West Lake
西湖
The iconic heart of Hangzhou hiking — lakeside trails, hill climbs, and pagoda viewpoints.
West Lake is the centerpiece of Hangzhou and the starting point for many of the city's best hikes. The area combines easy lakeside walks with moderate hill climbs, all within reach of public transport. Temple trails, tea fields, and panoramic viewpoints circle the lake on all sides.
Trails in This Area
Bagua Tian to Changqiao Park via Yuhuangshan
A south-to-north city traverse starting at Bagua Tian, ascending Yuhuangshan past Tianlong Temple's Song cliff carvings and Zilai Dong's cave temple to the Fuxing Temple summit, then descending through Baishé Feidu's forest boardwalk and Nanping Mountain to finish at Changqiao Park with Leifeng Pagoda sunset views over West Lake.
Baoshi Mountain West Lake View Walk
A short city-side hill walk with classic views over West Lake and Baochu Pagoda. Quick, easy, and well-connected by public transport.
Wushan to Bagua Tian via Fenghuangshan and Yuhuangshan
A city hike across three connected hills — Wushan's pavilion viewpoints, Fenghuangshan's Southern Song imperial ruins, Yuhuangshan's Taoist cave temple, and a finish at Bagua Tian. Outstanding urban-to-rural variety, over 90% tree cover, and beginner-friendly gradients.
West Lake Heart Trail
A ~20-21 km challenge loop forming a heart shape around West Lake. Climbing Baoshi Mountain, the Lingyin hills, and Jiuyao Mountain with a lake-shore return. The longest and most iconic route on the site.
West Lake Classic Loop
An ~11-12 km flat urban walking loop around West Lake, connecting the lake's most famous sights. The essential first-time visitor walk — entirely paved, no elevation gain.