Trip to West Lake: A Travel Guide blog

by Emily | posted in: China | 0

Last updated on May 15th, 2026

Immersing yourself in the serene natural beauty of West Lake. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take a boat ride to fully appreciate the scenery. Must-visit place in Hangzhou.

West Lake or “Xi Hu” (Chinese: 西湖), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its tranquil waters, vibrant greenery, and historic landmarks such as Lingyin Temple and Leifeng Pagoda. As the most famous attraction in Hangzhou, the serene beauty of West Lake cannot be fully captured through words or photos.

When visiting West Lake, travelers can enjoy a variety of activities to take in the scenery. Options include leisurely boat rides, biking through the park, and strolling through picturesque gardens. Visitors can also savor Longjing tea at lakeside tea houses while indulging in local cuisine.

Here is our ultimate travel guide with a quick and easy West Lake itinerary to help you maximize your time enjoying the beautiful scenery.

West Lake Travel Guide: Pre-trip Essential

Here are some useful travel tips for planning your trip to West Lake:

How to get to West Lake: West Lake is easily accessible via public transportation, including both subway and bus options. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are also available, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion in the area. Since the scenic attractions around West Lake are relatively spread out, it is recommended to decide on your specific destination in advance.

If you choose to visit West Lake by subway, here are the closest metro stations:

Fengqi Road Station (凤起路): Lines 1 and 2; located near Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway. It’s about a 15-minute walk (750 meters) to West Lake.
Longxiangqiao Station (龙翔桥): Line 1; situated near the West Lake Musical Fountain, 2nd Park, 4th Park, and Hubin Road. A quick 5-minute walk (250 meters) takes you to West Lake.
Dingan Road Station (定安路): Line 1; close to Yongjin Park, King Qian Temple, and Orioles Singing in the Willows. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk (700 meters) to West Lake.

How Many Times for West Lake: This picturesque area is quite expansive, so exploring it typically requires at least half a day to a full day.

Getting Around: Visitors can take advantage of various modes of transportation, such as cycling, sightseeing buses, boat tours, and special bus lines for convenient transfers. For those who prefer to explore West Lake on foot, keep in mind that the area is large and can be physically demanding. Therefore, it’s recommended that visitors utilize the different transportation options available to enhance their experience and make their journey more enjoyable and relaxed.

West Lake Cruise Ticket

There are two types of island tour boat tickets available, both including a round-trip boat ride and admission to Xiaoying Island. The CNY 70 ticket grants access to a deluxe painted ship, while the CNY 55 ticket is for a simple leisure boat. There is also luxury Night Cruise at CNY 150 available for evening sunset view. Choose the one based on your liking.

Please note that the return trip will always be on a leisure boat. So, the deluxe painted boat may not offer good value for money.

West Lake Cruise Ticket:

Leisure Boat – Price for adult at CNY 55
Luxury Ship – Price for adult at CNY 70
Luxury Night Cruise – Price for adult at CNY 150
Check here for West Lake Cruise Ticket Pricing Option.

West Lake Travel Guide Tips: There are many piers along the shore of West Lake, so make sure to know your boat boarding pier and which type of boat ticket you purchased.

My Visit to West Lake

We arrived at West Lake by taking a ride-share with Didi. The driver dropped us at Hubin Road area which is closer to the Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway.

Covering 650 hectares (1,606 acres), West Lake is quite large and is crowded at almost any time. Firstly, we took a leisurely walk heading north along the lakeside trail, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, willows, and historical buildings. After that, we took a boat ride to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and returned to a different port to continue our exploration of West Lake.

West Lake is home to ten well-known classic scenes (Xihu Shijing/西湖十景). The names of these tourist sites can be challenging to remember and understand if you are not familiar with classical literature or the Chinese language. Additionally, it’s nearly impossible to visit all the attractions in one day, so it’s important to prepare in advance.

West Lake Notable Attactions

Over the course of our West Lake visit, we see several attractions.

The attraction points not to be missed in West Lake are Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔), Viewing Fish at Flower Pond (花港观鱼), Su Causeway (苏堤春晓), Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月), Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard (曲苑风荷), and Broken Bridge (断桥).

Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月) is a renowned location in West Lake. Situated in the center of the lake, it is accessible by ferry. The island was established around 1,200 years ago, and its small ponds and bridges embody the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang. This area is notable for having a lake within it, as well as another island within that lake. The presence of many trees, temples, and ancient houses enhances its charm.

