Huagang Guanyu – A Scenic Spot in West Lake

Huagang Guanyu is located on the south side of West Lake, near the entrance to Su Causeway. Once a p[...]

Huagang Guanyu is located on the south side of West Lake, near the entrance to Su Causeway. Once a private residence, it is named ‘Huagang’ because of the stream from Huajia Mountain flowing into West Lake, making it one of the ‘Top Ten Views of West Lake’. The most famous attraction within the garden is the Red Fish Pond, where swarms of red carps gather, drawing people of all ages to feed them with bait and breadcrumbs, much to their delight.


The park has three main entrances: the South Gate on Nanshan Road, the West Gate on Yanggong Causeway, and a northern path leading to Su Causeway. Upon entering from Su Causeway, the most noticeable feature on the right is the stele pavilion, inscribed with the words ‘Huagang Guanyu’ in Emperor Kangxi’s imperial script. Almost all visitors take a commemorative photo here, and during peak times, there can be a queue.


Walking through a vast lawn leads to the Red Fish Pond, a popular area among tourists. Standing on the curved bridge above the pond, one can see countless red carps. There are small shops nearby selling fish feed, and as soon as feed is thrown into the water, a large crowd of carps rush over. To the west of the Red Fish Pond is the Peony Garden, which not only grows many peonies but also has similar-looking Chinese herbaceous peonies. Since peonies only bloom for about a week in April each year, the longer-blooming Chinese herbaceous peonies serve as their substitute.


Following the winding cobblestone paths leads to the dense forest area and Huagang, where there are trees and artificial waterways. Visitors can stroll around or take a rest. This area is not far from the West Gate of Huagang Guanyu, and nearby is the well-known Zhiweiguan restaurant in Hangzhou for dining.


Opening hours: The park is open all year round, 24/7.


Must-see tips: 1. Huagang Guanyu is surrounded by popular attractions such as Taiziwan Park and Su Causeway, which can be reached by a short walk and are often visited together. 2. At Huagang Wharf, one can take a boat to visit the Three Ponds Reflecting the Moon Island or cruise on West Lake, both providing great experiences.

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