Villa, China National Tea Museum, Su Causeway.
  • Day 2: Longjing Tea Fields, tea house lunch, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, West Lake Musical Fountain.
  • Day 3: Lingyin Temple, vegetarian lunch, Feilai Feng, Leifeng Pagoda.
  • Day 4: China National Silk Museum, lunch, Hefang Street historic pedestrian street, return to accommodation.

Accommodation/Food: Zhejiang Hotel; explore Hangzhou cuisine.

Souvenirs: Silk products, traditional fans, local handicrafts.


5-Day Itinerary: Tea Culture and Natural Beauty

Immerse yourself in Hangzhou's tea culture and natural scenery with this extended itinerary.

  • Day 1: Maojiabu Village, Guo's Villa, China National Tea Museum, Su Causeway.
  • Day 2: Longjing Tea Fields, lunch at tea house, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, West Lake Musical Fountain.
  • Day 3: Lingyin Temple, vegetarian lunch, Feilai Feng, Leifeng Pagoda.
  • Day 4: China National Silk Museum, lunch, Hefang Street, tea tasting experience at local tea house.
  • Day 5: Xixi Wetland Park for nature walk, afternoon boat ride, evening return to accommodation.

Accommodation/Food: Zhejiang Hotel; local specialty restaurants along West Lake.

Souvenirs: Tea products, silk items, local handicrafts, herbal teas from Xixi Wetlands shops.


6-Day Itinerary: Full Cultural and Scenic Exploration

Cover Hangzhou’s key cultural, historical, and natural attractions over six days for an immersive experience.

  • Day 1–5: Follow 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6: Visit Qinghefang Historic Street, museum visits (Hangzhou Museum, China National Tea Museum), explore local markets, evening return.

Accommodation/Food: Zhejiang Hotel; street food along Qinghefang Historic Street.

Souvenirs: Tea, silk, jade accessories, handcrafted souvenirs from historic streets.


7-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Hangzhou Experience

Experience Hangzhou in its entirety, combining nature, culture, history, and local life over seven days.

  • Day 1–6: Follow 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Visit Six Harmonies Pagoda, evening boat cruise on Qiantang River, final shopping at local markets.

Accommodation/Food: Zhejiang Hotel; riverside dining on Qiantang River for last evening.

Souvenirs: Tea, silk, local snacks, calligraphy art, handcrafted items from Qiantang riverside shops.



User Reviews

By HIPPO sees the world |

According to the book "Wulin Jiushi," the area was once home to families surnamed Mao, who made their livings by picking tea and raising silkworms. This was the pier where pilgrims heading to Lingyin Temple disembarked, leading to a vibrant commercial hub and numerous wine shops. Today, Maojiabu has become a rare tranquil spot amidst the bustling West Lake. Stroll along the plank paths among the sparse bamboo and reeds, or sit quietly in a thatched pavilion and listen to the breeze, and the elegant, lightly made-up Xi Shi (the goddess of beauty) comes alive before your eyes.

By Major Panda |

The Maojiabu Scenic Area highlights the unique landscape of lakeside settlements, incense paths, and waterfront dwellings, emphasizing tea culture, Buddhism, and folk customs, recreating the original residential settlements and traditional incense markets of the West Lake region. Maojiabu is located at the end of the newly developed Xili Lake. Arriving at Maojiabu, visitors are greeted by the sight of drooping willows and swaying reeds along the lakeside, and charming folk-style houses dotted among the lush greenery. It's a perfect weekend getaway.

By Trayling |

According to the book "Wulin Jiushi," the area was once home to families surnamed Mao, who made their livings by picking tea and raising silkworms. Because this was the pier where pilgrims heading to Lingyin Temple disembarked, the area became a bustling commercial hub, with numerous wine shops and teahouses. (Baidu)

Maojiabu completely exceeded our expectations. The weather was beautiful, the sun shone warmly, and the shadows of the trees were reflected in the water. A gentle breeze blew, spreading a tranquil greenery, gentle and lingering. The Metasequoia trees on the shore had just sprouted tender green leaves, and squirrels hopped on the branches.

