【Fairyland on Earth: In-Depth West Lake Travel Guide】

💖 West Lake is a poem, a natural painting, and a beautiful, moving story. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, this guide will help you unlock the unique beauty of West Lake!

🚗 Transportation Guide

🚇 Metro: Take Line 1 to "Longxiangqiao Station" (Exit C) and walk about 10 minutes to the lakeside area. Alternatively, take Line 7 to "Wushan Square Station" for quick access to the West Lake vicinity.
🚌 Bus: Multiple bus routes (e.g., No. 7, 27, Y2) serve the area—choose the best one based on your starting point.
🚗 Driving: Parking around West Lake is limited, and some areas have traffic restrictions. Public transport is recommended. If driving, check parking availability on your map app in advance.

🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions

1. **Three Pools Mirroring the Moon** 🌕
Known as the "Top Scenic Spot of West Lake," it’s featured on the back of China’s 1-yuan bill. Take a boat to admire the three stone pagodas up close. On moonlit nights, candlelight inside the pagodas reflects on the lake, creating a magical scene.
2. **Melting Snow on Broken Bridge** ❄️
One of West Lake’s Ten Scenes. In winter, snow lingers on the bridge’s shaded side while the sunny side melts, forming a silver ribbon across the lake—perfect for snow viewing. Even without snow, the bridge is steeped in the romantic legend of Xu Xian and Lady White Snake.
3. **Spring Dawn at Su Causeway** 🌳
A nearly 3-km causeway built by poet Su Shi during the Northern Song Dynasty. In spring, willow trees and blooming peach flowers line the path, making it feel like a painted scroll.
4. **Leifeng Pagoda** ⛩️
"Leifeng Pagoda is like an old monk, while Baochu Pagoda is like a beauty." Climb to the top for panoramic West Lake views, especially stunning at sunset when the pagoda glows golden. It’s also tied to the *Legend of the White Snake*.
5. **Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard** 🪷
A summer must-visit! From June to August, lotus flowers bloom vibrantly, their fragrance blending with the surrounding hills and pavilions.

🍜 Food Recommendations

🍲 **Louwailou**: A historic Hangzhou restaurant serving classics like West Lake Vinegar Fish, Beggar’s Chicken, and Longjing Shrimp—authentic local flavors.
🥟 **Zhiweiguan**: Combines traditional snacks and Hangzhou dishes. Favorites include Cat’s Ear Noodles, Pian Er Chuan, and Dingsheng Cake—great value!
🍵 **Lakeside Teahouse**: Sip Longjing tea by the lake, enjoying the view and a leisurely moment.

🛌 Accommodation Options

🏨 **Luxury**: West Lake State Guesthouse or Hyatt Hangzhou—elegant, top-tier service with stunning lake views.
💰 **Budget-Friendly**: Stay in nearby B&Bs (e.g., Qingzhiwu, Siyanjing) for a local, artsy vibe at affordable prices.

⏰ Suggested Itineraries

**One-Day Classic Route**:
Morning: Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Autumn Moon on Calm Lake → Solitary Hill → Zhongshan Park → Lunch at Louwailou
Afternoon: Boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon → Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor → Su Causeway → Leifeng Pagoda
Evening: Dinner at Hubin Intime Mall + West Lake Music Fountain

**Two-Day Leisurely Route**:
Day 1: Crooked Courtyard → Yue-Wang Temple → Guo’s Villa → Maojiabu (tranquil beauty) → Longjing Village tea tasting
Day 2: Lingyin Temple → Feilai Peak → Nine Creeks in Misty Forest → Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies → Sunset at West Lake

📸 Photography Tips

1. Best angle for Three Pools: Shoot from the boat’s stern.
2. Leifeng Pagoda’s top floor and outdoor deck offer perfect West Lake panoramas.
3. Soft morning/evening light makes for the best photos!

⚠️ Notes

1. Avoid holidays for fewer crowds—plan ahead.
2. Summer: Sunscreen + bug spray; Winter: Dress warmly.
3. Follow safety rules on boats.