Location & How to Get There
Xijia Ting (Xijia Pavilion) sits on Su Causeway, a scenic 3km-long road stretching across West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The pavilion’s address is Longjing Road 1, Xihu District, right next to the iconic Broken Bridge and Flower Harbor Park. To reach it, take Metro Line 1 to Fengqi Road Station, then transfer to buses 7 or Y2—tell the driver “Su Causeway” and hop off. If you’d rather cycle, rent a bike near Leifeng Tower and pedal along the lakeshore; the pavilion is about halfway up Su Causeway.
Natural Scenery: A Year-Round Postcard
Xijia Ting is all about sunset views—its name literally means “Enjoy the Evening View.” Imagine standing in a traditional wooden pavilion, watching the sun dip behind the hills, painting the lake in orange and pink. In spring, cherry blossoms and willows frame the pavilion, while summer brings lotus flowers floating on the water. Autumn turns the surrounding hills red and gold, and winter dusts the causeway with snow. For the best light, visit an hour before sunset—you’ll see why locals call this spot “West Lake’s hidden gem.”
Culture & History: More Than Just a Pavilion
Su Causeway itself is a masterpiece of Song Dynasty engineering, built by poet-governor Su Shi (a.k.a. Su Dongpo) to train locals and control flooding. Xijia Ting was added later, becoming a favorite haunt for ancient scholars who wrote poems here. Today, it’s a Instagram hotspot—pose by the pavilion’s carved wooden railings, or snap a shot of the Six Harmonies Pagoda peeking through the trees. Nearby, check out the Legend of the White Snake statues at Broken Bridge, a tragic love story etched in Chinese culture.
Practical Tips: What to Bring
The pavilion has basic seating, but bring a picnic blanket for a lakeside snack. There’s a small kiosk nearby selling tea and snacks, plus clean restrooms. For dinner, walk 10 minutes to Hangzhou Restaurant (try the West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy!). Pro tip: Rent a blue bike early morning—Su Causeway gets crowded, but biking at dawn is magical. Wear comfy shoes, though—the causeway is long, and you’ll want to explore nearby spots like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
Why You’ll Love It
Xijia Ting isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s a timeless escape. Whether you’re here for sunset, spring blooms, or a quiet moment by the water, it’s the perfect mix of nature and culture. Pair it with a boat ride to Three Small Islands or a stroll to Lingyin Temple for a full West Lake adventure. Trust me, this spot will make your Instagram followers ask, “Where is this paradise?”
(Key words: Xijia Ting, Su Causeway, West Lake, sunset, Su Shi, Broken Bridge, Lotus, Cultural heritage, Biking, Photo spot)
