Hangzhou has crowds but also a high photo hit rate. This guide marks 9 camera positions with crowd-dodging times and angles. Best photo windows: 7:30-9:00am and 4:30-6:00pm golden hour.
9 spots: ① 西湖 front — the classic; arrive before 8am; ② 灵隐寺 45-degree side — dodges crowds behind; ③ 宋城 — architecture as foreground; ④ 西湖 old street — street photography; ⑤ 武林 modern buildings — urban feel; ⑥ 钱江新城 cultural zone — vintage vibe; ⑦ waterfront — natural scenery; ⑧ hilltop observatory — panoramic; ⑨ night spot — city lights.
Gear tips: ① Wide-angle for big scenes; ② Polarizing filter to cut glare; ③ White or light-colored clothes photograph cleanest; ④ Avoid fluorescent colors; ⑤ Bring flip-flops — some spots require wading. Hangzhou weather shifts fast — check satellite images an hour before.