Have you even been to Hangzhou if you haven't seen the sunset over West Lake?

Have you even been to Hangzhou if you haven't seen the sunset over West Lake?

1 🌅 Best Viewing Spots
‌Changqiao Park (Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset)‌
Features: Frame the Leifeng Pagoda against the setting sun. This classic spot is perfect for silhouette portraits.
Time: Arrive 1 hour early in spring and autumn to secure a spot. Summer: 6:30–7:10 pm, Winter: 4:50–5:30 pm.
‌Solitary Hill, Xiling Bridge‌
Features: The bridge, the hill, and Baochu Pagoda create a poetic scene with picturesque reflections.
Tip: Bring crackers to feed the ducks and capture stunning backlit silhouettes.
‌North Mountain Street (from Broken Bridge to Xiling Bridge)‌
Features: The open lakeshore offers a romantic stroll as the sunset intertwines with the shimmering lake.
Transportation: Take the bus to "Xiling Bridge" station or rent a shared bike for a scenic ride around the lake.
‌Su Causeway, Cross-Rainbow Bridge‌
Features: Directly facing Leifeng Pagoda with unobstructed lake views, enjoy the interplay of the sunset glow and the pagoda's shadow.
Tip: Walk the first half and take the sightseeing bus for the latter half to save energy.
‌Baoshi Mountain, Toad Peak‌
Features: Overlook the panoramic view of West Lake and witness the magical transition from sunset to city lights.
Note: Wear non-slip shoes, bring a flashlight, and allow approximately 20 minutes for the climb.

2 🚤 Unique Experience: West Lake Hand-Rowed Boat Sunset Tour
‌Route‌: East of Su Causeway, avoid crowded areas. Enjoy a private lake view for ¥150/boat.
‌Time‌: Board 1 hour in advance. The softest light is 30 minutes before sunset.

3 🚴 Transportation and Time Planning
‌Subway‌: Line 1, Longxiangqiao Station, Exit C. Walk 10 minutes to the lakeside.
‌Bus‌: Take a bus to "Su Causeway," "Yue Temple," or "Jing Temple" station for direct access to the core scenic area.
‌Recommended Route‌:
Start from Yanggong Causeway at 2 pm → Quyuan Fenghe → Turtle Pond → Huagang Park (Flower Harbor) → Su Causeway sunset (approx. 6 km).
Arrive at the Huagang Park pier before 5 pm to capture the scene of traditional Chinese boats against the setting sun.

4 📸 Practical Tips
‌Season‌: Spring and autumn offer richer sunset colors. The probability of a beautiful sunset increases after August.
‌Photography Tips‌: Shoot from a low angle to capture reflections in the water. Use a telephoto lens to compress the sense of space.
‌Avoid Crowds‌: Steer clear of the crowded Broken Bridge area. Opt for less-crowded spots like Xiling Bridge or Yanggong Causeway.
‌After Sunset‌: Ascend the Chenghuang Pavilion for stunning night views of the city lights reflected on the lake.