Hangzhou West Lake
- Chinese name: 西湖
- Foreign name: The West Lake
- Location: West Lake Scenic Area, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China 中国浙江省杭州市西湖风景名胜区
- Climate conditions: subtropical monsoon climate
- Opening hours: open all year round
- Attraction level: National AAAAA tourist attraction
- Ticket price: free (fees are required for some scenic spots in the scenic area)
- Land area: 49 km² (lake area 6.38 square kilometers)
- Circumference of a circle around West Lake: 10-16 KM
- Famous scenic spots: Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, Qianwang Temple, Jingci Temple, Su Xiaoxiao Tomb
- Daily carrying capacity: 797,500 passengers/day
- Tel: 0571-87977767,0571-87179617
Hangzhou West Lake
West Lake: A Jewel of Hangzhou
The Enchanting Beauty of West Lake
West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel of Hangzhou. With its shimmering waters, lush green surroundings, and poetic ambiance, it’s a place where nature and culture harmoniously converge. Whether you’re strolling along its picturesque banks or enjoying a leisurely boat ride, the lake’s tranquility is unmatched.
A Blend of History and Myth
West Lake is steeped in history and legend. Stories like “The Legend of the White Snake” and the love tale of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen have added a layer of romance to the lake’s mystique. Landmarks like Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge are not just architectural marvels but also iconic symbols of Chinese folklore.
Four Seasons of Splendor
Each season brings a unique charm to West Lake. In spring, peach blossoms adorn the landscape, while summer sees lotus flowers blooming across the water. Autumn’s golden hues and winter’s serene snow-covered vistas make the lake a year-round destination.
Iconic Attractions Around the Lake
West Lake’s surroundings are dotted with historical and cultural treasures. Explore the majestic Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge, the serene Su Causeway, or the impressive Six Harmonies Pagoda. These sites offer breathtaking views and a deep connection to Hangzhou’s cultural heritage.
More Than Just Scenery
West Lake is a feast for the senses. After exploring its beauty, enjoy a cup of Longjing tea in a nearby teahouse or savor the flavors of Hangzhou’s renowned cuisine, such as West Lake Vinegar Fish, to complete your experience.
Visit West Lake, Discover Paradise
A trip to West Lake is more than sightseeing; it’s an immersion into the heart of Chinese culture and nature. Let its timeless beauty and rich stories captivate you on your journey to Hangzhou.
Hangzhou West Lake Tourist Map
Hangzhou West Lake Photo
Hangzhou West Lake Video
Hangzhou West Lake Travel Guide
Travel Method:
To visit the West Lake, you can walk, take a cruise ship, take a battery car, or drive or ride by yourself. Among them, the battery car is convenient and labor-saving. There are tourist buses that stop at the waving around the West Lake. The route just goes around the West Lake; cycling along the lake is romantic and leisurely. There are nearly 10 piers by the lake, and there are various boats and lines. It is recommended to take a boat to the Three Pools Reflecting the Moon in the center of the lake, and enjoy the scenery of the West Lake on the boat. Or recruit a hand rowing boat by the lake, and the boatman will take you to swim the lake, which is more free.
Northern scenery
There are many scenic spots on the north shore of West Lake, usually starting from the broken bridge in the northeast corner and going west all the way to Yuewang Temple. You can walk along the Bai Causeway all the way to Gushan, see Xiling Yinshe, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, China Seal Museum, Fanghe Pavilion and other cultural attractions, eat authentic West Lake vinegar fish in the building outside the building, and walk under the Xiling Bridge Island, not far from Yuewang Temple and Quyuan Fenghe.
If it is summer when the sun is strong, it is recommended to walk along Beishan Road, hide under the dense shade of trees and look at the curve of the broken bridge on the opposite Baidi and the swaying weeping willows. There are many entrances along the road leading to Baoshi Mountain, you can go to Climb the mountain to see the scenery, and go down the mountain to the Yuewang Temple. There are many small shops in Yuewang Square where you can eat, and the Impression West Lake performance here at night is also worth watching. If you have enough time and energy, you can also go up to Su Causeway from here and enjoy the panoramic view of West Lake on foot.
Southeast Coast (Hubin-Nanshan Road)
Another area where scenic spots are concentrated is Hubin Road-Nanshan Road on the southeast coast. Hubin Road is at the junction of downtown Hangzhou and the West Lake Scenic Area. You can see the scenery of the West Lake. There is also a pier where you can take a West Lake cruise and the iconic musical fountain. The advantage of Hubin Road is that it can quickly reach the business district in the city center from the scenic spot, which is suitable for short-term stays for tourists who are in a hurry.
From Hubin Road to the south, walk along Nanshan Road. Along the road, you can visit scenic spots such as Wenying in Liulang, Long Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, Nanping Evening Bell, and Viewing Fish in Huagang. The distance between adjacent scenic spots is not too far, and you can walk , Tour buses and buses are also very convenient, you can arrange a day to choose a few to play according to your preferences. Among them, Leifeng Pagoda and Nanping Evening Bell can be arranged in the evening. Listening to the bell in Jingci Temple and overlooking the night view of West Lake from Leifeng Pagoda are all great experiences.
