West Lake Classic Loop Hike

Start at Longxiangqiao metro station (Line 1, Exit C). Walk 50 metres east to the lake shore and turn left (north) along the paved lakeside path. The path runs between the lake and the Hubin commercial area. After approximately 1 km, you reach Broken Bridge 断桥残雪 — the most famous bridge in Hangzhou, associated with the Legend of the White Snake. The bridge is a single-arch stone bridge with a white parapet, spanning the northern tip of the lake. From the bridge, the Bai Causeway 白堤 extends south into the lake — a straight, tree-lined causeway approximately 1 km long, flanked by willow and peach trees. Walk the full length of the causeway. On clear days, the view from the causeway looking south toward Solitary Hill and the southern hills is the classic West Lake panorama.

Photo suggestion: Broken Bridge at the start of Bai Causeway — the most famous bridge in Hangzhou.

At the end of the causeway, the path reaches Solitary Hill 孤山 — a natural island connected to the shore by the causeway and bridges. Solitary Hill contains several historic sites: the Zhejiang Provincial Museum (free entry), the Xiling Seal Society (a historic seal-carving academy with garden courtyards), and the Louwailou restaurant (renowned Hangzhou cuisine founded in 1848). Walk through the island's shaded paths. At the western end, cross the bridge to the north shore. Continue west along the lakeside path, passing the Pinghu Qiuyue 平湖秋月 ('Autumn Moon on Calm Lake') viewing platform — a stone terrace extending into the water, traditionally considered the best spot to view the autumn moon over the lake. After approximately 500 metres further west, the path reaches Quyuan Fenghe 曲院风荷 ('Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan') — the lotus-viewing garden. The lotus bloom from mid-June to mid-August, peaking in July. The garden is free to enter and has multiple viewing platforms extending into the lotus beds.

Photo suggestion: The Xiling Seal Society courtyard on Solitary Hill — a historic seal-carving academy with garden grounds.

From Quyuan Fenghe, the path joins the north end of Su Causeway 苏堤 at the Kuahong Bridge. Su Causeway is a 2.8 km causeway built by the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo during his governorship of Hangzhou. It crosses the lake via six arched bridges: Kuahong (跨虹桥), Dongpu (东浦桥), Yadi (压堤桥), Wangshan (望山桥), Suolan (锁澜桥), and Yingbo (映波桥). The causeway is paved and lined with willow, peach, and hibiscus trees. Bicycles are prohibited on the causeway during peak hours (walk only, or sightseeing car). The walk takes approximately 40-50 minutes at a relaxed pace, with each bridge offering a slightly different perspective on the lake. At the southern end, the path reaches Huagang Guanyu 花港观鱼 ('Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour') — a park with a large red koi pond, a peony garden, and shaded walkways. Public toilets and a few food stalls are located near the park entrance.

Caution: Su Causeway is the longest continuous section of the walk at 2.8 km with no shortcut exits. Bicycles are prohibited during peak hours. The causeway has no shade — sun protection is essential on clear days. The sightseeing car runs along the causeway (10 RMB per stop) if you wish to skip this section.

Photo suggestion: Su Causeway's six arched bridges — the 2.8 km causeway built by Su Dongpo with ever-changing lake views.

From Huagang Guanyu, follow the lakeside path south-east toward Leifeng Pagoda 雷峰塔. The pagoda is visible from most points on the southern lake shore — a five-storey octagonal tower originally built in 975 AD, rebuilt in 2002 after its 1924 collapse. The base of the pagoda is free to access and has interpretive panels about the pagoda's history. Ascending the tower costs 40 RMB and offers a panoramic view over the entire lake — on clear days, the view encompasses the lake, the city, and the surrounding hills. The pagoda is also associated with the Legend of the White Snake — the snake spirit is said to have been imprisoned beneath it. From the pagoda, continue east along the shore to Changqiao Park 长桥公园 — a small park that offers the best photographic composition of the pagoda reflected in the lake, particularly at sunset. This is the most popular sunset photography spot on the entire loop.

Caution: The Leifeng Pagoda elevator queues can be long on weekends (15-25 minutes). The stairs are accessible and faster. Changqiao Park fills with photographers from approximately 1 hour before sunset — arrive early to secure your spot.

Photo suggestion: Leifeng Pagoda reflected in the lake at Changqiao Park — the classic West Lake sunset composition.

From Changqiao Park, continue along the lakeside path northward. The path passes through Liulang Wenying 柳浪闻莺 ('Orioles Singing in the Willows'), a lakeside park lined with mature willow trees that overhang the water. The park is named for the combination of willows swaying in the breeze (visible) and orioles singing (less common now, but the name remains). Continue past Qianwang Temple 钱王祠 (a temple dedicated to King Qian Liu of the Wuyue kingdom, 10th century) — the temple exterior and gate are free to view; the interior has a small entry fee. After the temple, the path enters the Hubin Road 湖滨路 commercial area — the busiest section of the walk, with shops, restaurants, and the西湖音乐喷泉 (West Lake Music Fountain), which operates on a schedule (typically 19:00 and 20:00 showings; check locally for current times).

Photo suggestion: Liulang Wenying park — willow trees overhanging the lake with the city skyline beyond.

Continue along the Hubin Road lakeside path southward toward the Longxiangqiao area. Jixian Pavilion 集贤亭 — a lakeside pavilion on a small stone platform extending into the water — is the last notable sight before the finish. The pavilion is one of the most photographed spots on the lake, particularly in late afternoon light when the sun sets behind the hills and the pavilion is silhouetted against the sky. From the pavilion, the path returns to the Longxiangqiao metro entrance. To close the loop, walk 50 metres from the lake edge back to Exit C. Total distance: approximately 11-12 km.

Caution: The Hubin Road section is the busiest of the entire walk, particularly on weekends in the afternoon. Watch for pedestrians, street vendors, and photographers competing for space near the pavilion. The area around the metro entrance has several food options — the walk ends conveniently near restaurants.

Photo suggestion: Jixian Pavilion at dusk — the classic West Lake silhouette with the sunset behind.