Overview
Key takeaway
UNESCO site. Bike or walk the shoreline. Ten Scenes of West Lake scattered around. Free shoreline, boat rides ¥55.
Time & cost
Plan Half day to full day. Budget: Free. Hours: Open 24h; boats 08:00–17:00.
Best for
Best for first-time Hangzhou visitors who want a clear Half day to full day stop without guesswork.
Practical
PriceFree
DurationHalf day to full day
HoursOpen 24h; boats 08:00–17:00
Getting thereMetro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao
Tips
On site
Rent a bike (¥10/hour) for the full loop.
Timing
Dawn is magical and empty.
Also
Don't miss Su Causeway.
Timing
Leave with hours in mind (Open 24h; boats 08:00–17:00). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.
Pay
Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.
Show this
Show the Chinese name “西湖” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.
Location & how to go
West Lake, Hangzhou
MetroMetro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao
BusCity buses serve the area, but routes change. Use Amap/Baidu for the live stop and last bus near West Lake.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “西湖” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.