By Deeeeee |

3. Hangzhou is a leisure city, with a high recommendation index of ❤❤❤.

① There are too many people. I don’t like crowded and noisy places. The whole road is full of people and the whole West Lake is crowded. But its public greening is very good. There are greenery everywhere, especially near the West Lake, which is suitable for walking.

②The commercial economy is also developing very well, with high-rise buildings everywhere, comparable to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

③The food is also average. The food in this area is sweet and sour, which I am not used to. Moreover, the prices of restaurants are on the high side. It is a common problem in tourist cities. There are too many people, the prices are high and the food is not tasty.

④ One more thing: I don't know if it was because of the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, but there were so many people that the waiters were annoyed and unfriendly and impatient (this was an isolated incident). But the bus driver was very nice and offered to let pedestrians go first at the zebra crossing, which was very nice.

By hyacinth! |

If you go to Maojiabu Scenic Area in early December, the leaves have turned yellow and red, which is very beautiful.

By Smooth sailing |

Both the February orchid and the cherry blossoms are beautiful, especially the February orchid, which blends seamlessly into the greenery, just like a Monet garden.

By Yuquan |

Quiet and elegant, full of mountain and forest charm! Completely different from traditional attractions!

By Red Guards Wuhan |

Free clouds and wild cranes stroll along the lakeside. There are few tourists and the scenery is beautiful.

By China-TravelNote users |

The wetland landscape of Maojiabu is a perfect interpretation of natural and artificial design. The water is clear, birds and ducks paddle in the water, and there are many kinds of vegetation with rich high and low levels. In addition, there are few tourists, which basically maintains the best wetland ecological landscape.

By Mammoth |

This place, I think, is the most beautiful and worth-visiting place around West Lake. It’s beautiful! The key is that there are not many people, haha.

By Rest assured, little thief |

The area around West Lake is relatively less visited by tourists, but the scenery is just as beautiful as the most famous scenic spots around West Lake. It is peaceful and relaxing.

By Return from a long journey |

Maojiabu has something for every season. It is my favorite place in Hangzhou. It couldn’t be better. I go there several times a month!

By kikyou |

It was getting dark when we arrived, and there were only 5-6 people in the park. I recommend you to come and visit during the National Day holiday, and take some photos of the deserted Jiangnan scenery.

By Yao Yan |

There are many places around where you can take good pictures. You can go for a walk.

By Jing |

Get up early in the winter to watch birds, the smoke is lingering, the air is fragrant, and it is a quiet place

By Mars User |

After dinner at Qingzhiwu, I walked along Yugu Road and stayed in Maojiabu for a while. I really hope that every weekend afternoon can be so pleasant.

By Ciel |

The scenery is very good, especially the sunset is very beautiful. I have walked half of it and will go back to see the other half in November.

By China-TravelNote users |

10.4 Half-day tour, few people, no crowds, many people taking wedding photos

By Only look at the information, not the circle |

I visited Maojiabu this afternoon and was so pleasantly surprised I couldn't resist sharing this post! Highly recommended! I took a taxi to Maojiabu today, which dropped me off at the Maojiabu bus station. Upon arrival, I saw two gatehouses lining the road, resembling memorial archways. I was so lost I asked several passersby, but none of them knew where to enter the Maojiabu scenic area. Frustrated, I checked the navigation, which showed me near Yanggong Dike. (In fact, I eventually discovered that the best bus stop to Maojiabu is Guozhuang!) Within 50 meters of the road where Guozhuang Station is located, there's a small pier for rowboats. You can rent a boat there and then cross an arched bridge to the waters of Maojiabu Lake. On the other side of the road, past the lush greenery that resembles the roadside greenery, you'll find a vast expanse of water. Walking along the path along the water's edge, you can truly explore the entire Maojiabu Lake area on foot. On either side of the road leading to Guozhuang Station, there are two small paths, each with a similar entrance. Entering from either side, one by water and the other by land, you can fully appreciate the beauty of this small West Lake. The lake is roughly oval in shape, making a complete tour just right! Children can play in the water and catch crabs, while adults can visit the former residence and pavilions. There are also numerous bridges and wooden plank roads filled with local specialties. There's also a section with B&B-style restaurants for dining and tea. It's incredibly quiet and elegant, a truly sparsely populated and charming spot!



