West Lake (Xi Hu) is China's most celebrated urban lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired poets and painters for over a thousand years. The cycling loop follows the lake's perimeter path and its famous causeways — the Su Causeway (苏堤) and the Bai Causeway (白堤) — passing willow-shaded embankments, stone bridges, historic pagodas, lotus gardens, and traditional teahouses. The full loop is about 15km and takes 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace with stops. The route is almost entirely flat, on dedicated lakeside paths shared with pedestrians. Beyond the lake, the route extends into the tea-growing hills of Longjing Village, where you can cycle through terraced tea plantations and sample freshly brewed Dragon Well tea.
Easy. The entire route is flat on paved lakeside paths. No significant elevation. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The main consideration is pedestrian traffic on weekends and holidays, when the paths can be crowded. Weekday mornings are the quietest time. Electric bikes are available for those who prefer less pedaling.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Public bike share: Hangzhou's 'Hello Bike' (哈啰出行) system has stations all around the lake. Download the Alipay mini-program or the Hello Bike app, scan the QR code on any bike, and ride. ¥1-2 per 30 minutes. Deposit: ¥200 (refundable). Private rentals: Numerous shops near Hubin Road and Beishan Road offer mountain and city bikes from ¥20-30/day. Electric bikes: ¥50-80/day. Passport required for private rentals. Bike rentals near the lake are straightforward and well-organized — no advance booking needed.
Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) — direct flights from most major international hubs in Asia. Airport shuttle bus to city center: ¥20, 45 min. High-speed rail from Shanghai (1h, ¥73), Beijing (5h, ¥553), Guangzhou (7h, ¥688). Metro: Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station (龙翔桥站) — 5-minute walk to the east shore of West Lake. Hangzhou has excellent public transport; the Metro connects the airport, train stations, and West Lake area.
Start at Hubin Road (湖滨路) on the east shore. Cycle clockwise: East shore → Su Causeway (苏堤, crosses the lake north-south) → West shore → Beishan Road → Bai Causeway (白堤) → Broken Bridge (断桥) → back to Hubin. Full loop: ~15km, 2-3 hours. Extension: From the west shore, take Longjing Road up into the tea hills to Longjing Village (龙井村) — add 8km round trip, gentle climb, stunning tea terrace views. Stop for tea tasting at a village farmhouse (¥50-100 including tea and snacks). Best direction: counter-clockwise starting from Broken Bridge in the morning for the best light.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted everywhere — this is Hangzhou, the home of Alibaba. The Hello Bike public system works entirely through Alipay. All teahouses, restaurants, and shops accept mobile payment. Cash is accepted but rarely needed. International credit cards: not accepted at local shops, but some higher-end hotels and restaurants near the lake may accept them. No need to carry much cash — this is China's most cashless city.
Hangzhou is a major international city — English is more widely spoken here than in most Chinese cities. West Lake is a top tourist destination, so signage has English translations. Hotel staff, restaurant staff, and bike rental shops generally speak basic English. Useful phrases: 西湖 (xī hú) = West Lake; 苏堤 (sū dī) = Su Causeway; 龙井茶 (lóng jǐng chá) = Dragon Well tea; 断桥 (duàn qiáo) = Broken Bridge; 哈啰单车 (hā luō dān chē) = Hello Bike.
Excellent 4G/5G signal throughout the entire route. Free public WiFi ('i-Hangzhou') is available in many lakeside areas. All cafes, restaurants, and teahouses have WiFi. Hangzhou has some of the best connectivity in China — you'll have signal everywhere, including in the Longjing tea hills. Google Maps works well for navigation around the lake.
Hangzhou First People's Hospital (杭州市第一人民医院): 0571-87065701. Zhejiang University Hospital: 0571-87236114. Ambulance: 120. The West Lake scenic area has tourist information centers at major entrances (Hubin, Yue Fei Temple, Su Causeway) with English-speaking staff. Police patrols are frequent around the lake. Lost something? Check the West Lake Tourist Service Center near Hubin.
Based on 534 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026