West Lake West Shore Hidden Trail
Taiziwan Park (Crown Prince Bay Park), North Gate 太子湾公园（北门） → Upper Maojiabu 上茅家埠
Plan Your Route
Quick Facts
| Start | Taiziwan Park (Crown Prince Bay Park), North Gate 太子湾公园（北门） |
| Finish | Upper Maojiabu 上茅家埠 |
| Area | West Lake |
| Best season | Autumn (September–November) for clear skies and quiet paths, and spring (March–May) for Taiziwan's tulips and cherry blossoms — arrive before 08:00–09:00 to beat the crowds. Summer works if you start early; the metasequoia wetlands stay shaded, but mosquitoes are active. Winter is very quiet with bare-tree reflections. |
| Transport | Bus / metro / taxi. Line 4 to Shuichengqiao then bus 139 or taxi; bus 4/31/87 to Sudi; return via bus 103 or 1314 from Upper Maojiabu. |
| Crowd level | Low to moderate. Taiziwan Park is the busiest point — crowded during tulip season (late March–April) and on sunny weekends. Yuhu Bay and Wugui Tan are quiet on weekdays. Maojiabu's boardwalks see moderate foot traffic on fine weekends. Upper Maojiabu is a working village with little tourist traffic. |
Route Summary
The West Lake West Shore Hidden Trail is the quiet side of Hangzhou’s most famous lake — a flat, one-way walk along the western shore that most visitors never discover. It begins at Taiziwan Park, crosses into the intimate bay of Yuhu Bay with its covered Jihong Bridge, pays respects at the Ming-dynasty Yu Qian Shrine, threads through the metasequoia-fringed Wugui Tan, and finishes among the reed-boardwalk wetlands of Maojiabu — the historic landing point of the Upper Incense Route — before stepping into the tea-village lanes of Upper Maojiabu. Every point of interest on the route is free to enter.
The walk covers roughly 5–6 km with negligible elevation gain, taking most walkers 3–4 hours at a leisurely pace including stops. The route is shaded for most of its length, paved or boarded throughout, and deliberately far from the crowds that pack the eastern lakefront — the only genuinely busy moment is the start, when Taiziwan Park fills up during tulip season. Along the way, the optional boat add-ons (hand-rowed or sculled) and the West Lake circular water bus offer a different view of the same water.
Route details on this page are compiled from municipal tourism sources, Trip.com trip notes, Baidu Baike, and local reports, with field checks planned to confirm the total distance, gate-direction rules outside tulip season, water-bus schedule, and current boat pricing. Distances and times marked estimated should be treated as planning figures until field-verified.
Step-by-Step Route
Route notes are based on local knowledge and will be refined with field checks. Approximate times assume a relaxed pace with short photo stops.
Taiziwan Park — The Busy Start
~30–40 min including the walk-outEnter Taiziwan Park (太子湾公园) at the North Gate on Nanshan Road — the park is free and open all day. Follow the paved paths west through the park's lawns and stream; the Dutch windmill and the tulip beds (late March–April) are the landmarks to look for. The park is the busiest point on the route, so arrive before 08:00–09:00 on spring weekends. Leave via the WEST GATE (西门), which opens directly onto the Yuhu Bay lakeside path — ignore any social-media claims of a long detour along Santai Mountain Road; the gate-to-gate transfer is short.
Photo suggestion: The stream and Dutch windmill on Taiziwan's main lawn — a green, open start before the route turns intimate.
Yuhu Bay and Jihong Bridge — The Mirror Reflection
~30–40 minFrom Taiziwan's West Gate, step onto the Yuhu Bay (浴鹄湾) lakeside path and walk north. The bay is framed by white-walled traditional buildings: you pass Wuzhuangyuan Archway (武状元坊), Huangmie Lou (黄篾楼) teahouse, Xuefang Boathouse (雪舫), and Zijiu Cottage (子久草堂). The signature stop is Jihong Bridge (霁虹桥), a covered corridor bridge roughly 100 metres long spanning the bay. On calm mornings the bridge and its reflection form the classic 'mirror' shot — the single most photographed view on this route. Continue north along the path toward Santai Mountain Road.
