Xianghu Lake - Image 1
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Xianghu Lake

4.7
·19 reviews·Hangzhou, China

A tranquil, expansive lake park cherished by locals, offering serene walks, panoramic views, and a peaceful escape from city bustle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Xianghu Lake - Image 1

Xianghu Lake

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil, expansive lake park cherished by locals, offering serene walks, panoramic views, and a peaceful escape from city bustle.

4.7
(19 reviews)

"Less crowded and more convenient than West Lake, a favorite park for local people."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike Your Way Around

Rent a bicycle to easily navigate the large park and enjoy the scenic routes.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so pack comfy shoes for your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Climb to the viewpoints

Ascend to elevated spots for breathtaking, sweeping vistas of the surrounding city and the tranquil lake.

Lakeside Serenity

Lakeside Serenity

Along the lake shore

Enjoy peaceful walks and the open, quiet expanse of this beautiful, expansive lake, a favorite among residents.

Green Spaces and Gardens

Green Spaces and Gardens

Throughout the park

Wander through well-maintained gardens and enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic spot, perfect for relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Xianghu Lake is a beloved spot for locals, offering a more tranquil experience than its famous neighbor, West Lake. Skip the car and rent a bike to explore its expansive grounds and scenic paths.

Prepare for Exploration

With ample walking areas and opportunities for climbing to scenic viewpoints, comfortable shoes are a must. The area is undergoing some construction, but the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air make it a worthwhile visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, pleasant temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who’s coming with me? 🙋🏻‍♀️ #luyanghu #渌洋湖 #渌洋湖湿地公园 #jiangsu #江苏 #yangzhou #扬州 #chinatravel #chinatrip #chinesewithmia #mia_yilin #fyp #trending #tiktokpartner #aesthetic #travelphotography #travelblogger #chinese #worldofmyl #china #chineseculture #lake #beautifullake #nature #naturephotography
@chinesewithmia
17.9K likes • 457.3K views

🚲 Bike Your Way Around

Rent a bicycle to easily navigate the large park and enjoy the scenic routes. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so pack comfy shoes for your visit. Reddit

reddit.com

West Lake in Hangzhou City, China

reddit.com

Who knows the travel plan of Hangzhou?

🏕️ Picnic & Relax

Bring a tent and enjoy camping or a picnic in the open, fresh air. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The lake and surrounding landscapes offer stunning photo opportunities, especially from higher vantage points. TikTok

reddit.com

any tips for hangzhou?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike Your Way Around

Rent a bicycle to easily navigate the large park and enjoy the scenic routes. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so pack comfy shoes for your visit. Reddit

🏕️ Picnic & Relax

Bring a tent and enjoy camping or a picnic in the open, fresh air. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The lake and surrounding landscapes offer stunning photo opportunities, especially from higher vantage points. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Xianghu Lake is praised as a peaceful, less crowded alternative to West Lake, offering beautiful scenery and ample space for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors appreciate its local charm, well-equipped facilities, and opportunities for biking and picnicking. Some minor construction may be present, but it doesn't detract significantly from the overall tranquil experience.

"It is not as famous as west lake, but a more favorite park for local people. It is less crowded, and more convenient, strongly recommended"

John P

"Nice large lake andante walks and gardens. Construction almost finished.."

Killian McGarry

"Tourism and lots of walking areas"

abdul rauf

What People Like

Peaceful and less crowded
Beautiful lake and gardens
Great for biking and picnics

What People Dislike

Ongoing construction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Xianghu Lake is located in the Xiaoshan District. While public transport is available, many visitors recommend renting a bicycle to explore the park once you arrive. Consider using ride-sharing services or local buses to reach the vicinity of the lake. Reddit

Reddit users suggest that renting a bicycle is a great way to get around the park itself, often better than dealing with car rentals or parking. Public transport can get you to the area, but biking offers the most flexibility within Xianghu Lake. Reddit

Once you're at Xianghu Lake, renting a bicycle is highly recommended for exploring its vast area and scenic paths. This allows you to cover more ground and enjoy the natural beauty at your own pace. Reddit

While specific routes can change, local buses do service the Xiaoshan District where Xianghu Lake is located. It's advisable to check real-time public transport apps for the most current routes and schedules. Reddit

Parking is generally available, but given the park's size and the recommendation to bike, it might be more convenient to rely on public transport and then rent a bike. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Xianghu Lake is often described as a park favored by locals and is generally accessible without an entrance fee, making it a great budget-friendly option. Reddit

As a public park, Xianghu Lake is typically open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty throughout the day. Reddit

Since it's a public park, there are usually no specific ticket prices or passes required for general entry. Enjoy the natural scenery freely! Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely outdoor meals. Reddit

