Hangzhou West Lake One-Day Tour Guide｜Spring Scenery

West Lake in Hangzhou is one of the most famous tourist attractions in China, attracting countless tourists with its picturesque scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here's a detailed West Lake travel guide to help you make the most of your trip:

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### **1. Basic Information**
- **Address**: No. 1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province
- **Opening Hours**: Open all day (some attractions charge fees and have time restrictions)
- **Tickets**: West Lake is free, some surrounding attractions charge fees (such as Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, etc.).
- **Suggested Visiting Time**: 1-2 days

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### **2. Must-See Attractions**
**2.1 West Lake's Ten Scenic Spots (Classic Route)**
- **Broken Bridge**: Legendary spot of the White Snake, stunning snow scene in winter.
- **Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake**: A great place to enjoy the moon, charming night view.
- **Spring Dawn at Su Causeway**: Willow trees line the causeway in spring, suitable for cycling or strolling.
- **Three Pools Mirroring the Moon**: Iconic West Lake landmark, requires a boat trip to the island (boat ticket approx. 55 yuan).
- **Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset Glow**: Leifeng Pagoda overlooks the entire West Lake, entrance fee 40 yuan.
- **Flower Harbor Viewing Fish**: Enjoy fish and flowers, connects Su Causeway and Yanggong Causeway.
- **Orioles Singing in the Willows**: Willow trees shade the area in spring, free entry.
- **Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds** (distant view): North and South Peaks can be seen on a clear day.
- **Evening Bell at Nanping Hill**: Bell of Jingci Temple, entrance fee 10 yuan.
- **Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard**: Lotus flowers bloom in summer, free entry.

**2.2 Other Recommended Attractions**
- **Lingyin Temple**: Millennium-old temple, entrance fee 45 yuan + incense ticket 30 yuan.
- **Longjing Village**: Taste Longjing tea and experience tea culture.
- **Xixi Wetland** (about 5 km from West Lake): Ecological wetland, entrance fee 80 yuan.
- **Hefang Street**: Ancient-style commercial street, free, suitable for snacks and souvenirs.

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### **3. Transportation Guide**
- **Airplane**: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, take subway line 1 or airport bus to the city center.
- **High-speed Rail/Train**: Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station, subway line 1 directly to West Lake.
- **City Transportation**:
- **Subway**: Lines 1 and 2 reach the West Lake area.
- **Bus**: Routes 4, 7, West Lake Loop Line, etc.
- **Shared Bikes**: Convenient for cycling around the lake (recommended for Su Causeway and Bai Causeway).
- **Boat**: Boats available at Hubin Pier and Huagang Pier.

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### **4. Suggested Tour Routes**
**One-Day Highlights Route**
1. **Morning**: Hubin Road → Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake → Solitary Hill → Xiling Seal Society.
2. **Lunch**: Lou Wai Lou (Hangzhou cuisine) or nearby snacks.
3. **Afternoon**: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (boat trip) → Flower Harbor Viewing Fish → Leifeng Pagoda → Orioles Singing in the Willows.
4. **Evening**: Dinner at Hefang Street, West Lake Musical Fountain show (19:00, 20:00).

**Two-Day In-depth Route**
- **Day 1**: West Lake's Ten Scenic Spots classic route + Lingyin Temple.
- **Day 2**: Tea tasting at Longjing Village → Xixi Wetland → Songcheng Park (optional "Romance of Song Dynasty" show).

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### **5. Food Recommendations**
- **Hangzhou Cuisine**: Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken.
- **Recommended Restaurants**:
- Lou Wai Lou (Gushan Road branch, time-honored brand)
- Zhiweiguan (Hubin branch, famous for snacks)
- Grandma's Home (cost-effective)
- **Snacks**: Cong Bao Hui, Dingsheng Cake, Cat's Ear, Pian Er Chuan.

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### **6. Accommodation Suggestions**
- **Hubin Business District**: Convenient transportation, rich nightlife (e.g., Grand Hyatt Hangzhou).
- **Within West Lake Scenic Area**: Quiet environment (e.g., West Lake State Guesthouse).
- **Hostels/B&Bs**: Artistic B&Bs clustered around Siyanjing and Manjuelong.

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### **7. Important Notes**
1. **Weather**: Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable, prevent heatstroke in summer, keep warm in winter.
2. **Avoid Scams**: Be cautious of "free tea" or expensive tea, refuse "unofficial guides."
3. **Reservations**: Book Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and other attractions in advance during holidays.
4. **Environmental Protection**: West Lake is a World Cultural Heritage site, do not litter.

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### **8. Seasonal Features**
- **Spring** (March-May): Peach blossoms and willows, best flower viewing season.
- **Summer** (June-August): Lotus flowers in bloom, pay attention to sun protection.
- **Autumn** (September-November): Sweet osmanthus fragrance, cool weather.
- **Winter** (December-February): Broken Bridge snow scene, fewer crowds, serene scenery.

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Hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip to West Lake! If you have other needs, such as niche routes or family-friendly activities, feel free to ask! 🌸