Photo suggestion: Jihong Bridge's symmetrical reflection in still water — best before 09:00 on a calm morning.
Yu Qian Shrine — A Ming Hero's Memorial
~20 min walk + 15–20 min visitAt Santai Mountain Road 161 (三台山路161号), the Yu Qian Shrine (于谦祠) complex honours Yu Qian (1398–1457), the Ming-dynasty official who defended Beijing during the Tumu Crisis. The shrine and tomb are free. Per Baidu Baike (since 2023-07-31): closed Tuesdays; open 08:30–16:30 other days, last entry 16:00. It is a quiet, contemplative stop — expect few other visitors.
Photo suggestion: The white-walled Ming-style shrine gate at Yu Qian Shrine — quiet architecture, rarely crowded.
Wugui Tan — Metasequoias and Boardwalks
~30–40 minContinue north on the lakeside path (~1.2 km) to Wugui Tan (乌龟潭 / Turtle Pond), a horseshoe-shaped pond ringed by tall metasequoia trees. Wooden boardwalks cross the water past Sanxian Pavilion (三贤亭), the Yongquan spring (涌泉), and a thatched pavilion. Mandarin ducks drift among the lily pads — the lilies open roughly 10:00–16:00. Hand-rowed boat boarding is available nearby if you want to continue on the water.
Photo suggestion: The wooden boardwalk threading between metasequoia trunks — the route's wild, green heart.
Maojiabu Wetland — The Upper Incense Route
~40–50 minFrom Wugui Tan, take the wetland path north (~1.5 km) to Maojiabu (茅家埠). This is the historical origin of the Upper Incense Route (上香古道): Song-dynasty pilgrims landed here by boat and walked inland to the Tianzhu temples. The wetland holds Tongli Ancient Bridge (通利古桥), a single-arch stone bridge from the Yongzheng era, plus Daishe Cantian Pavilion (黛色参天亭), Fanggui Pavilion (芳桂亭), the Yijing Fangxiang corridor (一镜芳香长廊), and Du Jinsheng's Former Residence (都锦生故居), which tells the area's silk-weaving story. Wooden boardwalks weave through reed beds where herons, night herons, and egrets gather — one of West Lake's largest waterfowl populations. The Maoxiangshuiqing Pier (茅乡水情码头), by the former residence, is the main boarding point for boats and the water bus.
Photo suggestion: Tongli Ancient Bridge rising from the reeds — a Yongzheng-era stone arch in the middle of the wetland.
Upper Maojiabu — The Tea-Village Finish
~10–15 minMaojiabu's wetland gives way almost seamlessly to Upper Maojiabu (上茅家埠), a working tea village on Longjing Road (龙井路). Stone-paved lanes wind past an old well, tea terraces, and farmhouse restaurants (农家乐) such as Charencun (茶人村) and Nongtangli (弄堂里) — a natural lunch stop. Finish at the 'Upper Maojiabu' bus stop (上茅家埠站) for routes 103 and 1314, or take a taxi back to the city centre (~15–20 RMB).
Photo suggestion: Stone-paved tea-village lanes and tea terraces at Upper Maojiabu — the quiet, food-rich finish.
Getting There & Back
By metro to start
BestTake Metro Line 4 to Shuichengqiao Station (水澄桥站), Exit B. Board bus 139 toward the lake, or take a taxi (~10 minutes) to the Taiziwan North Gate. Alternatively, Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao (龙翔桥站) then bus 4 toward Sudi.
By bus to start
Bus 4, 31, or 87 to the Sudi (苏堤) stop, then a ~5-minute walk south to the Taiziwan North Gate. During tulip season, seasonal shuttle lines also run from Metro Line 5's Houchao Gate Station (候潮门站).
By taxi to start
Navigate to 太子湾公园北门 (Taiziwan Park North Gate) on AMap. The North Gate is on Nanshan Road (南山路). From central Hangzhou, expect roughly 15–25 RMB.
Return from finish
From Upper Maojiabu (上茅家埠), take bus 103 or 1314 from the 'Upper Maojiabu' stop (上茅家埠站), near the Longjing Road / Jiqingshan tunnel junction. A taxi back to the city centre costs roughly 15–20 RMB. The West Lake circular water bus also stops at Maoxiangshuiqing Pier (茅乡水情码头) near Maojiabu (~6–8 RMB per stop, roughly 08:30–15:30).
