For first-time visitors to Hangzhou, here's a West Lake travel guide you should save.

I recommend starting your tour at Broken Bridge (Duanqiao Canxue), the legendary site of the White Snake Lady. Standing on the bridge offers beautiful views of Beishan Street. Stroll along Bai Causeway to Pinghu Autumn Moon, where the evening lights reflecting on the lake surface are especially enchanting. Next, visit Zhejiang Provincial Museum and Gushan Scenic Area, then take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, which is the scene depicted on the back of the 1 yuan RMB note.

In the afternoon, I recommend visiting Flower Harbor Fish Viewing (Huagang Guanyu), then climb Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake, with the most spectacular scenery at sunset. In the evening, head to Hubin Pedestrian Street to watch the musical fountain shows at 7:00pm and 8:00pm. Other must-visit spots include Orioles Singing in the Willows Park (Liulang Wenying), where spring willows appear like smoke, and Qu Yuan Feng He, which is the perfect place to appreciate lotus flowers in summer.

When visiting, I suggest wearing comfortable sneakers as the West Lake scenic area is large and involves a lot of walking. You can choose the lake-circling sightseeing bus as transportation, which saves energy while allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way. Remember to book Leifeng Pagoda tickets in advance and avoid peak hours during holidays. There are plenty of dining options around West Lake - I recommend trying Hangzhou cuisine such as West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork.

Post by ByteEchos | May 3, 2025