CHINA 5A TRAVEL
The lake reads best as loops, not lists — pick small or large, clockwise or counter, and let the scenes find you. These notes blend official guidance with Mafengwo travelers' experience.
Suggested Itinerary
- One day — The Classic Loop
Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Gem Hill view → Solitary Hill → boat to Three Pools → Su Causeway south → Leifeng sunset → evening fountain on the east shore. - Two days — Lake, Temple & Tea
Day 1 the classic loop; Day 2 Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak in the morning, Longjing tea villages at noon, Nine Creeks walk in the afternoon. - Half day — Essence Only
Bai Causeway at dawn, boat to the Three Pools islet, Leifeng or Gem Hill for the panorama, out via the fountain show.
What to See
The Ten Scenes
Su Causeway spring dawn, curved-yard lotus, fish at flower harbour, listening to orioles in the willows — each a named view worth its couplet.
Solitary Hill
The lake's only natural island — plum gardens, the Xiling seal society and quiet lanes.
Three Pools Islet
The boat-garden with its moon-viewing pagodas — see the banknote in the flesh.
Gem Hill & Baochu Pagoda
A ten-minute climb to the best free panorama — the lake laid out southward.
Maojiabu & Inner Lake
The west shore's quiet water villages and reed beds — the lake the crowds skip.
Evening Fountain Show
The east shore's musical fountains after dark — arrive early or watch from distance; the show is free and beloved.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Real Travelers
Food & Drink
Longjing Shrimp
River shrimp stir-fried with the lake's own green tea — Hangzhou's signature dish.
Dongpo Pork
The braised belly named for the causeway's builder — history you can eat.
West Lake Fish in Vinegar
Sweet-sour lake fish in the classic preparation — order it lakeside for the full effect.
Cong Bao Hui
Crisp griddled wrap of pancake, fried cruller and scallions — the street snack named for the Song traitor it symbolically fries.
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