Night running in Hangzhou: 3 classic routes you can’t miss

After over a month of intense heat, the high temperatures have finally subsided, making way for the cool and comfortable autumn weather. The crisp autumn air makes it the perfect season for exercise. Here are three classic night running routes in Hangzhou.

Classic West Lake Loop Run

Total Distance: 12km

Route: Musical Fountain → Orioles Singing in the Willows → Nanshan Road → Leifeng Pagoda → Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill → Su Causeway → Yanggong Causeway → Yue Fei's Temple → Beishan Street → Hubin Road → Musical Fountain

This route offers not only captivating views of West Lake but also a refreshing breeze along its shores. Starting from Broken Bridge, you’ll follow Bai Causeway to Solitary Hill, continue along Su Causeway to Nanshan Road, pass through Hubin Pedestrian Street, cross Hangzhou No.6 Park, and then return via Beishan Street back to Broken Bridge. The path is mostly flat and open, with plenty of beautiful vistas.

Binjiang Riverside Sakura Trail

Total Distance: 17.4km

Start/End Points: Dongxin Avenue → Xixing Bridge → Hangzhou Olympic Centre Gymnasium→ Riverside Library (Jiangdi Library) →Wentao Road Riverside Greenway

Stretching 17.4 km, the Binjiang Sakura Trail is not only a favorite among fitness enthusiasts but also an internet-celebrity spot in Binjiang—known for both its scenery and its vibe.

A stroll along the river offers views of the flowing Qiantang River on one side and the lush green mountains in the distance—a truly relaxing experience. In recent years, events like the Hangzhou Marathon and Zhejiang Marathon have passed through here, adding a vibrant racing culture to this trail that blends nature, culture, and functionality.

Along the famous "Most Beautiful Trail", a dedicated red bike lane runs parallel to the blue-green running path, ensuring a safe separation between runners and cyclists. With the summer heat gone and a cool river breeze in the air, it is perfect for morning jogs or evening runs. But be mindful: the full loop is close to a half-marathon, so it is quite a challenge—make sure to pace yourself!

Grand Canal Route

Total Distance: 12km

Route: Wulinmen Wharf → North along the west or east bank of the Grand Canal → Gongchen Bridge → Return on the opposite bank → Wulinmen Wharf

Starting from Wulinmen and heading north alongside the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, you run from the modern high-rise landscape of the Hangzhou Center, past the historic Dadou Road Historical and Cultural Block which preserves numerous late Qing and early Republican era residential buildings, arriving at Gongchen Bridge (rebuilt during the Kangxi era). Then, you return along the opposite bank, essentially running from the Kangxi era back to the 21st century – an immersive time-travel experience in motion.

Source:Hangzhoufeel