Four Days and Three Nights in Suzhou and Hangzhou, Exploring Jiangnan, Travel Guide
by quill_0516
Oct 20, 2025
I. Trip Overview
This tour plan will use two days to deeply experience the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake and feel their unique charm.
II. Itinerary
Day One
• Morning: Su Causeway in Spring - Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard - Moon Reflected in Three Pools
◦ Arrive at Su Causeway, stroll along it, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of willow trees lining both sides and clear waters in the morning light of spring. Experience the poetic feeling of "Six bridges crossing the Milky Way, connecting North Mountain to South Screen."
◦ Head to Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard. In summer, this area is filled with lotus leaves and flowers reflecting in the sunlight. Even outside of the flowering season, you can appreciate the garden's serene elegance.
◦ Move on to Moon Reflected in Three Pools, where a platform is built by the lake. Standing on the platform, you can overlook the vast surface of West Lake and feel the peaceful and open atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Broken Bridge with Remaining Snow - Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor - Orioles Singing in the Willows
◦ Visit Broken Bridge with Remaining Snow. After winter snowfall, the bridge is covered in silver white. Even if it's not winter, you can lean on the railings and gaze into the distance, imagining the beauty of the remaining snow.
◦ Enter Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor to watch red fish swimming playfully in the pond, surrounded by pavilions, towers, artificial hills, and pools that complement each other beautifully.
◦ Stroll through Orioles Singing in the Willows, admire the swaying willow branches, and if you're lucky, hear the melodious oriole songs, experiencing the delicacy and vitality of southern Chinese gardens.
Day Two
• Morning: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon - Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
◦ Take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, an island in West Lake with scenic spots like "Net Opening Pavilion" and "Leisure Platform." The three stone pagodas in the lake are especially unique, and at certain times you can see the wonder of "one moon in the sky, three reflections in the lake."
◦ Then head to Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, where you can view the southern and northern high peaks from a distance. When surrounded by mist and clouds, the twin peaks appear to pierce the clouds, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset - Evening Bell at Nanping Hill
◦ Visit Leifeng Pagoda, climb to the top, overlook the panorama of West Lake, and enjoy the magnificent view of the pagoda bathed in golden light as the sun sets.
◦ Finally, go to Evening Bell at Nanping Hill and listen to the melodious bell sounds at Jingci Temple, experiencing the tranquility and timelessness of the ancient temple.
III. Food Recommendations
• Try Hangzhou cuisine such as West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dragon Well Shrimp, recommended restaurants include Lou Wai Lou and Grandma's Kitchen.
• You can also try specialty snacks like Dingsheng Cake and Green Onion Pancakes.
IV. Notes
• Check the opening hours of West Lake scenic area and boat operation times in advance to plan your itinerary accordingly.
• You can choose to walk, cycle, or take electric carts around the scenic area, depending on your physical condition and preferences.
• Protect the environment of the scenic area and be a civilized visitor.
Post by pheris_5667 | May 6, 2025
















