"Is there a 'Mandarin Duck Park' hidden in Hangzhou? Tourists actually forgot to watch the West Lake sunset, and the reason is so real!

🏞️ Perfect One-Day West Lake Tour Guide

✨ Highlights

· Classic Ten Scenes Essence Tour: Visit the most representative natural and cultural landscapes of West Lake in one day
· Multi-dimensional West Lake Experience: Combine walking, cycling, and boating to enjoy West Lake from different perspectives
· Optimized Combination of Free and Paid Attractions: Enjoy the best of West Lake scenery while controlling your budget

🗺️ Basic Information

📍 Address: No.1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
🎫 Tickets: West Lake Scenic Area is free to enter, but some internal attractions require tickets (e.g., Leifeng Pagoda about 40 RMB, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon boat ticket 55 RMB)
🕒 Recommended Visit Time: Full day (about 6-8 hours)
🚇 How to Get There: Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, then walk about 400 meters

🚶 Recommended Itinerary

Morning: North Line Cultural Tour

08:30 Start from Broken Bridge, the meeting place of Lady White Snake and Xu Xian in the Legend of the White Snake, and one of the most iconic spots of West Lake. Stroll along Bai Causeway, enjoy the lakeside and mountain scenery on both sides, and reach Pinghu Qiuyue in about 30 minutes.

09:30 Visit Gushan area, where you can explore Xiling Seal Art Society, a famous Chinese seal carving art research institution with a strong literary atmosphere. Then enjoy authentic Hangzhou cuisine at Lou Wai Lou, recommended dishes include West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork.

Afternoon: South Line Highlights Tour

13:00 Head to Zhongshan Wharf to take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, the image on the back of the one-yuan RMB note. The island scenery is beautiful and a perfect spot for photos.

15:00 Take the boat to Huagang Wharf and get off to visit Huagang Guanyu, admire the colorful koi fish and garden landscapes.

16:00 Walk to Leifeng Pagoda, climb the tower to overlook the entire West Lake, and enjoy the famous "Leifeng Sunset" at dusk.

Evening: Su Causeway Leisure

17:30 Walk or cycle along Su Causeway, the top of West Lake’s Ten Scenes, "Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring." It is about 3 kilometers long, lined with willow trees on both sides, offering pleasant scenery.

18:30 End the trip, you can go to Hubin Pedestrian Street for dinner or enjoy the music fountain.

💡 Practical Tips

1. Transportation Suggestions: Rent shared bikes for a leisurely and effortless lake tour; the scenic area electric carts cost 10 RMB per stop and are a good choice to save energy.
2. Best Photo Times: Early morning 6-8 AM or evening 5-7 PM, when the light is soft and photos have a natural filter effect.
3. Avoid Pitfalls:
· Beware of "low-price boat tickets" sold roadside; please buy tickets at official wharfs
· Avoid buying roadside "freshly cut fruit" and "bamboo tube milk tea," as they have low cost performance
· Holidays are crowded; it is recommended to start early
4. Essentials: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, rain gear, and mosquito repellent

Post by Murphy David Dave | Oct 26, 2025

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