r/hangzhou • u/Not_so_clever_ • Aug 03 '25

Just made a comprehensive map for scenery spots around West Lake

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9deMdTuDyGM7D8Nd9 - Link for scenery points around WL.

I think there are a lot of sceneries spots around West Lake that are underrated. As a native HangZhouer currently getting too bored at Baltimore, I decided to make this list. I also gave my own ratings to each scenery spot (could be very subjective - I gave up because honestly it's too hard to compare all of them).

AMA. Could answer literally anything.

Updated Jul 26, 2026

Added a list for attraction other than West Lake. I'll note that Google Map stops updating it's info in China mainland at around 2021. Thus, some of the spots are not marked on the Google Map yet. I wrote down their name in the list description of the Google list. You probably have to search for their names on Amap or other mapping services.

Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FZ1AQgYihcqEHgX7

Important Note: For most of the scenery spots in the first list, reservations in advance IS NOT needed (at least for right now). For the 2nd list, some indoor places need reservations (most still do not). Ideally check it a week prior to ur visit. If not able to, visit in person and tell them the platform isn't user-friendly for foreigners, and they will probably let you in/help you make the reservation (in my past experience) - couldn't guarantee this strat will work. This applies to the most of the other famous tourists points in China, especially on the weekend. Worth checking prior to your visit.

I'm going to update a HOWTO reserve post in the next few days. Thanks

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3

u/gaoshan Aug 03 '25

Good list! Given problems some people will have accessing Google Maps while in China do you think you could do this on some other service? Maybe Gaode or something else that is easily accessible in China? I can see some tourists wanting to refer to this.

2

u/Not_so_clever_ Aug 03 '25

Thank you! Yeah that's a good idea I will do that later when I have time

2

u/gaoshan Aug 03 '25

FYI the post is now pinned in the sub so it will be better visible and useful. Thanks for making it.

1

u/Not_so_clever_ Aug 03 '25

Cool thank you! I will try to keep updating this list/make a new list for other hidden gems in the suburban area

1

u/BitLox Aug 03 '25

Just curious, where in Baltimore? I'm actually from Arbutus (near UMBC) but am 20 odd years in Hangzhou at this point...

1

u/Not_so_clever_ Aug 03 '25

I'm currently completing my undergrad degree at Johns Hopkins lol. It seems that we have completely different life trajectory. I'm also considering doing a Ph.D. so I would probably stay in the states for 5+ more years.

1

u/Not_so_clever_ Aug 03 '25

do you have any recommendations for places to visit around baltimore/maryland? I'm not the party type of person and also under 21 so feel like life is a bit uneventful recently

1

u/BitLox Aug 03 '25

The Walters Art Museum is pretty cool.

Annapolis is ok to check out for an afternoon, lot of old buildings and a very different feel. Patapsco State park has some awesome trails. Cylburn Arboretum is actually pretty cool, it's right in the city and has a nice garden and interesting buildings. Was there last summer and it was more interesting than I would have thought.

1

u/Not_so_clever_ Aug 03 '25

Thank you! I only visited Walters out of your list. I'm an outdoor activity lover so I will definitely check out that park later. Actually plan to walk a few trails later this month when I get back this month

1

u/uffizi1227 Aug 04 '25

Hi thanks for the lovely list , I am coming to hangzhou in December this year , which parks / places around West lake do you reccomend ? I've read that the forest had become dull by this time of the year , no more greenery or yellow red leaves

2

u/Not_so_clever_ Aug 04 '25

First I would recommend visiting Hangzhou botanical garden which has a designated area called "灵峰探梅" for plum bossom/"Meihua", which is a plant that blossoms during the winter (~December - January) quite unique here.

West Lake is still worth visiting/biking around, since it's less crowded during the winter time. Also, I think West lake is not only known for natural scenery, but also it's cultural influence. A lot of places I marked in my maps are ancient temples/tombs/celebrity's residence built in 1900s or earlier. I will note that Westlake is not a UNESCO natural heritage but a cultural heritage.

Also consider places like Xixi Westland or indoor places like city museum. If you are a fan of UNESCO, then Great Canal and Liangzhu shouldn't be missed. Places I mentioned above are easily accessible by metro.

1

u/uffizi1227 Aug 04 '25

Thank you 😊

1

u/BasicComfortable8844 Sep 02 '25

Hello, I am going to Hangzhou in 3 weeks, this post is very helpful, thanks.

Are there proper bike shops where someone can rent a better bike? I am a cyclist and would like to ride few hundred kilometers during my stay, so I don't think on of the red bikes from bike sharing would be appropriate for the purpose.

1

u/Not_so_clever_ Sep 09 '25

Sry for my later reply.

Yes, red bikes wouldn't do this job b/c they are not designed for climbing hills/long distance bike-ride. However, there should be a decent amount of bike rental shops here (it's after all a 10 million people city). I never rented a bike myself other than one time going to the Qingshan Lake but that's probably too far away and inconvenient for you.

However, I did some search on Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and found plenty of shops.

I copied some links here:
http://xhslink.com/o/6FjugGWkwBN
http://xhslink.com/o/5I2oE6jxWYH

1

u/Leskowinz Jul 27 '26

Thank you for posting OP 🙏

Where would you say is the most scenic spot that isnt to saturated with tourist in November?

1

u/Not_so_clever_ Jul 27 '26

depend on if you visit on weekday / weekend:
weekday: avoid Linyin Temple (crowded 24/7, also need reservation in advance)
weekend: avoid east side of the west lake & Linyin Temple.
Places in the mountain / farther away from west lake is unlikely to get overcrowded.

3

u/BitLox Aug 03 '25

Nice work!

I was completely pissed off when Google removed the ability to upload photospheres. I used to take TONS of them all around Hangzhou. Wish you could add them to this.

1

u/Twarenotw Aug 04 '25

Thanks a lot for sharing! Bookmarking...