West Lake
West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou, which is like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast territory of China. It is a large freshwater lake, bordered on three sides by hills, and its banks and islands are blanketed with small gardens and temples. As one of the most beautiful lakes in China, it made Hangzhou City a very beautiful place to live. As an old Chinese saying declares, "in heaven there is paradise, on earth Suzhou and Hangzhou". For centuries, the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou has inspired numerous poets and painters.
Facts of Hangzhou West Lake
West Lake Overview
West Lake was originally a lagoon adjoining the Qiantang River. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 A. D.), work was taking place to control the waters of the lake with dykes and locks. The two causeways, the Baidi and the Sudi, split the lake into sections. The islets and temples, pavilions and gardens, causeways and arched bridges of the West Lake have constituted the supreme example of lakeside beauty in China, particularly since Hangzhou served as China's capital during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 A. D.).Ten Scenes of West Lake
1. Spring Dawn at Su Causeway
When peach petals and willow catkins dance on spring winds, Su Shi’s 11th-century engineering marvel—a 3km ribbon of dredged silt—transforms into a living scroll. Six arched bridges frame scenery where blossoms melt into misty lake waters at dawn. Wander this dreamscape where golden light, mist, and swaying petals create a living painting, and you’ll understand why this scenic spot of China’s West Lake has captivated hearts for centuries.2. Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard
Located at the northwest corner of West Lake, this site was once the Southern Song Dynasty's imperial winery, famous for brewing fermented liquor with water from the Jinsha Stream. Today, it has been transformed into a vast 420-acre classical garden of West Lake Park, with a 38-acre lotus pond cultivating rare varieties like red and white lotuses. When summer approaches, you can take a stroll along the corridor of West Lake, feel a symphony of scents, where centuries-old wine memories waltz with lotus fragrance on the breeze.3. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake
This landmark has preserved intact the original layout designated by the Qing imperial court when establishing the Ten Scenic Views of West Lake, making it the premier destination for moon appreciation. In autumn, the calm lake shines like a mirror under the bright moon. The moonlight and lake water reflect each other, creating an intoxicating scene. d4. Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge
The Broken Bridge (Duan Qiao) is situated at the eastern end of Bai Causeway in the northern part of West Lake. During winter after snowfall, when the southern side of the bridge thaws while the northern side remains snow-covered, the bridge appears ambiguously "broken" when viewed from afar. If you are also fascinated by the timeless love story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian, don't miss the Broken Bridge of Hangzhou West Lake.
>> Recommended 2-Day Hangzhou Culture Tour with West Lake
5. Orioles Singing in the Willows
Once the imperial garden of Southern Song emperors, this scenic site features willow-shaded paths where orioles flutter and sing, which make it an ideal spot for West Lake views. Along its kilometer-long lakeside embankment grow distinctive willows like the Drunken Willow, Lion Willow, and Silk-Washing Willow. Their trailing branches are dancing like emerald waves in the breeze.6. Viewing Fish at the Flower Pond
Flower Pond earned its poetic name from the blossoms that once drifted along a mountain-fed stream lined with flowering trees. Originally a Southern Song Dynasty fish garden, its fame grew with imperial endorsements from Emperor Qianlong. Now spanning 20+ hectares, this park at West Lake unfolds in five distinct zones, with the lively Red Fish Pond serving as the park's main attraction. From there, you can lean against the railings and watch thousands of crimson koi frolic in the water.7. Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow
Leifeng Pagoda (in Chinese: 雷峰塔) presents a golden spectacle at dusk. As evening light bathes its structure, the gilded tower mirrors perfectly on the West Lake's shimmering surface, creating an ethereal panorama of Buddhist splendor. Have you heard of "Legend of the White Snake"? According to this legend, Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou is the site where the beloved White Snake Spirit (Bai Suzhen) was imprisoned. Hence, this scenic spot is also an enduring cultural icon of the city.8. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
Located on Xiaoyingzhou, an islet at the lakes center, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is a wonderful spot to savor the scenic expanse of West Lake. Erected some seven hundred years ago, a string of three small towers is placed in the water at a slight distance from the island. Rumored to control the evil spirits lurking in the water's depths, in mid-autumn, they contain within their hollow structures a reflection of the full moon.