Return from finish
ReturnFrom Upper Maojiabu (上茅家埠), take bus 103 or 1314 from the 'Upper Maojiabu' stop (上茅家埠站), near the Longjing Road / Jiqingshan tunnel junction. A taxi back to the city centre costs roughly 15–20 RMB. The West Lake circular water bus also stops at Maoxiangshuiqing Pier (茅乡水情码头) near Maojiabu (~6–8 RMB per stop, roughly 08:30–15:30).
Practical Notes
Footwear
The route is flat and paved or boarded — comfortable walking shoes are enough. Boardwalks and stone bridges can be slippery after rain.
Start early
Taiziwan is the only crowded point on the route. Arrive before 08:00–09:00 — especially during tulip season (late March–April) — to enjoy the park and catch calm water at Jihong Bridge.
Water and food
Carry at least 500 ml–1 L of water. Vendors exist at Taiziwan, Huangmie Lou teahouse at Yuhu Bay, and restaurants at Upper Maojiabu — but the mid-section (Yuhu Bay to Maojiabu) has no reliable food vendors.
Mosquito repellent
The wetland sections (Yuhu Bay, Wugui Tan, Maojiabu) sit in standing water with dense vegetation. Repellent is essential, especially at dawn and dusk from spring to autumn.
Sun protection
Much of the route is shaded, but the Santai Mountain Road approaches and open lawns at Taiziwan are exposed. Wear a hat and sunscreen on clear days.
Strollers and wheelchairs
Paved sections (Taiziwan, Santai Mountain Road, Longjing Road) are stroller-friendly, but the wooden boardwalks at Wugui Tan and Maojiabu have steps and narrow sections — not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs.
Water lilies
At Wugui Tan, the water lilies open roughly 10:00–16:00 — plan to pass through at midday if they are your target.
Boats and water bus
Hand-rowed boats (手摇船) cost ~150 RMB/hour (4–6 passengers); sculled boats (摇橹船) ~180 RMB/hour (up to 11 passengers). Boarding points include Maoxiangshuiqing Pier (by Du Jinsheng's Former Residence), Huagang Guanyu Pier, and Yu Qian Shrine Pier. The route passes under Jingshi Bridge (景行桥) and Junyuan Bridge (浚源桥). Use only uniformed, official boatmen — not roadside solicitors. The West Lake circular water bus (环湖公交船) runs roughly 08:30–15:30 every ~30 minutes at ~6–8 RMB per stop, boarding at Maoxiangshuiqing Pier near Maojiabu — a scenic low-cost return option.
Yu Qian Shrine closures
The shrine is closed Tuesdays and from 16:30 (last entry 16:00). The tomb grounds remain open-air and accessible outside those hours.
Safety Notes
- This is a flat, fully paved or boarded urban walk with negligible elevation gain — suitable for all fitness levels.
- Boardwalks, stone bridges, and the Jihong Bridge corridor can be slippery after rain — take care, especially with children.
- Short roadside sections along Santai Mountain Road and Longjing Road have no separated pedestrian path — walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Mosquitoes are numerous in the wetland sections — repellent is strongly advised from spring to autumn.
- Mobile phone signal is reliable throughout (urban park within the city).
- Use only official, uniformed boatmen for the optional boat add-ons; ignore roadside solicitors.
- The route is entirely free; no tickets or reservations are required at any stop.
Best Time to Go
Spring
RecommendedTulip season at Taiziwan (late March–April) draws large crowds — arrive before 08:00–09:00. Cherry blossoms follow in early April. Yuhu Bay and Wugui Tan stay quiet by comparison, and fresh metasequoia green makes the wetlands glow.
Summer
Hot and humid, but the metasequoia wetlands are noticeably cooler than the open lakefront. Start before 09:00, carry water, and use mosquito repellent. Water lilies at Wugui Tan are open roughly 10:00–16:00.
Autumn
RecommendedThe best season: clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and golden reed beds at Maojiabu. The metasequoias turn russet in November. Fewer visitors than spring — the route is almost empty on weekdays.