The main boat stop for West Lake boats at night is located inside the Maojiabu Scenic Area. An arch bridge connects the two lakes under the road at Guozhuang Station. A long circuit around the lake allows for a complete view of the Maojiabu scenery. I'd love to visit again in spring, summer, autumn, and winter!

By You might be a pig. |

It's quite fun to come here to rest with friends

By Stupid_Swear |

This is a small lake on the edge of West Lake, dotted with vast expanses of reeds. Green now, they'll turn yellow in autumn, and even more beautiful under the setting sun. In the distance, a boatman can be seen rowing his boat, while closer, a family uses a small net to catch fish. This is a great spot to escape the crowds of West Lake during the day. Sit on the grass, watch the sun set, the reeds swaying. I continue my small talk, while I daydream.

By Villan |

If I had more time, I would really like to stay in Maojiabu Scenic Area for a long time. Here, you just want to lie down and do nothing, listening to the birds singing and the wild ducks playing.

By ST |

The environment here is beautiful, quiet and natural, there are few people, the scenery is refreshing, and it is also a holy place for taking wedding photos.

In fact, this area is not big, and it mainly consists of many lakeside restaurants surrounding the lake view.

By Tianjin Girl |

I didn't go there myself, but my uncle came back and strongly recommended it. There are few people and the scenery is good. It's free and you can compete with Su Causeway. I'll go and see it next time I go.

By Student Lin 66 |

The Ludao Island in Maojiabu was covered with a thin layer of snow, and snowflakes accumulated on the bamboo joints, one by one.

Every time you visit Maojiabu, a visit to the Daisy Cantian Pavilion is a must! This is also the location of the West Lake cruise ship management company and main pier, so you'll often see boats coming and going. The rowboats slowly slip through the bridge arches and glide across the lake, creating a breathtaking scene of Jiangnan landscapes.

By Light ink still |

Maojiabu is truly worth a visit! The picturesque bridge, shrouded in misty willows, and the draperies of green winds. Only in this quiet, sparsely populated place can you truly experience the poetic beauty of the Jiangnan region.

There are no crowded tour groups. There are many teahouses next to the bay at the main entrance of the scenic area. Many people sit by the bay, drinking tea and playing cards. I really envy the leisurely life of the locals.

By Jewel |

Spring invites you to take a walk in Hangzhou. The mountains and rivers here are picturesque and the food here is not enough. Maojiabu is my favorite place. Wandering alone in the drizzle, away from the hustle and bustle, your soul is purified!

By The hardest stone |

A good place for spring outing, with fewer people than the West Lake, and the scenery is very good, with beautiful lakes and mountains.

By Zimei |

A rare quiet place around West Lake, perfect for watching the sunset.

By Momo Zhang Mengmeng |

Maojiabu boasts vast tea plantations and lush forests, as well as many of Hangzhou's oldest historical buildings, all featuring whitewashed walls and black tiles, offering a glimpse into the quaint elegance of traditional Jiangnan architecture. Taking buses Y2 and 27, or using shared bikes, you can experience the unique tranquility of the woods and escape the hustle and bustle of the Broken Bridge Scenic Area.

Here, you'll see breathtaking views of mountains, flowing lakes, and endless tea fields. What's especially special is that, because many tourists barely know about this "little paradise," you'll rarely see crowds during holidays! Especially on a snowy day like this, the plentiful snow is practically untouched by footprints, making it an absolutely perfect photo spot!

