Explore West Lake Scenic Area for Free

Learn more at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.

For the most up-to-date details, check Zhejiang University before you go.

Start your journey at the Broken Bridge to see the classic views of the water. You can follow the West Lake free walking route to see the best landmarks. The Bai Causeway is lined with beautiful willow trees that sway gently in the breeze. It is a perfect place for a morning stroll or a romantic evening walk.

The Su Causeway is another iconic path that stretches across the middle of the lake. It features six ancient stone bridges that provide elevated views of the surrounding green mountains. Walking the entire length of this causeway takes about forty minutes at a relaxed pace. You will find many benches where you can sit and enjoy the fresh air.

Solitary Hill is a large island that you can access for free via a bridge. It offers winding paths through traditional gardens and historical monuments with no entry fees required. You can climb to the top of the hill for a great panoramic lake view. It is a wonderful place to escape the larger crowds found near the city.

The lakeside parks offer plenty of space for families to play and relax together. Many locals gather here to practice traditional arts like tai chi or calligraphy on the ground. You can watch the colorful boats drift across the water from the grassy park areas. It is the best place to experience the local culture and natural beauty combined.

• Su Causeway Walking Path
  • Type: Scenic lakeside walk
  • Best for: Panoramic views
  • Where: Central West Lake
  • Cost: Entirely free
• Solitary Hill Garden
  • Type: Historical island park
  • Best for: Quiet exploration
  • Where: Northern lake area
  • Cost: No ticket needed
• Broken Bridge Viewpoint
  • Type: Iconic stone bridge
  • Best for: Classic photos
  • Where: Near Beishan Road
  • Cost: Open to public

Hike Through Jiuxi Eighteen Gullies

Jiuxi Eighteen Gullies is a hidden natural paradise located in the western hills. This area is famous for its misty mountain views and lush green forest canopies. It is truly one of the best free nature spots in Hangzhou for hikers. You can spend a whole day here without spending a single yuan on tickets.

The main trail follows a winding stream that flows through the deep forest valley. You will need to cross the shallow stream several times using large stepping stones. This makes the hike very fun and adventurous for both adults and young children. The water is incredibly clear and stays cool even during the hot summer months.

Lush green trees provide plenty of shade throughout the entire length of the hike. This natural canopy makes it a perfect escape from the city heat in July. You can hear many different birds singing high up in the dense forest trees. The air in this valley is remarkably fresh and carries the scent of pine.

The path eventually leads hikers toward the famous and beautiful Longjing tea fields. You can see the rolling green tea bushes covering the nearby mountain slopes. This hiking guide will help you find the most scenic routes available. The entire walk usually takes about two to three hours to complete fully.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the forest paths can be quite uneven. You should bring a camera to capture the small waterfalls found along the way. There are several small tea houses where you can rest and enjoy the view. Most of these mountain trails remain free for all visitors to enjoy today.

Walk the Longjing Tea Village Trails

Longjing Village is the world-famous home of the premium Dragon Well green tea. The village is completely surrounded by vast and stunning green tea terraces on all sides. You can walk through these beautiful fields for free whenever you want to visit. It is a unique cultural and natural experience that costs absolutely nothing at all.

You should follow the tea village walking trails that lead high into the hills. From the highest points, you can see the entire village nestled in the valley. The rows of tea bushes create amazing geometric patterns across the rolling landscape. These hills are beautiful in every season but especially during the spring harvest.

You can watch the local farmers working hard in the fields every single day. They still use traditional hand-picking methods to harvest the delicate green tea leaves. Spring is the busiest and most exciting time for the local tea farmers. The wonderful smell of fresh roasting tea fills the air in the village.

Many hidden paths connect the village to the surrounding lush mountain forests. You can hike from here to other nearby scenic spots without any trouble. It is a great way to see Hangzhou on a budget during your 2026 trip. No tickets are required to access these beautiful and peaceful mountain trails.

Visit the local family tea houses to learn more about the tea making process. Some places offer free demonstrations of traditional tea roasting in large metal woks. You can buy fresh tea directly from the farmers who grew the leaves. The prices are usually much better than what you find in the city.

Discover Maojiabu and Quiet Wetlands

Maojiabu is a quiet and peaceful alternative to the busy West Lake area. It is located on the western side of the lake near the mountains. This area feels much more wild and natural than the main tourist spots. It is a perfect scenic area for finding peace and quiet today.

You will find many wooden boardwalks that wind over the beautiful wetlands here. These paths lead you through tall reeds and large floating lotus flowers. It is a great place for nature photography during the golden hour. The area is rarely crowded even during the busy holiday weekends in Hangzhou.

Turtle Creek is another beautiful and free nature spot located very nearby. It features traditional Chinese stone bridges and crystal clear water ponds. You can see many large fish swimming among the green water plants. The gardens here are well-kept and look beautiful throughout the entire year.

This area is one of the best free nature parks for families with children. Kids can run around safely in the large and open green spaces. There are many wooden benches for parents to sit and rest comfortably. It is a wonderful spot for a relaxing family picnic in nature.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit these quiet wetland areas. The flowers bloom beautifully in the early spring months of March and April. In autumn, the tree leaves turn bright shades of red and orange. Entry to both of these areas is completely free for everyone.

Best Free Sunset Spots in Hangzhou

Hangzhou offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in all of China. You do not need to pay any money to enjoy these views. Baoshi Hill is a very popular spot for watching the sun go down. It overlooks the entire West Lake area and the modern city skyline.

The climb up the hill is quite short but can be a bit steep. You can see the ancient Chuanying Pagoda standing at the very top. This is one of the top free sunset spots in the entire town. The city lights look absolutely amazing from this height after dark.

Another great spot is the modern City Balcony located in the Qianjiang area. This area shows the impressive and modern side of Hangzhou city today. You can watch the famous light show for free every evening here. The sun sets beautifully behind the tall and modern glass skyscrapers.

Beishan Road offers a very romantic lakeside sunset view for couples. You can walk under the old and tall plane trees along the water. The reflection of the sun on the lake water is truly stunning. It is a perfect way to end your day of exploring nature.

Always check the local weather forecast before you head out for the evening. Clear days provide the most colorful and bright sunsets for your photos. Most of these nature spots are very easy to reach by bus. Use public transport to save even more money on your travels.