40℃ Hike at West Lake: Discover 7 Epic Photo Spots at the Summit

Traveling to Hangzhou in summer, I never expected to encounter 40℃ heat 😭. Walking around West Lake was exhausting! But when I reached the mountaintop and gazed at the stunning view, it instantly felt worth it ✨

Midsummer might offer the best visibility at West Lake. Avoiding the peak heat by traveling early morning or late evening can still provide a great experience. Bryan has compiled 7 photogenic hiking spots around West Lake, each with unique scenery. Save this guide 📝

1️⃣ Precious Stone Hill (Baoshi Mountain) 📍: Fig. 1-3
Rating: ★★★★★ | Overlooks Bai Causeway and Broken Bridge, with distant city views. Stunning sunrise/sunset!
Transport 🚌: Take bus to Geling, then hike the Baoshi Mountain Greenway (~15 mins). Toad Peak summit features large rocks 🪨
Ticket 🎫: Free
P1: Overlooking Broken Bridge & Bai Causeway
P2: Baochu Pagoda midway up

2️⃣ Fuxing Temple at Yuhuang Mountain 📍: Fig. 4
Rating: ★★★★ | Lesser-known viewpoint overlooking West Lake & Leifeng Pagoda from Jianghu Yilan Pavilion's 2nd floor
Transport 🚌: Drive directly to summit or take bus to South Guanyin Cave, then hike via Old Jade Emperor Palace & Zilai Cave (60 mins) 🏆
Ticket 🎫: ¥10

3️⃣ Jiuyao Mountain 📍: Fig. 5
Rating: ★★★★ | Prince Bay's "back garden" offers panoramic West Lake views. Overlooking Yuhu Bay embodies Jiangnan charm 🍃
Transport 🚌: Enter via Prince Bay Park, navigate to Cuishi Pavilion, then hike (~30 mins)
Ticket 🎫: Free

4️⃣ Jianghu Huiguan Pavilion at Wu Hill 📍: Fig. 6
Rating: ★★★ | Best angle for City God Pavilion photos
Transport 🚌: Ascend from Chenghuang Archway Lane (~30 mins gentle walk) 🐾
Ticket 🎫: Free

5️⃣ Beigao Peak Wealth Temple Viewpoint 📍: Fig. 7
Rating: ★★★★ | West Lake's highest peak near Lingyin Temple. "King of mountains" view requires telephoto lens.
Transport 🚌: Bus to Lingyin Temple, then cable car/hike (~30 mins). Cable cars may queue 🚡
Ticket 🎫: Free (cable car recommended for lazy hikers)

6️⃣ Zilai Cave at Yuhuang Mountain 📍: Fig. 8
Rating: ★★★ | En route to Fuxing Temple. Distant views of Bagua Farmland & Qiantang River. Hidden gem.
Transport 🚌: Same as Yuhuang Mountain Fuxing Temple route 🗺
Ticket 🎫: ¥10

7️⃣ Majiawu Viewpoint 📍: Fig. 9
Rating: ★★★ | Overlooks half of Hangzhou: West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Xixi Wetland, Hangzhou Gate. Requires super-telephoto or drone.
Transport 🚌: Navigate to "Majiawu Archway", hike (~40 mins) via iron staircases 🚶
Ticket 🎫: Free

Recommended Hiking Routes 📍
✅ Route 1: Lingyin Temple → Beigao Peak → West Mountain Trail → Majiawu Viewpoint → Descend → Taxi/Bus → Geling → Baoshi Mountain
✨ 4 hours | Connects 3 northern peaks
✅ Route 2: South Guanyin Cave → Old Jade Emperor Palace → Zilai Cave → Fuxing Temple → (Wild Path) → Jiuyao Mountain → Prince Bay Park
✨ 3 hours | Requires hiking experience

Tips ⚠️: West Lake summers are extremely hot. Hike within your limits, avoid midday, prefer mornings/evenings, and carry sufficient water.