Moments Etched in Memory: A Late-Autumn Hangzhou Getaway with My Bestie
Time always gets stranded by the passing years. Before we know it, footsteps bring us to late autumn, the most emotionally rich season of the year. Time polishes the sentiments deep in our hearts—the more it stirs us, the more we refuse to let go. The moments etched in memory are always the most unforgettable. Emotions grow to their deepest point in this season. I clicked on the playlist titled “Autumn Whispers,” a light music piece perfect for autumn. Listening to the familiar melody felt like stepping into an autumn fairy tale; the warmth and romance of autumn were woven into these soft, beautiful notes. I dialed my bestie’s number, chatted about daily trifles, and we planned a spontaneous, light green getaway.
The Healing White Space
A few years back, mentioning Hangzhou would instantly conjure up a three-dimensional image of the Broken Bridge, a shimmering West Lake, and the well-known “Legend of the White Snake.” Now, when Hangzhou comes to mind, its classical elegance is fused with youthful creativity and modern chic. Yet, because its ancient charm remains, this Jiangnan city possesses a poise and understated grace that sets it apart from other metropolises. Contemporary architectural spaces that have sprung up around West Lake have also absorbed the city’s unique aura. An endless stream of cafés, bookstores, concept stores, afternoon-tea spots, art exhibitions... they shape a lifestyle of leisurely strolls and quiet enjoyment, making visitors fall in love with the city. Humming the tune, I opened Booking.com. With the crisp autumn air and the clear sky, it would feel like a betrayal of such splendid autumn light not to venture out in our free time. The persistent pandemic hasn’t dampened my passion for travel. I may not be able to “read ten thousand books,” but I can “travel ten thousand miles.” The experience gained through travel is a lifelong treasure. My confidence in travel has never waned; I’m full of hope for the future. I love seeking out different travel footprints and experiencing different ways of traveling. Though many travel businesses are still struggling with the pandemic’s impact, the industry as a whole is gradually getting back on track or finding new directions by “honing internal skills.” This time, my bestie and I both felt like trying an eco-friendly, green trip. A different journey is like a different life experience. Let’s go! We packed light and set off for a green trip.
On Booking.com’s hotel booking page, a green-leaf icon for “Sustainable Travel” accommodations clearly labels which hotels have eco-friendly measures—it’s really simple and clear. You can also check the booking page for details on the green travel services and measures the hotel offers. The booking process is extremely convenient and fast, saving both time and effort. I had always wanted to stay at a guesthouse in Hangzhou, and sure enough, Booking.com offered plenty of options. This time we chose White Lattice Hotel. White Lattice is only a 15-minute walk from the picturesque West Lake, a scenic 25-minute walk from Su Causeway, a 20-minute walk from Leifeng Pagoda, a 15-minute drive from Hangzhou Railway Station, a 40-minute drive from Hangzhou East Railway Station, and a one-hour taxi ride from Xiaoshan International Airport. You could say the location is an absolute must-pick for a Hangzhou trip. Walking along the nature-embracing path, we slowly arrived at a low-key guesthouse building. The serene atmosphere unconsciously made us lower our voices; even our speech became gentler. There was no lavish decor, no bustling doorstep—only the rustle of wind through leaves and birds chirping in the branches. It was like a soft-spoken girl gently welcoming guests from afar. “White” with a stroke missing in the middle—does it mean “leaving blank”? I can only marvel that with a little ingenuity, Chinese characters can hold profound new meanings. I really like this kind of novelty.
Entering the gate, you see a predominantly white villa surrounded by lush trees, making me think of the word “healing.” Natural sunlight streamed through the glass into the central mini courtyard; I especially loved the two osmanthus trees in the yard—when they bloom, I can smell the sweet osmanthus fragrance, which I adore. The bicycles parked at the door seemed to be telling you that you can embark on a roaming journey anytime. The owner said that the pandemic has changed our lives in recent years. After tense, worrying days, she hopes guests can relax in this living architectural space, get a good night’s sleep, and find a place that brings “healing” to the spiritual world.
In a corner of the entrance hall, the moving water and the still greenery complement and rely on each other.
As sustainable development is constantly being promoted, more and more destinations are championing environmental protection and emphasizing the importance of green travel. Travel allows us to perceive nature more intuitively, understand local culture, and magnify the symbiotic and co-prosperous relationship between our inner selves and the natural environment, thereby purifying the soul and achieving spiritual joy. Advocating eco-friendly travel draws attention to our inner world and spiritual cultivation. White Lattice, certified for “sustainable travel,” offers travelers in Hangzhou a place to practically experience and practice eco-friendly travel. Coming here allows body and mind to stretch, the soul to be restored, and respect for nature and local civilization to be maintained—a place where both the Earth and ourselves can be healed and repaired.