There is a huge lake in Maojiabu. Standing on the bridge, you can see boats passing through the water one after another, leaving ripples on the water. You will find that your mind is relieved, and your worries are left behind. Only beautiful scenery and good mood are your companions.

If you walk a short distance inside Maojiabu, you can see the refreshing "pastoral scenery". Walking along the wooden path, you can be surprised to see the mirror-like lake water and sky.

Since Maojiabu rarely has tourists, especially on snowy days, a thin layer of ice will form on the paths within the scenic area. You must be very careful when walking, otherwise you may fall if you make a mistake.

Although Maojiabu is far away from the popular scenic spots in Hangzhou, you can take the bus directly there and see it when you get off at Maojiabu Station.

By Meow~ |

The lingering sound of the clear stream and the towering dark green



According to "Wulin Jiushi", during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the village entrance was covered with thatch, and most of the residents here were surnamed Mao, who made a living by picking tea and raising silkworms, hence the name Maojiabu. It is also the starting point of the famous historical site "Shangxiang Ancient Road" in Hangzhou.



Pilgrims would dock their boats here, eat a vegetarian meal, and then walk to Santianzhu and Lingyin Temples. During the seasons of burning incense and paying homage to their ancestors, people from all directions would come by boat, making the Maojiabu area a bustling commercial port with numerous wine shops and teahouses.



Lingyin Temple is accessible by car, and Maojiabu fell into silence. Restored in 2003, the winding lakeshore connects the West Lake landscape and historical sites like a string of pearls, creating a tranquil place of natural, rugged, and wild charm.



The double-eaved round-roof pavilion Ningzi Pavilion is built by the water; the pillars of Tongxiu Pavilion are engraved with the words of Song Tao, "The mountains are far away and the roads are slanting, the wind is gentle and pleasant, the buildings are staggered and the moon is bright in the sky"; the quiet and secluded lakeside pavilion Yijingxiang Pavilion is connected to the octagonal pavilion with a towering dark green color.

By Quella |

As a tourist, there may be few people coming here, but the autumn scenery is still good. Many people take wedding photos here. A large thatched grass

By Bai Xubo |

Hangzhou locals often say that Hangzhou residents avoid West Lake, leaving it to tourists from other places. Instead, they flock to the surrounding mountains and waters. Maojiabu is a prime example of this lakeside charm. The area boasts a variety of waterways, both large and small, including lakes and rivers, and boasts numerous pavilions, towers, celebrity residences, and historical sites, as well as a wealth of delicious food and farmhouses.

By Nicole |

I rode the yellow bike from Lingyin to Maojiabu, going downhill all the way, and it felt like flying. It was very comfortable. The scenery of Maojiabu was unexpectedly beautiful. I encountered a 🐱 who was quietly watching the scenery by the lake. It was so comfortable. The hand-cranked boat at Maojiabu can be shared by several people for a boat tour, which is still worth it.

By Clouds are the hometown of rain |

I really like the stretch of water west of Yanggong Causeway. It's tranquil and wild, and it's the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and forests without leaving the city.

By The Earth is still turning |

The scenery is very good, with the flavor of West Lake. There are few people, it is quiet and suitable for a stroll.

By Arenea |

A quiet, relatively secluded place. The spring scenery is particularly beautiful.

By M. |

This gem on the edge of West Lake is very close to the lake, but there are few people. It's not as famous as West Lake, but the scenery is no less than that. It's worth a visit, and it's a must-see for photography enthusiasts. But remember to bring insect repellent.

By Buckwheat tea |

I highly recommend the Maojiabu Scenic Area. If you have time, I recommend staying here for a few days. It's a very quiet and relaxing place. You can walk to Yanggong Dike from Xiamaojiabu.

