Location & Accessibility

Xiang Lake Phase III might not be as famous as West Lake, but it’s Xiaoshan’s hidden gem! Tucked in the southern part of Hangzhou, this spot is easy to reach. If you’re coming from downtown Hangzhou, hop on Metro Line 1 and get off at Xiang Hu Station—the resort is just a 10-minute walk away. By car? Plug “2758 Fengqing Avenue, Xiaoshan” into Google Maps, and you’ll arrive at the entrance of Xiang Lake Phase III in no time. Bonus: It’s less crowded than West Lake, perfect for avoiding tourist traps!

Natural Scenery: A Mini-Paradise

Think lake views + mountains = bliss. Xiang Lake Phase III is all about nature. The lake here is calm and mirror-like, surrounded by rolling hills. Walk along the waterfront trails, and you’ll spot ducks swimming, willows swaying, and tiny islands dotted across the water. In spring, cherry blossoms explode in pink clouds, while autumn paints the maple trees red. For a picture-perfect moment, rent a paddle boat and drift under the bridges—trust me, it feels like a scene from a Chinese painting!

Cultural Highlights: History with a Twist

Don’t let the tranquil vibe fool you—Xiang Lake has stories! This area was once a ancient trading hub during the Tang Dynasty. Look for the rebuilt Yue Wang Temple (a nod to the legendary King Goujian of Yue) and the Old Street, where shops sell handcrafted teapots and silk scarves. My favorite? The “Lovers’ Bridge”—locals say couples who lock padlocks here stay together forever. No cheesy legends, just sweet vibes!

Getting Around: Easy Breezy

No need to stress about transportation here. The resort is pedestrian-friendly, with clear signs guiding you to spots like the Lover’s Lane or the Sunset Pavilion. Rent a bike (they have cute ones with baskets!) for ¥30/hour, or take the electric sightseeing bus if you’re feeling lazy. Pro tip: End your day at the lakeside dock—the sunset over Xiang Lake Phase III is worth every step!

Food & Drink: Taste Hangzhou

Hungry? Xiang Lake’s got you covered. Snack on scallion pancakes and dragon-shaped soy milk cakes at the street food stalls. For something fancy, head to the waterfront restaurants serving Eastern River Prawn (a local delicacy). Wash it down with Longjing tea from the nearby plantations. Fun fact: Some cafes here let you grind your own coffee beans while watching the lake. Talk about relaxation!

Family-Friendly Fun

Bringing kids? Xiang Lake Phase III isn’t just for couples. There’s a splash park for toddlers, a treetop adventure course for teens, and even a panda-themed playground (kids go nuts for the fake pandas!). Parents can chill at the lakeside pavilions while kids run wild. On weekends, they host lantern-making workshops—a fun way to learn Chinese culture without being preachy.

Romantic Gestures: Impress Your Date

Listen up, lovebirds! Xiang Lake Phase III is couple goals material. Walk hand-in-hand under the wisteria flower tunnel in spring, or rent a tandem bike for a giggle-filled ride. At night, light lanterns and set them floating on the lake—it’s cheaper than West Lake but equally magical. Pro tip: The moonbridge near the lotus pond is Instagram gold at dusk.

Stay Overnight: Cozy Options

Feeling tired? Ditch the hotel crowds! Xiang Lake Phase III has waterfront inns with floor-to-ceiling windows. Book a room with a balcony, and wake up to mist rising over the lake. Budget travelers: Try the campsite by the pine forest. Bring marshmallows—they’ve got fire pits for s’mores!

Final Tips: Be a Smart Traveler

  • Best time to visit: April to October (spring for flowers, fall for foliage).
  • Avoid weekdays: Weekends get busy, but weekdays are peaceful.
  • Freebies: Entrance is free, but some attractions (like boat rides) cost extra.
  • Etiquette: Don’t litter—this place is beloved by locals!

So, next time you’re in Hangzhou, skip the West Lake crowds and explore Xiang Lake Phase III. It’s got nature, history, and enough photo ops to fill your feed—without the selfie stick chaos. Trust me, your friends will ask, “Where’s this?!”