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West Lake In-Depth Travel Guide (Summer 2025 Edition)

I. Key Information at a Glance 1. Opening Hours & Tickets - Main Scenic Area: Free entry year-round (some attractions charge separately): ▸ Leifeng Pagoda: ¥40/person (50% off for students, free for seniors over 70), offers panoramic lake views from the top. ▸ Lingyin Temple: Combo ticket ¥75 (includes Feilai Peak ¥45 + temple ¥30), free admission on West Lake Day (June 24). ▸ Yuewang Temple: ¥25/person (half-price for students/seniors), open 7:30-18:00 during peak season. - Discounts: Hangzhou Park Annual Card covers most attractions; free for minors under 18 and active military personnel. 2. Best Seasons - Summer (June-August): Lotus blooms at Quyuan Garden and Qianwang Temple Lotus Exhibition (through mid-October). - Night Activities: Song Dynasty poetry night tours (through National Day) and lakeside music fountain shows (19:00/20:00 daily). II. Transportation Guide 1. External Transport - Train/Flight: Take Metro Line 1 from Hangzhou East Station/Xiaoshan Airport to Longxiangqiao Station (east lakeshore). - Driving: Odd-even license plate restrictions on weekends; park at Huanglong Sports Center and transfer by bus. 2. Internal Transport - Metro Connections: 12 stations offer shuttle buses like romantic route WE1314 from Longxiangqiao to Broken Bridge. - Boats & Sightseeing Cars: ▸ Three Pools Mirroring Moon combo ticket: ¥55 (includes boat), book via "West Lake Tourism" WeChat 3 days ahead. ▸ Lake loop sightseeing car: ¥80/person (4 sections), hop-on service. III. Classic 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Classic Lakeside Route - Morning: ▸ Broken Bridge: Capture morning mist and Baoshi Mountain reflections before crowds. ▸ Bai Causeway: Visit Pinghu Autumn Moon, Gushan Island, Xiling Seal Engravers' Society, and Zhejiang Museum. - Afternoon: ▸ Boat to Three Pools Mirroring Moon: Compare with ¥1 bill scenery. ▸ Leifeng Pagoda at sunset: VR restoration show (¥30) of ancient pagoda. - Evening: Lakeside music fountain → Hefang Street snacks (cong you bing, dingsheng cake). Day 2: Hidden Gems & Culture - Dawn: Arrive at Maojiabu before 4:30 for reed-shrouded paddle boats (¥200/hour, 4-person sharing). - Morning: ▸ Nine Creeks Meandering Trail: Hike from Longjing Village, taste spring tea (¥80-120/person). ▸ China Academy of Art: Instagrammable red walls and architecture. - Afternoon: ▸ West Lake State Guesthouse: Free access to Mao Zedong's study spot and imperial steles. ▸ Su Causeway cycling: Six historic bridges connecting scenic views. - Night: Song Dynasty poetry tour (¥188) with flower-pinning games and tea ceremonies. Day 3: Zen & Nature - Full Day: ▸ Lingyin Temple prayers: Take Metro Line 3 to Dongyue Station, transfer to shuttle bus. ▸ Longjing Village tea-picking: Try frying techniques with Dongpo pork lunch (¥100/person). ▸ Qiantang River night cruise: Buy premium Lion Peak tea (¥800-1200/jin) before departure. IV. Special Experiences 1. Lotus Exhibitions & Night Gardens - Qianwang Temple Lotus Show: Free on June 24, night tickets ¥35 (17:30-23:00) with light installations. - Interactive: July's Hanfu night tours feature lotus lantern rituals. 2. Cycling/Hiking Routes - Yanggong Causeway: Less crowded, Guo's Villa (¥8) connects to autumn ginkgo views. - Baoshi Mountain sunset: 20-minute climb to Baochu Pagoda for night vistas. V. Accommodation & Food 1. Hotels - Luxury: Four Seasons Hangzhou (garden-style, walk to Quyuan Garden). - Budget: Ruye B&B (near Lingyin Temple), Siyanjing Wabi-Sabi Mountain View. - Unique: West Lake State Guesthouse's century-old gardens (free visit by appointment). 2. Must-Try Foods - Hangzhou cuisine: ▸ Louwailou: West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork (¥150/person at Gushan branch). ▸ Zhiweiguan: Cat-ear noodles, pian'er chuan (¥30/person at lakeside). - Street eats: Hefang Street's scallion pancakes, Youbu soy milk. - Tea-infused dishes: Longjing Village farm meals with spring tea pairings. VI. Tips 1. Preparation - Gear: Sun protection, mosquito repellent, comfortable shoes (20,000 steps/day), foldable umbrella. - Documents: ID cards (required for boat reservations), student IDs for discounts. 