On the glass door of the villa, I saw a Booking.com sign. It turns out this guesthouse made the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards list in 2020—proof that my choice was right. This time, I brought along the Booking.com travel goodie bag on my Hangzhou trip. Let’s take a group photo first! Reusable slippers, a super stretchy travel neck pillow, and they even thoughtfully included a Booking.com exclusive luggage strap—sturdy and good-looking, love it!
A box shaped like a suitcase contained a hydrating spray, a small bar of soap, and earplugs. The small black bag held detachable phone lenses: fisheye, macro, and telephoto—such thoughtful travel accessories.
Pushing the door open, from outside to inside, this is a truly “white” accommodation building. Even the breath, temperature, and scent are all “white.”
One of my favorite little reading nooks is in the communal living room, furnished with many design-conscious and vintage pieces, quite a few of which the owner and designer Nicole discovered during their travels. Naturally eco-friendly materials feel completely different from overly processed ones. Waxed, polished objects convey a different emotion to the user. The gentle touch and subtle feelings bring relaxation and joy through both sight and touch to what were originally cold pieces of furniture.
I particularly love the small ornaments in the hall. These dainty, exquisite decorations add a playful touch to the space.
White is very inclusive. No matter what color it’s paired with, it shows personality without having its own influence weakened by other colors. Even strong black or bright red can be balanced by white. White walls, white cushions, white tables and chairs—as the scenery shifts with each step, “white” plays the role of an amiable, gentle protagonist, creating a homely atmosphere.
Moving deeper into the building, the generous ceiling height and the north-south transparent layout immediately lift your spirits. From the open-plan dining room and bar counter to the communal living room, a mini landscape courtyard with herbs and geraniums connects the living room and kitchen. Different functional spaces exist independently, not disturbing each other, yet perfectly forming the White Lattice home.
On a mannequin, a vintage-inspired brooch adds a striking touch that makes your eyes light up!
Flipping through a fabric sample book on the table, as a textile pattern designer myself, I found the floral patterns once again appealed to my aesthetic—vintage yet vibrant.
In corners of the hall, there are all sorts of interesting books. It feels like you wouldn’t be bored even if you stayed here for a week. On a leisurely afternoon, flipping through a favorite book or looking at beautiful picture albums is a healing pleasure. Looking up, you can see the semi-circular opening in the wall, through which you can glimpse the distant hills and rooftops. If you’re in the living room around 4 p.m., sunlight peeks through the opening and casts a “smiley face” on the opposite wall.
The room I stayed in was a loft-style king room. The bed is upstairs; the simple white bed linens almost blend with the wood-colored wall, and the copper light fixtures merge with the raw wood wall panels and floor. The space is simply divided into two colors, broken by the linen bed-end throw and the striped rug. Minimalist yet generous, it’s perfectly expressed here.
Looking down from above, you can see the washbasin area, still consistently white and raw wood, unified to the extreme.
We brought our own toiletries. As a sustainable travel accommodation, the host also provided us with reusable slippers and towels, and we hoped that from our end, linens would be changed per guest, not per day.
The large floor-to-ceiling windows connect to the balcony. Everywhere you look are lush osmanthus trees, providing great privacy. It’s hard to imagine this place is so close to West Lake—a quiet retreat amid the city with spectacular views! I asked the owner with a smile, “The room is so white—aren’t you afraid of guests dirtying it?” The owner explained: “The walls are coated with nearly cream-colored eco-friendly mineral mud. Though not cheap, the advantage is that if it gets dirty, you can just erase it with an eraser.”
Curled up on this corner sofa, feeling the breeze and reading a book, an entire afternoon slipped away before I knew it.
Two large osmanthus trees—unfortunately, they hadn’t bloomed yet when we visited, but getting closer I could already sense a faint hint of osmanthus in the air. On the balcony in early autumn, gazing into the distance, the beauty of West Lake seemed right before my eyes.
White Lattice specially prepared seasonal fruit, fresh and sweet.
The sunlight filtering through the building and tree shade, casting shadows on the wall, is scenery in itself.
A corner of the kitchen can also become an excellent photo spot. So the world is never short of beauty; it’s just whether you have the eyes to discover it.
A white backdrop, a slightly worn magazine, a perfectly timed ray of sunlight, an ideal photo spot—you can find them all here. When not going out, my greatest pleasure at White Lattice is flipping through books everywhere. Because of its special design, White Lattice occasionally hosts tea gatherings and commercially commissioned photoshoots, further promoting sustainable accommodation in this post-pandemic era. The owner smiled and said, “You have to have confidence in yourself, and believe that in the near future tourism will regain a new lease on life.”
The afternoon tea provided by White Lattice was plated just like the decor here—simple and sophisticated. The cake wasn’t overly sweet, the cheesecake not too heavy, and the iced Americano was just right. Thumbs up!