By vaevogi |

The landscape is a piece of sky, the wind a boundless scene. Its beauty is as breathtaking as spring, its gurgling waters as meaningful. If you ask who owns West Lake's beauty, it truly is a piece of heaven and earth.

By Dai Yi |

If you don't compare it with Xixi Wetland, the scenery is still good, but it is much inferior in comparison. If you don't plan to buy a ticket to Xixi, you can come here to experience it~

By sansiro367 |

The weather is cool in autumn and it is nice to sit here.

By Mr. Pi Dou |

We went there mainly for the restaurant, the ice cream bread is their specialty, you must try it

By RB-Traveling Around the World |

There were less than 20 tourists, but the scenery was beautiful.

By Let's go crazy Summer. |

The lotus leaves stretch to the sky, their greenness endless. A stream flows across a half-acre pond. It all speaks to her. When I went there last week, there were a few couples taking photos, tiny crabs basking in the sun by the lake, and a few older men waiting by the small pavilion to photograph birds. It was quite interesting.

By Baoniu |

I will go to Maojiabu again next time and stay there for one night. It is so beautiful.

By Richard |

It's a very quiet place, with fewer people than Sudi.

By Diaspora |

The scenery of West Lake is different in different ways. I personally prefer the scenery of Maojiabu in West Lake. It has a primitive flavor in the city. Thatched houses, cruise ships, pavilions, it feels like walking in a painting.

By Tangyuan Burp |

Walk and walk until you reach the small back garden of West Lake. There is a bus stop at the door.

By Ke Xiaoke |

One of my favorite attractions, with few people and good environment, it is worth a visit

By Ma Xiang was registered |

The scenery is slightly inferior to West Lake, but it has its own characteristics. There are few people and it is very quiet. It is suitable for quiet enjoyment. I have been there twice and experienced the quiet feeling.

By A Ling |

My favorite place in West Lake is Maojiabu. It is so beautiful on snowy days.

By Bai Moran |

Walking along Yanggongdi, there are not many people, walking and chatting, a quiet world for two

By Sun-shy |

Going to Maojiabu to see the lotus is also a good choice. If you are tired, you can rest in the thatched pavilion.

By Still I Coke |

We went around Maojiabu for a long time, but maybe we were tired from the flight, so we slept until 4 o'clock. It doesn't matter, we can change the itinerary at will. Let's go to Maojiabu at the entrance of the hotel. We walked around Xili Lake in the drizzle until nightfall. It was beautiful.

Walking along the lake, there are small plank roads. It is raining lightly and it is wet.

Xili Lake, connected to West Lake, is like a small jade

The ancient stone bridge, imagining people in ancient times sitting in a boat, crossing the bridge to burn incense, I really want to go up and walk, but it’s a pity that I can’t

In the morning, there were many people in the pavilion holding guns and cannons taking pictures of the lotus flowers...

In the distance is Su Causeway, "I can't leave Hangzhou, half of the city is lingering because of this lake", it is beautiful even on cloudy days.

The last pleasure boat returned to the pier

Misty rain...

By Yanli |

There are few tourists, making it particularly suitable for walking, and you can take photos of the Jiangnan scenery everywhere.

By Orange Years. |

On the third day in Hangzhou, we went to Maojiabu. It was raining intermittently in Hangzhou, just like in Shanghai. The lotus flowers gradually bloomed and were more beautiful than the last time we saw them.

By Kevin Liu |

I actually have a soft spot for Maojiabu. I think there are very few scenic spots in Hangzhou as beautiful as it. Not only is the scenery here stunning, but there are very few tourists, making it very quiet. You can take your time to enjoy it without anyone disturbing you. If you can make postcards, using the beautiful scenery here would be absolutely first-rate. I think those postcards sold in stores are inferior. You can also use it as a screensaver; it's truly stunning.

By Baby Dolphin |

It's a very quiet place, where locals take wedding photos. There is no entrance fee, so it's a good place to take a walk.

