Hangzhou | Classic One-Day West Lake Tour Route Guide

When visiting West Lake, don’t dive straight into the crowds at Broken Bridge! Try renting a bike from Su Causeway and take a leisurely ride. When the osmanthus flowers bloom, the air is filled with a sweet fragrance, much more pleasant than squeezing through crowds～ Plus, you can connect several classic spots along the way, and when tired, find a lakeside bench to rest. The focus is on a relaxed and carefree experience!

🚇 Transportation: Avoid getting scammed by “black cars”! Here’s a hassle-free way
• From downtown, prioritize taking the subway to “Longxiangqiao” or “Fengqilu” stations. It’s a 10-minute walk to the lake from there, better than getting stuck in traffic by taxi;
• For those who want to cycle, don’t rent expensive bikes at the scenic area entrance! Look for rental spots near the residential area by the “South Entrance of Su Causeway.” The bikes are in good condition and some come with baskets to hold water and personal items;
• If you don’t want to bike, there’s a circular lake bus covering major attractions. When tired, just hop on. The downside is you might have to queue during National Day.

📍 One-Day Route: Cycle through 3 classic spots
1. Su Causeway in Spring Dawn: Arrive before 9 AM! It’s less crowded then, and the sunlight slants on the willow trees, whose branches hang over the lake, swaying gently in the breeze. Su Causeway has six bridges; stop at “Yadi Bridge” for the widest view, where you can see the shimmering West Lake and the distant Leifeng Pagoda.
2. Flower Harbor Viewing Fish: A 5-minute walk from the north end of Su Causeway. The red fish pond inside is lively; when feeding the fish, colorful koi gather in groups, very beautiful. Don’t just watch the pond—walk to the “Peony Pavilion” inside. In autumn, osmanthus flowers bloom, and sitting in the pavilion smelling the fragrance is especially soothing.
3. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Take a boat from the dock next to Flower Harbor Viewing Fish to the lake island (the same spot featured on the RMB banknote!). The stone paths on the island are pleasant to stroll. Stop at the “Heart-to-Heart Pavilion,” a great spot to photograph the three stone pagodas, especially on sunny days when their reflections appear in the water, very poetic.
4. Bai Causeway: Take a boat from the lake island to Bai Causeway dock. When you reach “Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake,” if it’s near sunset, you can see the sun setting over the lake, shimmering golden—more charming than during the day.

📸 Photo Spots: Tips to avoid crowds
• Su Causeway: Find a willow tree with low-hanging branches, stand beside it, and have a friend shoot from the side, framing the branches, lake surface, and distant mountains. Press the shutter when the wind moves the branches for an instant of “Jiangnan misty rain” vibe;
• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Don’t squeeze on the main road to shoot the pagodas! Walk to the small path beside “Nine-turn Bridge.” There’s a stone pier by the water—stand on it (be careful!) and angle the camera down a bit to capture the pagodas and their reflections without people in the background;
• Bai Causeway: At dusk by the railing of “Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake,” face sideways to the sunset. Have a friend shoot in “backlight” mode; your hair will have a golden edge. Hold a fallen leaf as a prop for a more lively shot.

🍜 Food: 3 local favorite spots along the way
• Zhiweiguan · Weizhuang (Yang Gong Causeway branch): After touring Su Causeway, go here! Must-try is “West Lake Vinegar Fish,” small portion is enough, tender fish with a sweet and sour sauce that’s not greasy; also try “Song Sao Fish Soup,” fresh and warming to the stomach;
• Street Stall (North Entrance of Su Causeway): Selling “Scallion Pancake with Fried Dough Stick,” freshly baked pancake sandwiching a fried dough stick, brushed with sweet and spicy sauce, crispy and perfect for a hunger fix after walking;
• Lakeside Convenience Store Stall: Don’t miss “Osmanthus Lotus Root Starch”! Freshly made, sticky lotus root starch sprinkled with osmanthus petals and nuts, sweet but not greasy, great to eat while walking and also warms your hands.

💡 Practical Tips
1. West Lake is crowded during National Day. If you want to take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, don’t queue at the dock last minute!
2. Don’t wear high heels when cycling! The stone paths on Su Causeway have occasional small pits. Wear sneakers or flats to avoid foot pain after riding;
3. Bring a small trash bag! Although there are trash bins by the lake, it’s more convenient to carry your trash and avoid snack wrappers blowing into the lake;
4. There’s dew by the lake in the morning, and benches can be damp. Put a tissue on the bench before sitting to avoid wetting your pants.