Winter
Very quiet and brisk. Bare metasequoias create moody reflections at Wugui Tan, and the boardwalks feel wild. Dress warmly near the water. Tea houses at Upper Maojiabu are a good warming stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to common planning questions about transport, Chinese place names, timing, and safety for this route.
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How does this compare to the Lixihu Hidden Gem Loop?
Both routes cover Yuhu Bay → Wugui Tan → Maojiabu, but the Lixihu Hidden Gem Loop is a longer ~8.5 km loop that continues north through Guo Villa and Quyuan Fenghe back to Huagang GuanYu. This West Shore Hidden Trail is a shorter ~5–6 km one-way walk that starts at Taiziwan, includes Yu Qian Shrine, and finishes at the Upper Maojiabu tea village — a natural lunch stop. Choose this one for a half-day; choose the Lixihu loop for a full circuit. -
How does this differ from the South West Lake Cultural & Shaded Loop?
The South West Lake loop (~4.5 km, Taiziwan → Yugu Bay → Huiyin Gaoli Temple → Yu Qian's Tomb → Wugui Tan) is the southern, temple-heavy segment and stays close to Santai Mountain Road. This route continues north past the shrine into Wugui Tan, Maojiabu's reed wetlands, and ends at the Upper Maojiabu tea village — it is the western-shore extension rather than the southern cultural loop. -
What are the boat options and prices?
See the Practical Notes section for full boat details — hand-rowed boats (手摇船) are ~150 RMB/hour (4–6 people) and sculled boats (摇橹船) ~180 RMB/hour (up to 11), boarding at Maoxiangshuiqing, Huagang Guanyu, and Yu Qian Shrine piers. Use only uniformed, official boatmen. -
What is the water-bus schedule?
Covered in Practical Notes: the West Lake circular water bus runs roughly 08:30–15:30 every ~30 minutes at ~6–8 RMB per stop from Maoxiangshuiqing Pier near Maojiabu. Confirm the day's schedule on site. -
When is the best time to go?
Early morning (before 09:00) for calm water at Jihong Bridge and quiet boardwalks; autumn weekday mornings are ideal. In tulip season, arrive before 08:00–09:00 to beat the Taiziwan crowds. For the water lilies at Wugui Tan, pass through around 10:00–16:00. -
Is it stroller-friendly?
Partly — see the Practical Notes (Strollers and wheelchairs) for the full breakdown. In short: paved sections (Taiziwan, Santai Mountain Road, Longjing Road) are fine, but the Wugui Tan and Maojiabu boardwalks have steps and narrow sections, so plan to carry or bypass. -
How crowded is the route?
Much quieter than the eastern lakefront. Taiziwan is the only busy point (especially tulip season weekends). Yuhu Bay and Wugui Tan are quiet on weekdays; Maojiabu's boardwalks are moderate on fine weekends; Upper Maojiabu sees little tourist traffic. -
How do I get back from Upper Maojiabu?
See the Transport section (Return from finish) for full details — in brief: bus 103 or 1314 from the 'Upper Maojiabu' stop (上茅家埠站), a taxi ~15–20 RMB to the city centre, or the water bus from Maoxiangshuiqing Pier. -
Can I cycle this route?
Not the wetland core. The paved sections (Santai Mountain Road, Longjing Road) are cyclable, but Taiziwan Park, the Yuhu Bay path, and the Maojiabu/Wugui Tan boardwalks are pedestrian-only. For a bike ride, stick to the roads and walk the boardwalks.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.
Lixihu Hidden Gem Loop
The full inner West Lake circuit — ~8.5 km loop from Huagang GuanYu through Yuhu Bay, Maojiabu, Guo Villa, and Quyuan Fenghe. A longer alternative that continues north past this route's finish.
South West Lake Cultural & Shaded Loop
The southern segment — ~4.5 km from Taiziwan to Wugui Tan via Huiyin Gaoli Temple and Yu Qian's Tomb. Nearly continuous tree canopy; the coolest urban walk in summer.
West Lake Classic Loop
The full-lake sightseeing walk — an ~11–12 km flat loop around the entire lake. A longer, more crowded alternative that includes the busy eastern shore.