By ♀Happiness♀ |

While Meijiawu is already crowded with tourists, Maojiabu has always maintained its unique leisure and seclusion. It is full of wildness and nature. Maojiabu is opposite the tea garden. The most nostalgic thing is the pool here, with willows swaying on the shore and green pebbles paving the shore.

By Mia |

The scenery is beautiful, but the road we took doesn't seem to have the best scenery. The other side of the lake should be more beautiful. It seems to have become a training ground for water sports.

By lovelyripple |

A place where locals like to take a walk. The lake view is beautiful and very quiet. There are places to drink tea and eat. The scenic area is quite large and it took more than an hour to walk through it.

By Peach Kiki |

It is said to be the back garden of Hangzhou people. Indeed, tourists are concentrated in West Lake. There are few people, the scenery is beautiful, and it feels very comfortable.

By Under the sycamore tree |

There are very few people and tourists in Maojiabu. Walking around the lakeshore, you can hear the chirping of water birds on the small island in the middle of the lake, which forms a sharp contrast with the quiet scenery here.

By Coastal Young Master |

If it weren't for the locals' recommendation, who would go to Hangzhou and not visit West Lake, going to an unknown place? Compared to the crowds at Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, and Broken Bridge, Maojiabu is truly a great place. Perhaps it's because it's still unknown to outsiders. There are direct buses from Su Causeway or Liulangwenying to Maojiabu, but very few people get off at this stop, as people often go directly to Lingyin Temple. The biggest feature of Maojiabu is naturally its tranquility. There is also a small area of West Lake here, and beyond Maojiabu is Yanggong Causeway. There are several bridges, one of which is no longer in use. It is a real antique with hundreds of years of history. Here, old ladies and grandfathers from Hangzhou come to rest and exercise, and you may find yourself in an empty corner while walking, which is really pleasant.

By Zorro |

The Maojiabu Water Promenade is a popular spot for elderly people to exercise and cool off early in the morning. A circuit from Maojiabu to Nanhu Lake offers a variety of attractions, including Santai Mengji, Xuefang, Zijiu Thatched Cottage, and Wuzhuangyuan Archway.

By Tobi Lou |

Maojiabu is located on the west side of West Lake. It has beautiful scenery and not many tourists.

It is like a paradise, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Lake alone.

By Billy |

We walked to Maojiabu, another great place! The scenery was beautiful! There were very few people, I don't know why, but it's a really nice place. You can even rent a boat and paddle it yourself.

By Lu Qingya |

From Yanggong Dike, take the Shangxiang Ancient Road to enter the Maojiabu Scenic Area. This route is absolutely recommended!

By Hi_Azura Qi |

Maojiabu is usually sparsely visited except during holidays. Its rustic charm remains undeniably authentic. Visitors can stroll along country roads, where wild reeds grow thickly, mudflats are strewn with pebbles, and plank paths supported by hardwood rafts lead deep into the reed marshes. Wild ducks play among the reeds, and migratory birds fly low, creating a charming and picturesque scene.

By A Kasu |

This time, we stayed at Yanggongdi. Opening the back door of the hotel, we were greeted by the breathtaking scenery of Maojiabu, including its stone-stepped teahouse. I absolutely loved Maojiabu. It has everything West Lake has to offer, but with the added tranquility, wetland views, and waterside teahouses. It's the perfect place in Hangzhou to relax with a book and a cup of tea.

There is an old restaurant called "Zuibailou" in Maojiabu with a great environment.

