Stroll through the Quyuan Fenghe and Su Causeway in Spring Dawn — Hangzhou’s West Lake has ten scenic spots you can’t explore in just two days

Text and photos byXavier Yuan Chuangzhi

No trip to Hangzhou is complete without visiting West Lake. For this three-day solo adventure, Xavier focused on the lake’s surroundings, ticking off eight of the classic Ten Scenes: Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer, Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Broken Bridge in Snow, Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow, and Orioles Singing in the Willows.

Time being limited, he’d pre-removed two scenes—Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill and Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds—from the plan (deeming them less worthwhile).Don’t underestimate those eight spots. Even starting at dawn, covering just these took nearly two days, and that was rushing.Slowing down would’ve needed even more time.

Everyone raves about West Lake’s beauty, and the Legend of the White Snake adds magic. But what’s it *really* like? Does it live up to the tales? Xavier documented his journey to share. This series kicks off with Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer and Spring Dawn at Su Causeway—both just a short stroll from his starting point, Yuewang Temple.

“Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer” was originally named “Curved Yard and Lotus Breeze.” The “Curved Yard” was a Song Dynasty imperial brewery, surrounded by lotuses. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi personally named it “Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer.” Over time, it expanded into a massive park with six zones: Zhusu Garden, Wind Garden, Curved Yard, Yuehu Lake, Dense Woods, and Guozhuang. Spanning between Beishan Street, Yanggongdi, and the northern Su Causeway, just this area can eat up half a day.

As a former brewery, it naturally has drink stalls and eateries. Beyond tourists, locals gather under trees for picnics and chats—a leisurely vibe enviable against such scenery.

Origin story & map of Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer. The park’s vastness is clear in the photo.

Xavier lacked that luxury—just a quick browse.

Here’s the famed Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer, one of the Ten Scenes.

The most photographed spot here connects directly to Yuewang Temple’s square.

Right beside the Impression West Lake stage—worth a peek if you’re visiting the temple.

The central Chinese-style building is Fuqu Shuiguan, selling souvenirs.

No lotus blooms this season, but the leaves remain.

Vibrantly green, not a wilt in sight—the sea of foliage is breathtaking.

Jade Belt Rainbow Bridge, one of the Qing Dynasty’s Eighteen West Lake Scenes, has a square pavilion linking to Su Causeway.

With lotuses in bloom, this angle makes for a lovely shot.

The stone marker for Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer within the park.

A winding bridge through the leaves leads to dining pavilions—Xavier’s favorite photo.

Captures the essence of the scene, doesn’t it?

The pavilion’s wrapped in a cocoon of lotus leaves.

Traditional pavilions adorned with leafy accents.

Leaves, willows, bridges, and water—a harmonious blend.

Enter from Beishan Street or Yanggongdi; this is the Beishan entrance.

Zhusu Garden sits right at Yuewang Temple; Beishan Street has an entry.

Starbucks signage at the entrance—note the Chinese potted plants behind.

Tourists often snap photos here.

Zhusu Garden Starbucks (Curved Yard branch)—its Chinese-architectural fusion is unique.

Many Western visitors relax on the outdoor seating by the pond.

Sipping coffee here amid the views is pure bliss—a perfect rest stop.

As stressed, Curved Yard is huge. Out-of-towners with multiple stops can’t linger long. Starting from the north bank, to soak in the classic pavilion-lotus interplay, focus on the area north of Jade Belt Bridge and the adjacent north lakeshore—no need to trek all the way to Yanggongdi’s southern stretch.

Su Causeway, as the name implies, was built by Su Shi (Su Dongpo) during his tenure as Hangzhou prefect. He planted it with a pattern of one willow and one peach tree per section, spanning nearly 3km. Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, the premier Ten Scene, shines brightest in spring daylight. The southern end also hosts Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor (another Ten Scene), covered later.

From Yuewang Temple to Su Causeway’s entrance takes minutes—starting here is super convenient. Some guides claim biking is allowed, but during peak holidays, it’s banned at the entrance, with only electric sightseeing buses permitted for lake circuits.

Pre-trip research on these buses yielded patchy info; now, firsthand experience lets Xavier clarify: though stop-on-demand, there are only four drop-offs—Yuewang Temple, Youth Palace, Yongjin Park, and Leifeng Pagoda—all near Ten Scenes.

Each ride costs 10 RMB (paid onboard), making a full loop 40 RMB. Drivers issue tickets for reference. They usually remember drop-offs but might forget in crowds—Xavier’s seen missed stops, so check the route yourself.

Buses run clockwise, but special requests may be accommodated. Note: during “rush hour,” despite frequent buses, seats are scarce (unless boarding at drop-offs). Crossing Su Causeway’s east-west banks often means walking the whole way—pace yourself if you’re not up for long hikes.

Yet most visitors, Xavier included, treated it as a hike, walking kilometers without complaint. The causeway offers dual lakeside views, the east more picturesque—early mornings teem with poetic boat traffic. For a splurge, hire a boat to tour the area.

The causeway’s paved smoothly, flanked by shaded paths and lakeside greenery.

Starting north, you’ll soon spot this eastern arched bridge—not the “Broken Bridge.”

It links to Gushan Scenic Area; the real Broken Bridge lies farther north.

Su Causeway’s east lakeside, lined with willows, is a great walking path.

Rest on the benches to admire the lake when tired.

The west lakeside’s views are subtler but boast lovely willow fluff.

Multiple arched bridges dot the causeway.

Stone marker for Spring Dawn at Su Causeway.

Xavier adores this photo—a boat gliding past in the foreground.

The hazy ambiance transforms it into a Chinese ink painting.

Who says beauty needs garish colors?

Spot several small islands in the lake.

Southern Su Causeway reveals Leifeng Pagoda—home to Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow, another Ten Scene.

Side note: introduce Hangzhou’s famed “Xinfeng Snacks.” Pre-trip buzz and local recommendations led Xavier to its breakfast spot on solo day three—to experience local life.

A chain eatery near his hotel, serving xiaolongbao, wontons, noodles, stir-fries, and sweets. Most items are dirt-cheap (some stir-fries/fish pricier), with veg options—a rarity in pricey Hangzhou (where many eats cost more than in Taiwan).

Xinfeng Snacks’ price list.

Fresh meat xiaolongbao—eight for 10 RMB (≈46 TWD).

Juicy filling, taste akin to Taiwanese versions.

By 8 a.m., the place buzzes with patrons.

Order first, then collect food at the back counter.

Article authorized by Xavier Yuan Chuangzhi
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