Maojiabu: West Lake’s Best-Kept Secret Where Serenity Meets Wild Beauty

The Hidden Side of Paradise
While tourists flock to West Lake’s crowded postcard spots—Broken Bridge, Bai Causeway, Beishan Road—there exists a quieter, wilder realm where nature and local life thrive undisturbed. Welcome to Maojiabu, the unpolished gem nestled at the edge of West Lake’s “inner lake,” where sunlight filters through tall trees like scattered stardust, and time slows to the rhythm of lapping waves.

A Photographer’s Eden, A Local’s Sanctuary
Maojiabu awakens to two tribes: wildlife enthusiasts armed with telephoto lenses, and leisure-seeking elders practicing tai chi or chasing giggles with grandchildren. Here, overgrown reeds and muddy shores host a symphony of life—cormorants dive, kingfishers dart like emerald arrows, and ducks glide across glassy waters. The air thrums with the click of shutters and the soft chatter of locals who’ve claimed this sanctuary as their own.

But the real magic lies in its “natural softbox” light. Towering metasequoias and dense foliage dapple the trails with golden flecks, casting a flattering glow perfect for photos. No crowds, no rushed poses—just you, your camera, and the freedom to chase that golden-hour shot without a single photobomber.

Maojiabu’s charm is rooted in its poetic legacy. As the birthplace of the phrase “黛色参天” (dài sè cān tiān—”emerald hues touch the sky”), it lives up to its name. Meandering boardwalks wind through marshes adorned with water lilies, while centuries-old trees form cathedral-like canopies. For a moment, you’re not just visiting West Lake—you’ve stepped into an ink-wash masterpiece.

For Adventurers: Rent a paddleboard or kayak at the water sports base—glide past egrets and lotus pads.
For Every Soul: Simply wander. Let the rustle of leaves guides you.

Practical Tips:
Getting There: Bus stops Shang Maojiabu or Maojiabu Station (both lead to trails—no need to stress the “upper” vs. “lower” divide).
Fuel Up: Post-exploration, taxi to Zhihuiguan Weizhuang for Hangzhou classics like Dongpo Pork, or grab a cozy meal at Green Tea Restaurant.