How long does it take to walk the Su Causeway?

The causeway runs about 2.8 km from end to end across West Lake. A relaxed walk takes around 50 minutes, while cycling covers it in roughly 15. You cross six humped stone bridges along the way, each giving a different framed view of the lake, so most people linger and budget closer to an hour and a half.

Who built the Su Causeway and why?

It was created in 1089 by Su Dongpo, the celebrated poet who also served as Hangzhou's governor. He had mud dredged from the lake piled into a long dyke, both controlling flooding and creating a scenic walkway. The willow-and-peach planting you see today follows that original design, and the causeway carries his name.

When is the most beautiful time to walk it?

Early April is the highlight, when the peach trees bloom alongside the willows in the scene known as 'Su Causeway in Spring Dawn'. September brings fragrant osmanthus and autumn colour. Early morning at any season is best, since the path is free, always open, and far quieter before the day-trip crowds arrive.

Su Causeway, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

2.8 km willow + peach tree causeway built by Su Dongpo (1089) — UNESCO heritage walking path with six humped bridges.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 苏堤 (Sū Dī)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Early April for peach blossoms; September for osmanthus
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Su Causeway, West Lake · 西湖苏堤

The Su Causeway (1089 CE) was built by Su Dongpo (the Tang poet + Hangzhou governor) using mud dredged from the lake to control flooding. The 2.8 km causeway is now lined with willow trees + peach trees (the famous 'willow + peach' interplanting) and has six humped stone bridges. Walkable end-to-end in 50 min, bike-able in 15. Best in early April when peach blossoms peak (the 'Su Causeway in Spring Dawn' UNESCO scene) or in autumn for osmanthus + maple. Free. Pairs naturally with the parallel Bai Causeway (1.2 km, on the north shore) — both lined with the famous tree-pattern.

Highlights

Su Dongpo's 1089 EngineeringBuilt using lake-dredged mud; flood control + scenic
Six Humped Stone BridgesEach ~60m apart; iconic willow-frame photos

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Walk it north to south in early morning; you face away from the sun and the willow-framed bridges glow without backlight.
▸Rent a shared bike at either end if your legs are tired, but walking is how you actually catch the bridge-top lake views.
▸The southern half near Huagang Park is quieter than the busy northern entrance opposite Yue Fei Temple.
▸Peach blossom in early April lasts barely two weeks; willows leaf out green by late March regardless.
▸Each humped bridge sits about 60 metres apart; climb to the crest of any one for the cleanest reflection shot.
▸Skip midday on weekends, when tour groups clog the path; a pre-breakfast walk feels almost private by comparison.
▸Pair it with the shorter parallel Bai Causeway on the north shore to see both of the lake's famous tree-lined dykes.

Photos

A scenic view of people walking by the West Lake in Hangzhou under willow trees on a cloudy day.

Serene landscape featuring a traditional stone arch bridge over a calm lake, with lush greenery and distant mountains.

Serene view of a traditional Chinese pavilion reflecting on a tranquil lake in Hangzhou, China.

Visitors admire a traditional pagoda on West Lake, surrounded by serene water and mountains in Hangzhou.

Tranquil view of West Lake featuring a traditional pavilion amidst serene waters and distant hills.

A peaceful traditional Chinese pavilion nestled by a tranquil lake amid lush trees in Hangzhou, China.

A serene view of a traditional pavilion on a bridge surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in Hangzhou, China.

Serene twilight scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, showcasing a silhouetted pier and pagoda.

A tranquil park setting with people on a bridge, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.

Tranquil view of a pagoda and lush greenery at West Lake, Hangzhou.

A peaceful lake scene featuring an arch bridge and lush greenery under a clear sky.

Elegant view of Wuting Bridge through a circular opening at Slender West Lake, Yangzhou, China.

Serene scene of a Chinese pavilion and lotus pond at twilight in Hangzhou, China.

Explore serene Chinese architecture by a calm lake, capturing timeless beauty and harmony with nature.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

WalkerHZ·TripAdvisor·5/5

2.8km Tang-era willow-lined causeway across West Lake. Free. Sunrise + lotus bloom = magical.

2026-04-15

苏堤·Xiaohongshu·5/5

苏堤春晓西湖最美！6 桥 6 弯，柳树夹道。免费。日出+ 6 月荷花最佳。

2026-03-22

Tom F.·Google Maps·5/5

Built by Su Dongpo 1089. 1-hour walk or 30-min bike. Free West Lake icon.

2026-02-25

Watch creators visit Su Causeway

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

West Lake Hangzhou — Walking the UNESCO Lake

Slow Travel ChinaStarts at 6:20

Frequently asked questions about Su Causeway

How long does it take to walk the Su Causeway?: The causeway runs about 2.8 km from end to end across West Lake. A relaxed walk takes around 50 minutes, while cycling covers it in roughly 15. You cross six humped stone bridges along the way, each giving a different framed view of the lake, so most people linger and budget closer to an hour and a half.
Who built the Su Causeway and why?: It was created in 1089 by Su Dongpo, the celebrated poet who also served as Hangzhou's governor. He had mud dredged from the lake piled into a long dyke, both controlling flooding and creating a scenic walkway. The willow-and-peach planting you see today follows that original design, and the causeway carries his name.
When is the most beautiful time to walk it?: Early April is the highlight, when the peach trees bloom alongside the willows in the scene known as 'Su Causeway in Spring Dawn'. September brings fragrant osmanthus and autumn colour. Early morning at any season is best, since the path is free, always open, and far quieter before the day-trip crowds arrive.