The magnificent scene of golden light shining through the arch. [Photo by Chen Tianhuai/tidenews.com.cn]

A hidden spot by West Lake has recently gone viral online for its breathtaking "golden light through the arch" effect, drawing crowds of photographers and tourists eager to capture the moment, local media outlets reported.

The best view is offered by the Moon Bridge in Quyuan Fenghe, or the Yard of Lotus, one of the 10 must-visit sites at West Lake, where morning sunlight pierces through stone arches, casting a surreal golden glow across the lake.

The waterside is packed with people. [Photo by Chen Tianhuai/tidenews.com.cn]

To secure prime photo spots, enthusiasts have been arriving as early as 3:30 am, with peak crowds forming by 5 am. Despite cloudy skies and less-than-ideal lighting on May 11, the area was packed with visitors, mostly young people armed with professional cameras and smartphones. By 6 am, the light fades and the crowd disperses.

Local security staff confirmed a surge in early-morning activity since May. Photographers say the best time to come is mornings in May, when cool temperatures add mist to the golden scene. But the magic lasts only about an hour.

A photographer sets his camera for the scene. [Photo by Chen Tianhuai/tidenews.com.cn]

Visitors are advised to arrive by 5 am for the best chance to witness the spectacle — and to stay safe near the water's edge.

An elderly man takes photos of the scene. [Photo by Chen Tianhuai/tidenews.com.cn]