Although the island is small, the views are striking, particularly the perspective of Lei Feng Pagoda from a different angle.

Closer Look on Leifeng Pagoda From West Lake

Lei Feng Pagoda (雷峰塔) – We viewed the pagoda from the lake, but you can also reach it by tram or buggy ride. The visit typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, and admission fees apply. Children aged 6 to 18 and seniors over 70 receive half-price tickets. You can climb to the top floor of the pagoda for spectacular views of West Lake.

Broken Bridge (断桥) is the most famous bridge among all the large and small, ancient and modern bridges around West Lake, due to the Legend of the White Snake. According to folklore, it is also where Xu Xian and Lady White met. You can walk along the bridge to the adjacent Bai Causeway (白堤), with willow trees lining both sides. It’s lovely to see the willows gently swaying in the evening breeze.

Lunch at Lou Wai Lou West Lake

We also had a wonderful lunch at Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼). It is a traditional Chinese restaurant that has been in operation since 1848. The restaurant is located at the Solitary Hill, along the shore. A very popular restaurant in Hangzhou.

Lou Wai Lou specializes in traditional Hangzhou cuisine and is well-known both locally and internationally. The food is exceptionally delicious but can be quite pricey.

Overall: A Visit to West Lake

All in all, West Lake is must-visit for anyone who visit Hangzhou. It isan ideal location for a leisurely walk, allowing visitors to appreciate the tranquil lake scenery. Taking a boat ride around and across West Lake was delightful, offering peaceful views and glimpses of both historic China and modern buildings in the distance. It was a very enjoyable visit, and we would have loved to extend our time there if our schedule had permitted. The area perfectly combines natural beauty with cultural richness.

Lastly, this West Lake itinerary is part of our Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.

Travelling to Chengdu, be sure to check out our travel blog below:

Traveling to Chongqing? Read for more travel stories:

Traveling to Xi’An? Read for more travel stories:

Day Trip Suzhou itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: China | 0

Last updated on May 15th, 2026

This day trip to Suzhou itinerary will guide you through its most iconic attractions, scenic spots, and hidden gems. A detail Suzhou travel guide blog.

Nicknamed the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou (Chinese: 苏州) is famous for its enchanting canals, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, and rich cultural heritage. Located just 30 minutes away by train from Shanghai, this city makes for an ideal day trip or a short getaway. It is the perfect place to experience the gentle and captivating beauty of the Jiangnan region.

During our visit to Shanghai, we took a day trip to historic Suzhou. This tranquil canal city is absolutely worth visiting if you’re in modern Shanghai. The peaceful atmosphere offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling metropolis. Strolling through the canals of Suzhou provides a completely different experience than being in Shanghai.

In this Suzhou travel guide blog, we will share the top things to do in Suzhou during your day trip, tips on how to get there, and other helpful advice to assist you in planning your Suzhou itinerary. Now, let’s head to Suzhou for your day trip!

How To Get to Suzhou From Shanghai

Suzhou does not have its own airport, so you will need to fly into one of Shanghai’s two major airports – Hongqiao or Pudong International.

After arriving in Shanghai, you can easily board a high-speed train to Suzhou from either Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station or Shanghai Railway Station. The journey to Suzhou takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the train you choose. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

For our day trip to Suzhou, we took a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. We purchased our tickets directly at the station, but you can also book them online in advance.

Once we arrived at Suzhou Railway Station, we found that public transport options, including taxis, buses, and the metro, were readily available to help us reach the city’s famous attractions. The high-speed train station is conveniently connected to the metro station, making transitions easy. We opted to use the metro to get around Suzhou, which was a straightforward way to reach the historical center.

Things to do for Day Trip Suzhou itinerary

Once you arrive in Suzhou, you’ll find that most points of interest are easily accessible via public transport, making it very convenient to explore the city. Here are some of the top activities to consider for your one-day Suzhou itinerary. Feel free to adjust your travel plans according to your interests.

Things to do for Suzhou itinerary:

Arrived Suzhou from Shanghai
Suzhou Museum
Humble Administrator’s Garden
Lunch at Shuangta Market
Pingjiang Road
Shantang Street
Guan Qian Shopping Street
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Suzhou Guanqian Street

Next, let’s start your Suzhou day trip!