By Cloud Xiaochu |

Maojiabu is located to the west of West Lake. "Wulin Jiushi" records that in the old days, most of the people living here were surnamed Mao, who made a living by picking tea and raising silkworms. Because this is the pier where pilgrims going to Lingyin Temple to burn incense disembark, people from all directions come here by water every time when burning incense and worshiping ancestors. As a result, this area is crowded with commercial ports, wine shops and teahouses, and it is extremely lively. But now Maojiabu has become a rare quiet place beside the West Lake, which is crowded with tourists. You can stroll along the winding path made of wooden planks among the sparse bamboos and reeds, or sit quietly in a thatched pavilion and listen to the wind, and the "lightly made-up" Xizi will come alive before your eyes. Maojiabu is a scenic spot developed in recent years. It is located in the middle section of Yanggong Dike. Except for holidays, there are not many tourists. It got its name because the pier at the entrance of the village was covered with thatch in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which was full of wild charm. It is also the starting point of the famous "Ancient Incense Burning Road".

By YAMILU |

Maojiabu is located south of West Lake. You can take bus No. 197, 194, or 318 to Dingjiashan Scenic Area, then walk for three minutes. No entrance fee is required for Maojiabu. However, due to its proximity to Taizi Bay, buses can be crowded and difficult to get on during the spring, so renting a bicycle is recommended. Maojiabu is a relatively quiet area, so during peak season, visitors can avoid popular attractions like the Broken Bridge and Su Causeway and visit instead. Maojiabu is unique in every season, with its small river, river stones, and tree-lined paths, making it a popular spot for wedding photos. A stroll through Maojiabu takes about two hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and sit by the bridge. It's also a great spot for a picnic!

By Walking Zhang Xiaofei |

Even during the Mid-Autumn Festival, there are very few people. As for where Maojiabu is, it is actually an area. You can walk back from Longjing or from the entrance near Hangzhou Flower Garden.



The wildness and the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains are what impressed me most about Maojiabu.

There are many pavilions along the way, because this road is an ancient incense-burning road, for ancient people to rest on the road. Each thatched pavilion has an elegant name.

Many newlyweds take wedding photos here. Compared with scenic spots like Su Causeway, there are fewer people and the scenery is more unique.

By CHAO_er |

After lunch, we only had half a day left, perfect for the tranquility of Maojiabu. We parked in the free parking lot we'd found yesterday and walked to the Maojiabu Scenic Area, which takes about 10 minutes. There's no entrance fee, and you can still see the lavender at the entrance. A few years ago, after a summer rainstorm in Hangzhou, a friend familiar with the city took me there. The lake was shrouded in mist, creating a magical atmosphere, and the area was sparsely populated. Its tranquility left a lasting impression. Maojiabu is a relatively recent development, and with tourists flocking to the West Lake area, it's never been overcrowded. Those seeking a quiet escape will appreciate this spot. Located west of West Lake, in the middle section of Yanggong Causeway, Maojiabu derives its name from the thatched pier at the village entrance during the Ming and Qing dynasties, a charming and rustic charm. Although this area is a scenic spot, it doesn't charge admission. Hangzhou residents leave the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway to tourists during holidays, and instead take their families to stroll along the Yanggong Causeway. Maojiabu is one of the best options. The scenery before you is a perfect example of Jiangnan scenery: mountains, clouds, clear water, and wooden boats. When you're tired, rest in the pavilion and enjoy the cool early autumn breeze. Elderly people living nearby must also frequent this area for exercise and fresh air. An old lady could sit there for half an hour. As West Lake flows westward, this area is considered part of the lake, free from the hustle and bustle of tourists, and the scenery is unique. However, I've never seen Maojiabu in the sun; both times I visited, it was after rain. There are several bridges within the scenic area, so we had to carry our baby stroller up and down, which was a bit tiring. Behind us is Maojiabu's iconic thatched cottage. In autumn, the lake's grass turns yellow, creating a striking contrast and even more beautiful scenery. Yes, I should definitely visit Hangzhou again in autumn.

By the time we reached the Maojiabu Scenic Area, a light drizzle had begun to fall. The weather had been very favorable for our three-day Hangzhou trip. Although we didn't see a clear blue sky, it was a blessing that it didn't rain. Hangzhou is a place where you don't have to worry too much about the weather; even the West Lake in the rain has a unique charm.


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