Huizhou, you'll regret not visiting sooner

Huizhou West Lake is a National Key Scenic Spot and a National AAAAA Tourist Attraction, renowned for its elegant landscapes and profound historical culture. Dubbed the "Zhu Luo Xizi," it stands alongside Hangzhou West Lake and Yingzhou West Lake as one of "China's Three Great West Lakes." Here are the highlights for exploring Huizhou West Lake:

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🌟 **Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Moonlit Su Causeway**
- Built by the Northern Song literary giant Su Dongpo, strolling along the causeway offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. At night, the moon's reflection on the water creates a poetic scene, inspiring the ancient praise: "Standing on Su Causeway's vast edge, one sees the moon's perfect circle here."
- Along the way, visit **Xixin Bridge** (one of the six ancient bridges of West Lake) and **Sizhou Pagoda** (a landmark of West Lake, celebrated by Su Shi in his poem: "The moon rises over the mountains, the jade pagoda lies in gentle ripples").

2. **Jade Pagoda in Ripples (Sizhou Pagoda)**
- A seven-story ancient pagoda from the Tang Dynasty, its swaying shadow at sunset is one of the most poetic sights at Huizhou West Lake.

3. **Fengzhu Garden**
- A classical Lingnan-style garden blending Huizhou folk architecture, perfect for admiring lotus flowers, rocks, and birds while leisurely strolling.

4. **Fenghu Academy**
- One of Guangdong's Four Great Academies, it carries Huizhou's thousand-year scholarly legacy and now serves as a cultural exhibition area with a serene environment.

5. **Flying Goose Hill**
- Shaped like a flying goose, it inspired Huizhou's nickname "Goose City." The summit offers panoramic views of West Lake and is also a revolutionary historical site.

6. **Red Flower Lake Scenic Area**
- Features an 18 km lakeside greenway ideal for cycling or hiking, with Gaobang Mountain providing a bird's-eye view of Huizhou.

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🚶 **Classic Itineraries**
- **One-Day Highlights**: Pinghu Gate → Su Causeway → Sizhou Pagoda → Dongpo Garden (Chaoyun Tomb, Dongpo Memorial Hall) → Fengzhu Garden → Boat Tour.
- **In-Depth Cultural Tour**: Fenghu Academy → Lychee Grove Breeze → Flying Goose Hill → South Garden Greenery → Ruins of Five Sages Shrine (a must for history enthusiasts).

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🌸 **Seasonal Highlights**
- **Spring & Summer**: Lotus blooms (best viewed June-August at Fengzhu Garden and Lotus Ponds).
- **Autumn & Winter**: Kapok flowers flourish at Red Cotton Pavilion, with misty lake views perfect for photography.

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🍜 **Local Delicacies**
- Huizhou specialties: Dongjiang Salt-Baked Chicken, Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables, Stuffed Tofu. Try them at old-school restaurants near West Lake.

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### 📌 **Practical Info**
- **Admission**: Free (some sites like Dongpo Memorial Hall may charge).
- **Transport**: Enter via **Pinghu Gate**, easily accessible by bus or taxi.
- **Boat Tours**: Around ¥50/person for a painted boat ride; recommended at sunset.

Huizhou West Lake blends nature, history, and culture seamlessly. Whether strolling along Su Causeway, climbing for panoramic views, or boating on the lake, you'll experience the unique charm of "China's 36 West Lakes, where only Huizhou rivals Hangzhou."