>> Recommended 3-Day Hangzhou Tour with Wuzhen & Grand Canal
9. Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
The scenic wonder shows two landmarks: 314-meter Northern Peak, which traditionally guards Lingyin Temple, and 257-meter Southern Peak, standing in dramatic opposition around West Lake's mountainous edges. Whenever mountain rain approaches, with clouds and mist enveloping the mountains, the twin peaks intermittently reveal their tips, appearing and disappearing as if thrust into the clouds, resembling an ink-wash landscape painting.10. Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill
Nanping Mountain, one of the old hills along West Lake, has a main peak reaching a hundred meters high with lush forests and rock cliffs resembling a screen. At the northern foot of this mountain lies the Jingci Temple, one of the four great ancient Buddhist temples in West Lake's history. Each evening, monks strike the 3-meter-tall, 10-ton bell, creating resonant tones that echo melodiously through the valley and carry far and wide.What to Do at West Lake
Take a Cruise to Explore the West Lake
The true essence of West Lake reveals itself in its waters. Hence, the best way to explore the lake is by taking a cruise. You can drift past crowds on a hand-rowed sampan, where hidden vistas unfold like scroll paintings. Notably, some unique views are only fully visible from a boat. There are multiple options available for a West Lake cruise, including gilded huafang replicas of imperial barges, rustic wooden boats, and efficient water buses—each outlines the lake’s beauty differently.Sip Longjing Tea by the Lakeside
No Hangzhou journey is complete without tasting West Lake Longjing Green Tea, a 1,200-year-old green tea ranked among China’s finest. During Emperor Qianlong’s visit to Hangzhou, he praised the tea and designated the 18 tea bushes in front of Hugong Temple at the foot of Lion Peak as "Imperial Tea." For your China travel to Hangzhou, visit a lakeside tea house, savoring West Lake Longjing Tea while appreciating the stunning scenery is pure bliss.>> Recommended 8-Day China Tea Impression Tour with West LakeAdmire the West Lake Musical Fountain Show
This show is a must-see for night tours in Hangzhou. Every evening at 19:30, the West Lake Musical Fountain performs promptly. Through precise programming and control, the fountain "dances" to the rhythm of the music, creating dynamic water-screen panoramas. You can enjoy four continuously played songs, each carefully selected to complement the fountain’s movements, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes.Taste the Local Delicious Food
Beyond the beautiful scenery, there is a wide range of mouthwatering delicacies by the lakeside. For instance, West Lake Vinegar Fish, one of its most famous dishes, balances sweet and sour flavors to whet the appetite. For an authentic taste, seek out time-honored restaurants. Also, traditional Dongpo Pork and Longjing Shrimp are must-try among West Lake gourmet of Hangzhou. Moreover, the flavorful West Lake Beef Soup is highly popular and worth trying during your Hangzhou tours.
>> Recommended 2-Day Hangzhou Food Tour
Best Time to Visit West Lake
Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to go, because the weather at West Lake is pleasant and the temperatures are mild during these times. But actually, West Lake, one of the top 10 tourist attractions in China, presents beautiful scenery throughout all four seasons.
More specifically, spring paints the shores with peach blossoms, while summer crowns the waters with lotus blooms. As autumn comes, it gilds the paths with golden chrysanthemums; winter treats visitors with frost-kissed plum flowers and stunning snow views. Check out Hangzhou’s weather & climate.
How to Get to West Lake
You can fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and take Metro Line 7 and exit at Exit C of Wushan Square Station. Then walk for 13 minutes, and you'll reach the West Lake in Hangzhou. For those arriving by train, take Metro Line 7 from Hangzhou Railway Station to Wushan Square Station, or board Metro Line 1 from Hangzhou East Railway Station and disembark at Longxiangqiao Station. If you are already in Hangzhou, you can get to the lake by taking Metro Line 1 or Buses No. 7, 1314, 4, 194, and 510.
