In Hangzhou's summer with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, "Hangzhou's epic morning glow" has gone viral. At the Olympic Sports Center, along the Qiantang River, and West Lake, citizens and netizens have captured this magnificent scene, experiencing the most precious moments of the day.
Beyond this, Hangzhou offers many types of "morning" immersive CityWalks.
Vibrant Morning Markets
When dawn breaks, Da Ma Nong, this alley less than 240 meters long, is already bustling. Lotus flowers for eight yuan a bunch, pan-fried buns for one yuan each, freshly picked water chestnuts, and lotus roots still carrying moist soil—people sit by the roadside eating breakfast and strolling through the old town...
Heading north, Ma Cheng Road is also full of everyday life. This old street, once known as "Hangzhou's coolest road," now presents itself with a new look as "Vibrant Ma Cheng." Recently, more check-in spots have been added along Ma Cheng Road, with over ten newly completed hand-painted walls recreating the changes of this back alley's neighborhood life.
Morning Boat Rides
As the morning light brightens, boats are already leisurely wandering in the center of West Lake, with the water surface sparkling like crushed gold. You can board a boat at the Hangzhou Hotel dock and take a hand-rowed boat tour along the Golden Sand Harbor and Qu Yuan Garden's lotus ponds. This route not only has plenty of shade trees and bridges, but it's currently the peak lotus blooming period, offering a feast for the eyes.
If you want to catch the first batch of hand-rowed boats around 6:30 in the morning, you need to book in advance or queue up.
Morning Jogging
The morning breeze along the Qiantang River, carrying moisture and the fragrance of plants, brings the most refreshing greeting of the day to morning joggers.
Jogging around West Lake is also not to be missed. The lake circuit is about 12 kilometers, and along the way, you can see various famous attractions. Depending on your pace, it takes about 2 hours to complete.
If you're visiting, remember to get up early once—you'll unlock a different Hangzhou!