Hangzhou to Xitang

Dragon boat on West Lake, Hangzhou

Weeping willows, flowers, distant mountains and breeze... all of these compose charming West Lake. Hangzhou is regarded as "a paradise on earth" and West Lake is its soul. March to May is the best time to visit Hangzhou. There are many buses that travel there, but they stop at different locations. Bus No. 28 goes to Lotus Pool and Huanglong Cave. Bus No.Y5 reaches Hupao Spring and Six Harmonies Pagoda and No.Y7 goes to Jing Temple and Su Causeway, etc. You can choose whatever you like. The following is a recommended itinerary.

Take the bus No. K7 and get off at Duanqiao Station. Go across the road and you will reach Bai Causeway. You will see the famous Broken Bridge. Stroll through the Bai Causeway to the south, another famous scene "Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake" is on your left. Walk forward for about 10 meters, turn right and visit Gu Hill Park and Xilingyin House. After your visit here is over, turn right and go across Xiling Bridge. At the northern end of the bridge, turn left to take a yacht at the dock of Yuefei's Tomb and go sightseeing on "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon". Disembark at another dock and view the fish at Flower Pond. Have your lunch nearby.

In the afternoon, start your journey from Su Causeway. Walk south along Su Causeway and turn west after getting to Nanshan Road. Have a visit in Taiziwan Park, which is well-known for tulips. The admission fee is CNY10. You may need to spend 2-3 hours there. After visiting Taiziwan Park, your tour around West Lake is almost over. It is also joyful to rent a bicycle. You are advised to rent it at the southern end of Su Causeway, ride forward to the west, go along the Yanggong Causeway and turn right. Ride back to Su Causeway at last. The price is CNY10 per hour and you are required to put down a deposit of CNY300 which will be refunded on return of the vehicle. Take bus No.Y6 and get off at Gaoyin Street. It is advised to stroll on the Wushan Square and Qinghefang Pedestrian Street. The latter one is a perfect place to purchase some souvenirs. Climb up the City God Pavilion to have a bird's view of the night scene of West Lake. The entrance fee is CNY30.

Xitang Water Town, Hangzhou

Take a morning train from Hangzhou to Jiashan first. It takes you about 1.5 hours. Then take an express bus at the bus station of Jiashan. It costs CNY4 and takes you about 20 minutes to get to Xitang. The bus starts off every 5 minutes. Upon arrival, take your time at this ancient water town. The tour ticket is CNY100. Xitang is different from other ancient towns, which is known for the bridges, lanes and canopies along the corridor. The Misty Drizzle Corridor is a must. Also you cannot miss the Xitang of the night. Leisurely cruising in the boat, you can watch myriads of lights along the stream and nostalgia. The boat sails every half hour from 18:00 to 20:00 and the ticket costs CNY20. Stay overnight in this old town to experience the local people's life.

Keep wandering in the town. Go back to Hangzhou.

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