Compared to West Lake, I prefer this old Hangzhou city walk

When visiting Hangzhou, besides touring West Lake
I strongly recommend walking this city walk route
It holds half of old Hangzhou's history
Few crowds, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage
Perfect for friends who want to explore Hangzhou in depth
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🗺️Old Hangzhou city walk route
❶Wuliu Lane→❷Deshou Palace→❸Hu Xueyan's Former Residence→❹Fifteen Kui Lane→❺Jiyi Pavilion→❻White Snake Flying Crossing→❼Changqiao Park→❽Changqiao Stream Ecological Restoration Park
🚶Walking distance: 5km (7,000 steps)
⌚️Duration: 4.5h (half day)
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❶Wuliu Lane
Residence area of Southern Song Dynasty officials and nobles, the riverside alley buildings exude the atmosphere of old Hangzhou's local culture. Must visit "What the Ghost Coffee" ☕️, enjoy an Americano under the rose-covered wall, very chill
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❷Deshou Palace
Southern Song Dynasty royal palace ruins where Emperor Gaozong and Emperor Xiaozong once lived, showcasing relics of royal life. Reservation required, closed on Mondays
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❸Hu Xueyan's Former Residence
Mansion of the richest man in late Qing Dynasty, blending Chinese traditional and Western architectural styles with pavilions and towers, exquisitely gorgeous, no less impressive than Suzhou gardens
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❹Fifteen Kui Lane
Located at the foot of Wu Hill, near the imperial palace during Southern Song Dynasty. Must visit Balkan Inn for beautiful photo spots. Foodies can check out Wushan Residence
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❺Jiyi Pavilion
A green sanctuary in the city center 🌿 with forest-like dense vines, offering distant views of the City God Pavilion
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❻White Snake Flying Crossing
A winding wooden bridge rising through the forest near West Lake
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❼Changqiao Park
The best spot to view the sunset at Leifeng Pagoda, where you can watch the sun set over West Lake 🌅
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❽Changqiao Stream Ecological Restoration Park
A lesser-known park by West Lake, a spiritual sanctuary for introverts, with iris flowers blooming like Monet's garden in May
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