While entry to the park is free, there will be a rental fee for bicycles. This is a common practice in many scenic areas to facilitate exploration. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Xianghu Lake offers beautiful lakeside walks, gardens, and opportunities to climb for panoramic city views. It's a peaceful escape with ample space for relaxation and outdoor activities. Reddit

Absolutely! The open spaces, walking paths, and natural scenery make it a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

Yes, the scenic area is equipped with complete and comfortable toilet facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors. Reddit

The park is a great spot for setting up tents and camping, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Reddit

Compared to West Lake, Xianghu Lake is significantly less crowded, offering a more peaceful and local experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic viewpoints offer stunning cityscapes, while the lakeside paths and gardens provide beautiful natural scenery. The tranquil water reflections are also a photographer's delight. TikTok

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing the serene atmosphere. Early mornings can also provide soft, diffused light and fewer people. TikTok

While there might not be single iconic landmarks like in some other attractions, the expansive lake, the surrounding mountains, and the well-designed gardens offer diverse photographic opportunities. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the park to avoid any issues. Reddit

Xianghu Lake is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots, and capturing peaceful, serene moments. It's also great for lifestyle and travel photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Xianghu Lake is an excellent destination for families. The park's expansive, open spaces are perfect for children to run around and play freely. The well-maintained walking paths are safe and easy to navigate, making it ideal for strollers. Reddit

Families can enjoy picnics, set up tents for a relaxed afternoon, and explore the gardens. The peaceful environment offers a welcome break from more crowded attractions, allowing everyone to enjoy nature and fresh air. The availability of complete toilet facilities also adds to the convenience for families. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Xianghu Lake is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers. As a public park, entry is typically free, allowing you to enjoy its natural beauty without any admission fees. Reddit

While there's a small cost for bicycle rentals, it's an affordable way to explore the vast area. Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic further reduces expenses, making it a highly economical yet rewarding experience. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Xianghu Lake offers diverse and beautiful scenes. The panoramic views from elevated spots are a major draw, providing stunning backdrops of the city and lake. TikTok

Capture the serene lakeside, lush gardens, and the interplay of light during sunrise and sunset. The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal location for landscape, nature, and lifestyle photography. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Xianghu Lake by Bicycle

Xianghu Lake is a sprawling natural park, and the best way to experience its vastness and beauty is by bicycle. Many visitors, including those on Reddit, highly recommend this mode of transport. Renting a bike allows you to easily cover the extensive walking areas and scenic routes at your own pace, making it far more convenient than relying solely on walking or public transport within the park. Reddit

Several bike rental stations are available, making it easy to pick up a bike upon arrival. The flat, well-maintained paths are perfect for leisurely rides, offering constant picturesque views of the lake and surrounding greenery. It's an activity that truly enhances the tranquil and open atmosphere of Xianghu Lake, allowing you to discover hidden corners and enjoy the fresh air. TikTok

Remember to check if a bicycle rental card system is in place, as suggested by some travelers, which can streamline the rental process and potentially offer access to bikes at various stations around the city, not just at the lake. Reddit

A Local's Perspective: Why Xianghu Lake is a Gem

Unlike the more internationally renowned West Lake, Xianghu Lake is a cherished retreat for Hangzhou locals. This translates to a more authentic and less crowded experience for visitors. Reviews consistently highlight its peaceful ambiance and the sense of local charm that permeates the park. Reddit

This local favoritism means you're more likely to encounter residents enjoying a quiet stroll, picnicking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. The infrastructure, including well-maintained toilets, is noted as being very comfortable, reflecting the care locals have for their recreational spaces. Reddit

For travelers seeking a respite from bustling tourist crowds and a glimpse into the everyday life of Hangzhou residents, Xianghu Lake offers an unparalleled opportunity. It's a place to breathe deeply, relax, and appreciate the natural landscape without the usual tourist hustle. Reddit

Photography Opportunities at Xianghu Lake

Xianghu Lake presents a wealth of photographic opportunities, from sweeping natural landscapes to serene waterscapes. The park's design encourages exploration, with numerous vantage points offering unique perspectives. Climbing to higher ground provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline juxtaposed against the tranquil lake, a scene frequently captured by visitors and shared on platforms like TikTok. TikTok

The best times for photography are often during the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon. The soft, warm light during these periods enhances the natural beauty of the lake, gardens, and surrounding hills, creating a magical atmosphere. The calm waters often provide stunning reflections, adding another layer of visual interest to your shots. TikTok

Beyond the grand vistas, the meticulously maintained gardens and lakeside paths offer opportunities for more intimate nature photography. Whether you're capturing the delicate details of flora or the expansive beauty of the lake, Xianghu Lake is a photographer's delight, offering a peaceful backdrop for both amateur and professional shoots. TikTok

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