You can feel the owner’s thoughtfulness in every corner of White Lattice. The painting placed in front of the reception desk echoes perfectly with the view outside the glass—absolutely brilliant.
On the third day, as we checked out, sunlight poured in. My white backpack looked incredibly harmonious in this minimalist white setting—another day to start a new journey!
No Osmanthus Bloom, But a West Lake Sunset
Hangzhou is an ancient capital without city walls. Most of the Southern Song-style relics are concentrated around West Lake, including the understated Yuhuang Hill. Legend has it that the Taoist temple on the hilltop was where the Southern Song emperor practiced self-cultivation. Nearby is Liùhé Pagoda, steeped in ancient spirituality.
Staying at White Lattice, it’s naturally super convenient to reach West Lake. But don’t forget the hidden gem right next door—Yuhuang Hill. Early morning is the best time to climb Yuhuang Hill, as there are very few tourists; almost everyone you meet is a local doing morning exercises. The Fuxing Guan Taoist Temple at the top is an ancient Taoist temple and a famous one in Jiangnan. The hill also preserves relics like Tianchi (Heavenly Pool) and Baiyu Chan Well. It’s a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
A 15-minute walk brought us to West Lake. The lake at sunset was so beautiful—warm hues on the water, glittering in the ripples.
Willows swayed in the autumn breeze; the sky gradually darkened with the sunset’s afterglow. Stars began to appear on the other side of the sky. A few visitors were still boating on the lake, and the surroundings slowly grew quiet. Amid the romantic shimmering light of sunset over the mountains and lake, my heart also settled. Standing on the shore, watching West Lake in the sunset, I was captivated and couldn’t tear my eyes away.
A Hidden Gem Garden of Pine Wind and Moonlight – Yunsong Academy
West Lake in Hangzhou always hides many treasure spots. Besides the sunrise and sunset over the lake, near the Botanical Garden there’s another “Peach Blossom Spring”—Yunsong Academy. It was the lakeside study and library built by Jin Yong (Louis Cha), a secluded paradise of pine wind and moonlight, an exquisite lesser-known garden.
Mr. Jin Yong donated this place to Hangzhou, believing that the lakeside academy was too beautiful to keep to himself; it should be shared with others. Strolling through it, one feels the gentleman’s noble character.
The reflection of the azure sky was clearly visible in the pond. Schools of koi swam through this reflection. Though they can’t soar among the clouds and blue sky, swimming freely in the beautiful reflection mapped out by the pond is also a kind of happiness.
The goldfish and koi playing in the water were like a vivid lacquer painting—bright and translucent. We lingered by the pond for a long time, just to use our cameras to capture the moment they popped their heads out to breathe.
Compared to many crowded photo spots, this is a quiet treasure trove. The long corridors wind in quiet seclusion; pines and bamboos grow freely. Amid the natural wildness, the soul finds release.
The pavilion, hidden deep among the greenery, shaded and veiled by plants, looks exceptionally elegant and graceful.
The whole garden isn’t large—it’s like a concentration of essential beauty. If you’re quick, you can finish touring it in 20 minutes. But the garden, pavilions, waterside gazebos, and pond are perfectly matched. Every step reveals a picture, a new scene unfolding, embodying the essence of Chinese garden aesthetics.
Blossoms Along the Way, A Sweet Treat Named "Good Fortune"
The late autumn wind turned comfortably cool. Following the route directions, we took a bus to a courtyard teahouse by the Grand Canal and ordered a set for one, its name playfully interesting—“Peanuts and Persimmons” (sounding like “Good things happen”). I’m not usually a fan of persimmons, but these here presented me with a taste of autumn’s superstar. A fully ripe persimmon, stirred and eaten, spreads its fragrance, its soft, glutinous sweetness extending in the mouth. The coffee was deliberately blended with dark-roasted chocolate notes. The persimmon’s natural sweetness wrapped up the caramel aroma of the coffee—it felt like I drank the very flavor of autumn in one sip.
Sitting in a bamboo chair in the small Jiangnan courtyard, you can snatch a half-day of leisure from a floating life. Reading a book, sipping warm coffee, I inexplicably felt like a demure daughter of this courtyard home.
Perhaps persimmons are the signature, but the custom-made fans in the shop won my heart even more.
Hiking through Nine Creeks Misty Woods to Seek Autumn’s Deep Hues
The purpose of sustainable travel is to save energy and reduce emissions; the best low-carbon way to get around is hiking. In the warm autumn sun, we came to Nine Creeks. While Nine Creeks is famous for its maple leaf season, this time we were after the autumn green and osmanthus. Hiking through autumn scenery has a special charm.
