Su Causeway spans the north and south of West Lake. It was constructed by Su Dongpo during his tenure as an official in Hangzhou and is also known as the ‘Causeway of Su Gong’. It is renowned for its enchanting spring scenery and is also referred to as ‘Su Causeway in Spring Dawn’. The causeway is nearly 3 kilometers long, with willow trees lining both sides of the asphalt road. You can take a leisurely stroll to admire the beauty of West Lake, including the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Leifeng Pagoda. Cycling is also a pleasant activity when there are fewer people. Along the way, there are six stone bridges from south to north on Su Causeway: Yingbo, Suolan, Wangshan, Yadi, Dongpu, and Kuahu. Between Yingbo Bridge and Suolan Bridge lies the entrance to the famous ‘Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond’, which can be glimpsed from Yingbo Bridge. Yadi Bridge is ideal for viewing the panoramic view of West Lake. To the south of Yadi Bridge is the Imperial Stele Pavilion housing an inscription by Emperor Kangxi, ‘Su Causeway in Spring Dawn’. Dongpu Bridge is a great spot to watch the sunrise over the lake.
At the southern end of Su Causeway, there is a concentrated cluster of attractions, including the Su Dongpo Memorial Hall. It is free to visit and is only 500 meters away from Leifeng Pagoda and Jingci Temple. Near the northern end, you can find attractions such as Yue Fei’s Temple, the Courtyard of the曲y Wind and Lotus, and Gushan Park, as well as the performance venue for ‘Impression West Lake’. In spring, Su Causeway’s natural scenery is captivating, making it perfect for strolling and photography. In summer, you can enjoy the vast lotus fields on the west side of the causeway. Walking along the lakeside paths on both sides of Su Causeway to appreciate the lake views is very pleasant. There are benches available for rest if you get tired.
A visit to Su Causeway is typically conducted on foot as vehicles are prohibited. Walking and sightseeing without stopping usually takes about an hour to complete. To save time, you can take a lake-circling sightseeing vehicle that stops on request. Cycling is also a good way to explore Su Causeway, but avoid doing so on holidays when the crowds are dense as it can be challenging to navigate through people. The entire area is open to visitors all year round, with full-day access.
