40℃ Hike at West Lake: Discover 7 Epic Photo Spots at the Summit

Traveling to Hangzhou in summer, I never expected to encounter 40℃ heat 😭. Walking around West Lake was exhausting! But when I reached the mountaintop and gazed at the stunning view, it instantly felt worth it ✨ Midsummer might offer the best visibility at West Lake. Avoiding the peak heat by traveling early morning or late evening can still provide a great experience. Bryan has compiled 7 photogenic hiking spots around West Lake, each with unique scenery. Save this guide 📝 1️⃣ Precious Stone Hill (Baoshi Mountain) 📍: Fig. 1-3 Rating: ★★★★★ | Overlooks Bai Causeway and Broken Bridge, with distant city views. Stunning sunrise/sunset! Transport 🚌: Take bus to Geling, then hike the Baoshi Mountain Greenway (~15 mins). Toad Peak summit features large rocks 🪨 Ticket 🎫: Free P1: Overlooking Broken Bridge & Bai Causeway P2: Baochu Pagoda midway up 2️⃣ Fuxing Temple at Yuhuang Mountain 📍: Fig. 4 Rating: ★★★★ | Lesser-known viewpoint overlooking West Lake & Leifeng Pagoda from Jianghu Yilan Pavilion's 2nd floor Transport 🚌: Drive directly to summit or take bus to South Guanyin Cave, then hike via Old Jade Emperor Palace & Zilai Cave (60 mins) 🏆 Ticket 🎫: ¥10 3️⃣ Jiuyao Mountain 📍: Fig. 5 Rating: ★★★★ | Prince Bay's "back garden" offers panoramic West Lake views. Overlooking Yuhu Bay embodies Jiangnan charm 🍃 Transport 🚌: Enter via Prince Bay Park, navigate to Cuishi Pavilion, then hike (~30 mins) Ticket 🎫: Free 4️⃣ Jianghu Huiguan Pavilion at Wu Hill 📍: Fig. 6 Rating: ★★★ | Best angle for City God Pavilion photos Transport 🚌: Ascend from Chenghuang Archway Lane (~30 mins gentle walk) 🐾 Ticket 🎫: Free 5️⃣ Beigao Peak Wealth Temple Viewpoint 📍: Fig. 7 Rating: ★★★★ | West Lake's highest peak near Lingyin Temple. "King of mountains" view requires telephoto lens. Transport 🚌: Bus to Lingyin Temple, then cable car/hike (~30 mins). Cable cars may queue 🚡 Ticket 🎫: Free (cable car recommended for lazy hikers) 6️⃣ Zilai Cave at Yuhuang Mountain 📍: Fig. 8 Rating: ★★★ | En route to Fuxing Temple. Distant views of Bagua Farmland & Qiantang River. Hidden gem. Transport 🚌: Same as Yuhuang Mountain Fuxing Temple route 🗺 Ticket 🎫: ¥10 7️⃣ Majiawu Viewpoint 📍: Fig. 9 Rating: ★★★ | Overlooks half of Hangzhou: West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Xixi Wetland, Hangzhou Gate. Requires super-telephoto or drone. Transport 🚌: Navigate to "Majiawu Archway", hike (~40 mins) via iron staircases 🚶 Ticket 🎫: Free Recommended Hiking Routes 📍 ✅ Route 1: Lingyin Temple → Beigao Peak → West Mountain Trail → Majiawu Viewpoint → Descend → Taxi/Bus → Geling → Baoshi Mountain ✨ 4 hours | Connects 3 northern peaks ✅ Route 2: South Guanyin Cave → Old Jade Emperor Palace → Zilai Cave → Fuxing Temple → (Wild Path) → Jiuyao Mountain → Prince Bay Park ✨ 3 hours | Requires hiking experience Tips ⚠️: West Lake summers are extremely hot. Hike within your limits, avoid midday, prefer mornings/evenings, and carry sufficient water.