Stepping on stones, matching our pace with the rhythm of the flowing creek, we slowly ventured into Nine Creeks, searching for the most beautiful misty trees.
Recommended Nine Creeks hiking route: Bus to Zoo stop – Shili Dong (Stone Ridge Cave) – Manjuelong – Upper Manjuelong – Yangmeiling – Nine Creeks Misty Woods – Nine Creeks Bus Stop. This path doesn’t have too many stairs; the Nine Creeks section is relatively long and gentle, suitable for descending, and the whole route can be completed in three or four hours. Osmanthus trees line the way—you can play, admire, and breathe in the fragrance.
Lower Manjuelong is a tea plantation and a photo spot. Though I often drink tea, it was my first time seeing fresh tea leaves up close. The faint tea fragrance eased much of the hiking fatigue.
I love the autumn sun—warm, not dazzling, soft and gentle.
I accidentally discovered a new camping spot at Nine Creeks. Strolling in nature, the breeze just right. In summer you can bring the kids to play in the water; in autumn you can camp and breathe fresh oxygen. A yearning for the mountains and wilderness: ancient trees, creeks, tea gardens—experience the tenderness of nature with your children.
I really love this picture—it blends seamlessly with the scenery, with a touch of Studio Ghibli flavor.
Haha, even though it looks dangerous, the path here is actually very flat. Remember to wear a pair of non-slip, well-fitting sneakers when hiking!
On the fourth day of our trip, we checked into West Lake Mingyue Lou, also a “sustainable travel” hotel. The interior is mainly in simple white tones, accented and spatially defined by modern installations and paintings. Modern aesthetics merge with the natural environment—harmonious and full of charm.
Leaning on the railing just outside the hotel, you overlook West Lake. The Broken Bridge is just a few steps away. On one side, lake and mountain scenery; on the other, rows of early Republican-era old buildings—it’s like a modern architectural museum without walls.
This was also Tang Enbo’s former residence. The exquisite window frames, corridors, decorative balustrades, and lush trees and flowers all hint at its extraordinary past. It was also the drafting site of China’s first constitution—brimming with history in a strong Republican-era style, blended with modern living, so harmonious it doesn’t feel out of place at all.
Surrounded by Autumn: Osmanthus Appreciation Hike in Manjuelong
The most beautiful spot to admire osmanthus in Hangzhou is definitely one of West Lake’s Ten Poetic Scenes—Manlong Guiyu (Sweet Osmanthus Rain at Manjuelong). The entire road is lined with osmanthus trees; my nose was completely overwhelmed. Even the food is osmanthus-flavored. From nose to palate, I was surrounded by osmanthus!!!
I came across a lovely guesthouse in Japanese style, as if stepping into a J-drama set.
When tired from walking, we rested at a mountaintop café, gazing down from above—my mood instantly brightened.
In autumn, everything revolves around osmanthus. Had a cup of osmanthus latte and sat with a friend in the mountains to rest for a while.
You might think you’re exploring a mountain wilderness~
Walking along the road to No. 75 Lower Manjuelong, you’ll see the internet-famous “Tang House.” You can’t shoot up close anymore; only a few distant shots are possible.
As dusk fell, I wondered if the lights would come on, and Chihiro might suddenly pop out? Hehe!
Through this trip, staying at two guesthouses with sustainable development and eco-friendly concepts, my expectations for green travel came true, adding new meaning to this journey. Booking.com’s “Sustainable Travel” label, through certification and display of the accommodation’s eco-friendly measures on the booking interface, truly brings great convenience to travelers who love travel and want to try green, eco-friendly trips. It also provides an alternative standard for us when choosing where to stay. Although the pandemic lingers, many travel enthusiasts still pursue and love travel. Back in July, Booking.com released a travel confidence report, showing people’s faith in restarting their journeys. Survey data shows that 89% of Chinese travelers plan to travel within the next 12 months, ranking first among all surveyed markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Of course, confidence and hope for travel are not answered by a simple data report. If, like me, you not only want to experience comfort and romance during travel but also wish to echo low-carbon and eco-friendly practices, and live out the concept of sustainable development, why not start your eco-friendly journey with Booking! Finally, we remain full of hope for the future and maintain an unwavering passion for travel, waiting for that day when flowers bloom and flourish!
Relevant Travel Information
Nine Creeks Misty Woods: If you navigate to “Nine Creeks Misty Woods,” you’ll only reach the scenic area entrance; it’s another 15-minute walk to Bridge No. 1.
Yunsong Academy 📍 Address: 13-1 Lingyin Road, Xihu District 🎫 Ticket: 0 yuan, no reservation needed ⏰ Hours: 9:00–16:30 (closed Mondays)
Step by Step Blossom 📍 Address: 130-1 Dadou Road, Gongshu District, Step by Step Blossom