Suzhou Museum

Next, we continue our Suzhou itinerary to the Suzhou Museum (蘇州博物館). It is located on the west side of the Humble Administrator’s Garden in the Pingjiang District of Suzhou city center. It is a great idea to visit both places together when planning your Suzhou itinerary.

The Suzhou Museum is a popular attraction designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei (1917-2019), who also designed the Louvre. It features a modern interpretation of traditional Suzhou architecture, incorporating classic elements like white walls and black tiles while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. Natural light is emphasized through a stone and glass roof. Opened in 2006, the entire museum resembles a small garden, with ancient buildings surrounded by small lakes and lush greenery.

Entrance to the museum is free, but you will need to make an advance reservation, typically about 7 days in advance, to secure your admission.

The museum houses various items such as pottery, jade, paintings, and calligraphy from ancient times to the present. The collection is well-presented and focuses on preserving Suzhou’s history and culture. It also encompasses artifacts ranging from the Ming Dynasty to the modern era.

Unfortunately, the quality of the exhibits leaves something to be desired. It can become very crowded, especially on weekends, making it difficult to enjoy the exhibits due to the free admission.

Still, I definitely recommend visiting the Suzhou Museum. It is worth spending some time here during your visit to Suzhou.

Getting there: The best and most affordable way to reach this location is by taking the Suzhou Subway. Ride Line 6 to the Humble Administrator’s Garden Suzhou Museum. Exit through Exit 2, and you will find yourself right in front of the Suzhou Museum.

Humble Administrator’s Garden

Located on Dong Bei Street in the ancient city of Suzhou, the Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园) is one of China’s four most famous gardens. Originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it started as a private garden for a former government servant named Wang Xianchen. With a history spanning over 500 years, the garden was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997 and recognized as a cultural relic in 1961.

Covering about 12.85 acres (52,000 square meters), it is the largest and most renowned traditional Chinese garden. Its unique designs and ethereal beauty have earned it many honors. As you navigate the seemingly endless stretches of covered walkways, you will encounter various lakes and a diverse array of flora, providing plenty of photo opportunities. A notable feature of the garden is its lotus ponds, which occupy one-fifth of the space and are the venue for the annual Lotus Blooms Festival. This festival attracts travelers from around the world.

The admission fee is CNY70 per person, while seniors over 70 years old can enter for free. Although we visited on a weekday during the off-peak season, we still encountered a noticeable crowd, mainly consisting of locals, which made enjoying a relaxing walk somewhat challenging. Please note that the garden has many steps and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. We spent about 1.5 hours exploring this beautiful site.

Shuangta Market

After the morning stroll, our next stop on the Suzhou itinerary is Shuangta Market (双塔集贸市场). This local wet market has a twenty-year history and is a popular spot where locals shop for their food in the morning.

With support from the local government, Shuangta Market has been renovated and transformed into a stylish market. It has gained popularity not only among locals but also among visitors who want to experience the local vibe.

The atmosphere is lively, filled with locals shopping for groceries, snack foods, local delicacies, and even handmade products. I love this morning market; it is very clean and organized. It’s bustling, and there’s so much to see and buy.

The eateries tend to be particularly crowded, and some popular shops require customers to queue. Unfortunately, there are limited places to sit after buying food, so many people have to stand and eat. It’s advisable to reserve a seat before purchasing anything. While the prices are slightly higher, they remain reasonable.

We enjoyed strolling through the market, soaking in the atmosphere and sampling local snacks and food. Although it’s not a touristy place, it’s a delight for the senses, especially for those who appreciate discovering the local vibe.

We sampled some local snack food at Shuangta market. After eating, we continued our exploration with a walk along Pingjiang Road, which is open until 9:30 PM and located just 100 meters across the road!

Pingjiang Road

Not far from Shuangta Market is Pingjiang Road (平江路), a must-visit destination for tourists. This historical canal-side street dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. The Pingjiang Road features well-preserved blocks of ancient buildings and historical shophouses, serving as a representation of ancient Suzhou. While some of the old Suzhou has been maintained, the area is now primarily geared towards tourists.

