These hidden gems are the true essence of West Lake's rainy ink-wash scenery

Traveler's Journal｜These three hidden gems are the real West Lake in the rain|||The photography is stunning, the prose is profound.
A wandering explorer takes you to discover the beauty of Ningbo + Zhejiang—lesser-known, tranquil places you'll want to revisit.

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When in Hangzhou, don’t just visit Broken Bridge and Su Causeway! Head to the western shore of West Lake to explore these hidden gems. In the misty rain, they glow with lush greenery, like stepping into a fairy tale—a perfect healing spot for introverts. The overwhelming green is truly refreshing!

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1️⃣ **Turtle Pond (Wuguitan)**: A serene wetland lake cove tucked west of Yanggong Causeway, with few tourists. Glide through on a hand-rowed boat, admiring the scenic shores—it feels like a paradise! Yongfu Bridge is a picturesque photo spot.

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2️⃣ **Egret Bay (Yuhuwan)**: Known as West Lake’s secret, with Jihong Bridge and Wu Zhuangyuan Square. The emerald water and awakening water lilies make it resemble an ink-wash painting. The rainbow bridge here is now a viral Hangzhou photo spot! Best light at dawn or dusk. If you love cheongsam or ancient-style outfits, this is where Jiangnan dreams begin.

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3️⃣ **Maojiabu**: A misty water forest with tea fields + ancient bridges, the true starting point of the "Incense Ancient Path." Wild and charming, it’s the perfect place to savor "the fresh air after mountain rain," with layers of green and tender new leaves glowing softly.

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I’m sharing this private day-trip route because staying at this lakeside villa let me experience Hangzhou’s true romance and poetry.

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✅ **Listening Stream · West Lake｜Yueshang Yunshe**: Hidden in the tea-farming community of Santai Yunshui near Egret Bay, just a 3-minute walk to the lake! This boutique homestay is a standalone villa with warm, wooden designs and rooms featuring view windows—open them for fresh air.

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✅ **Boating is the most leisurely way**: All spots are west of Yanggong Causeway. The route: Jingxing Bridge → Yongfu Bridge → Santai Yunshui → Yuqian Temple Dock → Tianxiang Fayu → Yilan Pavilion → Jihong Bridge. Depart from Huagang Guanyu Dock (📍Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond), ~1.5 hours. Watch ducklings learning to swim! Bring a waterproof seat cushion—wooden boats get damp in the morning. Hand-rowed boat: ¥150/hour.

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✅ **Or walk**: Yanggong Causeway connects these spots (~2 hours). With dripping plane-tree leaves, the path becomes a jade-green tunnel—super atmospheric! Huagang Guanyu features flowers, harbors, fish, lawns, and woods. Strolling here feels like stepping into a natural painting.

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West Lake in the rain is the real ink-wash Jiangnan.
Next visit, skip the crowds—
Stay here and savor your own tranquil landscape!