A Reset for the Soul at Hangzhou’s West Lake

During the 5.1 Labour Day holiday, I woke up at 3 a.m., the sky still dark and the air cool. After packing my camera and some snacks, I slipped on my helmet and hopped onto my fully charged e-bike. The city of Hangzhou was just beginning to stir as I cruised through the quiet streets at 4 a.m., passing workers cleaning the roads and preparing the city for the day ahead. It felt like I was witnessing the first breath of a new morning — a moment when the city was transitioning from night to day, almost as if it were awakening alongside me.

After about 35 minutes of riding, I arrived at Xihu Baidi, one of the renowned Ten Views of West Lake. It was still early, and people were slowly gathering to watch the sunrise. The spot was already filled with others who, like me, were seeking a moment of calm before the busy day began. Unfortunately, the sun remained hidden behind thick clouds, so we missed that iconic moment of golden light. But the blue hour—the period just before dawn—was magical, with soft hues of indigo and violet painting the sky. The tranquility of the lake, combined with the distant hum of the city waking up, created a peaceful atmosphere that allowed me to reset my mind and reflect.

By 6 a.m., I was walking along the lake, listening to the sounds of elderly people singing and dancing by the water’s edge—their movements graceful and serene, in perfect harmony with nature. The gentle chirping of birds added to the soothing atmosphere. Soon after, we returned to our e-bikes and rode to Zhongshannan Road for breakfast at a Michelin-recognized dumpling shop. Even though it was barely 7 a.m., the place was already packed. The dumplings were absolutely worth the wait, satisfying both our hunger and our cravings.

With our bellies full, we headed to Liulangwenying, another of the Ten Views of Hangzhou, to relax by the lake. As we waited for a nearby café to open, we watched the world pass by—tourists, runners, cyclists, and morning walkers—all embracing the tranquility of the early hours. When the café finally opened, we savored the drinks we had been craving. After a morning of reflection and relaxation, we rode back to school with our hearts full and minds refreshed, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.