The street is bustling with shops and bazaars selling various items that tourists often seek. Be sure to try the local delicacies, such as skewered meat, fried cuttlefish, diced fruit, and rice crackers. We didn’t sample much because we had already enjoyed lunch at Shuangta Market.

The scenery along Pingjiang Road is charming, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences. Walking around here feels like stepping back into the daily life of people from old times. Some visitors even dress in traditional “han” costumes as they explore the area.

A pleasant stroll from one end of Pingjiang Road to the other takes about 15 minutes, and it’s a further 5-minute walk to Xiangmen subway station. Just be aware that many motorcycles pass through, so keep an eye out and move aside when you hear them honking.

Shantang Street

ShanTang Street (山塘街), also known as Seven-li Shantang (七里山塘), is a must-visit attraction on your Suzhou itinerary.

Dating back over 1,200 years, this iconic pedestrian street follows the picturesque canal that runs from the Shantang River to the famous Tiger Hill. The ancient stone bridges and red lanterns swaying above bustling tea houses, souvenir shops, and eateries give this street a unique and irresistible charm. At night, the lanterns illuminate the city, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Suzhou itinerary - Canal boat ride to experience the old Suzhou

Similar to Pingjiang Road, ShanTang Street is a perfect place to stroll and experience the old Suzhou. There are plenty of scenic views to enjoy, including tranquil rivers, ancient bridges, and narrow walkways lined with shops selling all sorts of trinkets, food, and drinks. It’s truly a unique highlight!

The street is divided into two main sections. One section is primarily commercial, catering to sightseers, shoppers, and diners. The other section retains a more traditional vibe, with local markets and family-run businesses. Nearby, you’ll find another attraction worth visiting—the Tiger Hill Pagoda, which is only about a 400-meter walk from ShanTang Street.

Getting there: ShanTang Street is easily accessible by train. Take the subway to ShanTangJie Station on the Red Line (Line 2). Exit via Exit No. 3, and you will be right next to the street.

Guan Qian Shopping Street

If you’re in the mood for some shopping during your Suzhou itinerary, consider visiting Guan Qian Shopping Street (观前街). This street is named after the nearby Xuan Miao Temple, a Daoist temple.

You can easily get there via Cha Yuan Chang station on the Blue Line (Line 4); simply take Exit 1, and you’ll find yourself looking straight down the street. We stayed in Hampton by Hilton Suzhou Guanqian Street which conveniently located close to the area, so we enjoyed walking there at night to find food.

Food hunting at Guan Qian Shopping Street

Guan Qian Shopping Street is one of the prominent shopping destinations in Suzhou. It features a mix of local shops and major international brands, along with a variety of Chinese restaurants and eateries.

While it isn’t particularly unique compared to other shopping streets in China, it’s pleasant to walk around and sample some snacks. We had dinner at a local restaurant, and the area radiates a vibrant local atmosphere, making it a great base for accommodation.

Where to Stay in Suzhou

Depending on your itinerary in Suzhou, you may either continue to your next destination at the end of the day or spend the night in the city. We recommend staying at a hotel near Guan Qian Shopping Street or Pingjiang Road area.

Here are some other accommodation options in Suzhou:

Mercure Suzhou City Center: This is a higher-end hotel option for those who want to stay conveniently in downtown Suzhou. Pingjiang Road is located just opposite the property.
ANDU Hotel: This hotel is conveniently located next to Pingjiang Road, with many attractions and dining options nearby. The hotel is clean and conveniently situated for tourists. The service is excellent, staff members are friendly and well-trained.

We stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Suzhou Guanqian Street, which is ideally located right on Guanqian Street. The hotel has been newly renovated in a modern style, and the mattresses are soft and comfortable. There are plenty of excellent restaurants within walking distance. You can make a reservation for the Hampton by Hilton Suzhou Guanqian Street here.

Overall: Day Trip to Suzhou

All in all, if you have the opportunity to visit Suzhou, I highly recommend taking it! This charming historical city is an excellent option for a day trip from Shanghai, offering a variety of unique sightseeing activities. Suzhou is home to several museums, traditional gardens, and picturesque canal streets that will keep you engaged throughout the day. Additionally, you can extend your exploration to Hangzhou and the surrounding areas for a trip lasting anywhere from two to four days.

In short, a one-day visit to Suzhou is definitely worth your time!

Lastly, this Suzhou itinerary is part of our Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.