2. Etiquette - Environment: No swimming/feeding fish; carry out trash. - Culture: Maintain silence at temples; avoid touching artifacts. 3. Emergency - Medical: Lakeside First Aid (0571-87037120), Lingyin Clinic (8:00-17:00). - Transport: Check last bus times via "Hangzhou Bus" app. VII. FAQs 1. Q: Does Leifeng Pagoda require reservations? A: No, but pre-booking via WeChat avoids queues. 2. Q: How to avoid crowds at Nine Creeks? A: Visit early/late; park at Shannan Yin lot on weekends. 3. Q: Are e-tickets accepted for boats? A: Yes (QR code/ID), but children need on-site tickets. Epilogue West Lake's charm lies in its ever-changing beauty and millennia of culture. Whether boating or strolling poetic causeways, savor every moment. Follow "West Lake Tourism" WeChat for updates, and may your journey be filled with Jiangnan magic. 🌿🚣‍♂️
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Posted: Jul 20, 2025
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📅 Itinerary Day 1: West Lake & Tea Culture • Morning: Stroll or cycle around West Lake. Meander along Su Causeway, cross Bai Causeway, and visit scenic spots like the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Broken Bridge, and Lotus in Quyuan Park. For the best light and fewer crowds, aim for early morning scenery . • Late Morning: Climb Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and learn about its romantic folklore and preserved relics . • Lunch: Dine lakeside at Lou Wai Lou, famed for West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, Beggar’s Chicken, and Dongpo Pork . • Afternoon: Head to Yunqi (Meijiawu) Tea Village to observe Longjing tea cultivation on terraced hills, enjoy a tea ceremony, and sample freshly roasted brews . • Evening: Return to West Lake for sunset and board the night cruise of the famous “Impression West Lake” performance—a multimedia spectacle on the water directed by Zhang Yimou. Book tickets in advance . Day 2: Temples, Heritage & Local Culture • Morning: Explore Lingyin Temple and the adjacent Feilaifeng Peak, known for its ancient grotto carvings, serene setting, and spiritual ambiance . • Lunch: Enjoy local flavors at a neighborhood spot—Grandma’s Kitchen or a tea-village eatery featuring classics like Dongpo Pork and Beggar’s Chicken . • Afternoon: Visit Xixi National Wetland Park, China’s only national wetland in an urban area, offering waterways, traditional water villages, and lush habitat that reflects Hangzhou’s old-world Jiangnan life . • Later: Wander through Hefang Street—a restored pedestrian area with local crafts, snacks, tea houses, and calligraphy shops that echo Hangzhou’s merchant past . 🏨 Accommodation • Fuchun Resort: Upscale lakeside luxury in a picturesque garden setting . • Sofitel Westlake Hangzhou: Elegant riverside hotel with spa, fine dining, and lake views . • Hyatt Regency / Radisson Plaza: Comfortable mid‑range options with central location and quality service . • Budget/Friendly: Mingtown Hangzhou International Youth Hostel, conveniently located near West Lake with good reviews for value . 📌 Tips • Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and scenic vibrance around West Lake and tea fields  . • Early start: Head to West Lake early to avoid crowds and enjoy softer morning light. Leifeng Pagoda opens early—ideal for sunrise or morning calm. • Transport: Hangzhou is well‑connected by metro and bike rentals—consider cycling around West Lake; taxis or public buses work well for Lingyin and Xixi Park . • Local culture: Pack light layers, wear comfortable shoes for walking and uneven temple pathways. Bring water; tea and snacks are widely available.

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