Hangzhou · Place guide
Hangzhou's West Lake
A 6.4 sq km classical lake ringed by pagodas and causeways, free and open 24 hours a day.
Read the guideHangzhou · Compare and choose
West Lake: choose a walk, a ride or a tea-country detour
You do not need to do everything around West Lake to enjoy it. Choose the kind of day you want, then use the linked guides to decide the route and the practical details.
All Hangzhou guidesChoice 1
Choose between a short section and a wider circuit
Start with the West Lake guide for the overall setting. If cycling is the main activity, compare the dedicated loop experience before choosing it. A walk along a selected shore and a full cycling plan are different days; avoid treating the full circuit as a compulsory checklist.
Hangzhou · Experience
Cycle the West Lake Loop
A 12-km clockwise loop around West Lake's southern causeways and Beishan Street, dodges crowds with sunrise starts.
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Hangzhou · Experience
West Lake Lanes of Hangzhou
A serene West Lake walking route threading Song-era alleys, classical gardens, and lakeside paths on foot or by shared bike.
Read the guideChoice 2
Make tea the reason for the detour
The China National Tea Museum and Longjing trails offer two ways to extend a lake visit into a tea-focused day. Read the route and transport notes, then choose a museum-led visit, time on the trails, or a combination that leaves room for the journey.
Hangzhou · Place guide
China National Tea Museum
China's only national tea museum — Jiangnan (water-town region) garden by Longjing fields. Free.
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Hangzhou · Experience
Misty Longjing Tea Trails
A free, uncrowded half-day hike through Hangzhou's Jiuxi valley, Longjing tea terraces, and Shili Langdang ridge panorama.
Read the guideChoice 3
Choose one more stop, rather than every stop
Compare Leifeng Tower with Hupao Park if you have room for another visit. Use the individual guide to check access and the experience offered. Keep the plan flexible enough to shorten a walk or spend longer by the water.
Make the choices work together.
Use the individual guides for access, booking and transport details. Then decide which stops fit your available days and walking pace.
Plan a trip