West Lake, or Xihu, is the most important natural and cultural landscape of Hangzhou, China. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of the city. For centuries, it has been a source of inspiration for poets and painters. It is famous for its natural vistas as well as its cultural significance as a landmark of Hangzhou and the Jiangnan region. Visiting the West Lake is the top thing to do in Hangzhou.
The West Lake park is divided into five sections interconnected by three causeways. The renowned “Ten Scenes of the West Lake” are spread out around the lake including temples, pagodas, gardens, bridges, and islands. At night, there’s the captivating Impression West Lake Show. Make sure you visit this iconic site on your China tour.
Fast Facts about the West Lake
- Location: Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Opening time: All day
- Ticket price: Free
- Recommended visit time: 1 day
- Best time to visit: All year round, especially spring and autumn
- Suited to: Anyone who is interested in nature, local culture, and history
History and Legends of the West Lake
Poetic History of the West Lake
The West Lake has been associated with many famous poets in Chinese history. Most famously, Bai Juyi, a governor of Hangzhou during Tang Dynasty, ordered the constructions of causeways and wrote many verses in praise of the lake’s beauty. The Bai Causeway is named after him.
In Song Dynasty, another famous poet, Su Shi, became the governor. He improved the lake’s infrastructure and constructed Su Causeway to help local farmers suffering from the drought. He planted the willow trees that you will see today on your Hangzhou West Lake tour and composed many odes to the lake.
Romantic Legend of the West Lake
The West Lake is a place of poetry and romance. There’s a well-known love story surrounding it, a Chinese folktale called the White Snake Legend. There was once a white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen who came into the human realm in search of life and love. At the West Lake, she met a kind and humble scholar, Xu Xian. He offered her an umbrella in the rain on the Broken Bridge.
They soon fell in love, got married, and led a peaceful life running a medicine shop together. However, a Buddhist monk named Fahai discovered that Bai was a snake spirit and thought it against the natural order that she should be with a human. He set out to separate them, revealed Bai’s true form, and imprisoned her under Leifeng Pagoda. In the end, Bai’s sister Xiaoqing freed her, and the family was reunited.
Because of this legend, the West Lake is a famously romantic destination for couples in China. You can trace many elements of the legend in the city of Hangzhou. The Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda are two of the most popular attractions of West Lake. You can visit traditional Chinese medicine shops on Hefang Street and learn about Buddhism in the region at Lingyin Temple.
What to See and Do at the West Lake
Admire the “Ten Scenes of the West Lake”
As the most iconic landmark of Hangzhou, the West Lake Park is featured on the one-yuan note of the Chinese currency. Ever since South Song Dynasty, Hangzhou West Lake has been famous for its ten most characteristic sceneries. They are
- Su Causeway on a Spring Morning– Enjoy a quiet morning walk down the 3-mile-long causeway with willows and peach trees
- Lotus Swaying in the Breeze – During the summer months, especially July and August, over 100 lotus varieties are in bloom. You can walk among them over the small bridges in the pools
- Autumn Moon over the Peaceful Lake– There’s a platform west of Bai Causeway that’s ideal for admiring the full moon on Mid-Autumn Festival
- Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge – The Broken Bridge is the best spot for admiring and photographing the snowy scene on West Lake with distant hills in the background
- Orioles Singing in the Willows– Hear the birds singing in the hanging willows in the spring
- Fish Swimming in the Flower Pond– Different kinds of flowers and fish give the area life and the most stunning colors changing with the seasons
- Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset – In the south of the West Lake, the famous Leifeng Pagoda stands shining in the golden sunset. The top of the pagoda offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the lake
- Two Peaks Piercing through the Clouds – The South Peak and North Peak stand towering over on two sides of the West Lake
- Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill – At the foot of Nanping Hill stands Jingci Temple. The ringing of the bronze bell from the temple echoes across the valleys and hills
- Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon – Three small stone pagodas stand in the middle of the lake. They are hollow on the inside, and if they’re lit, the light gets reflected in the water like the moon. This is the iconic image on the one-yuan banknote.
Explore the West Lake Park and the Surrounding Areas
There’re a number of ways to explore Hangzhou West Lake and the area. You can take a boat ride or a cruise on the lake and head to different attractions. You can also rent a bike or stroll along the banks. The West Lake is renowned for having some of China’s finest biking routes. It’s the best way to observe the local lifestyle.
Watch the Impression West Lake Night Show
At night, you can extend your visit to see the amazing open-air night show, Impression West Lake. It is directed by the famous Chinese filmmaker Yimou Zhang, who also directed the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ opening ceremony. The show is set on the West Lake, combines lights, music, dance, plays, and special effects to tell a romantic story set in Hangzhou.
Best Time to Visit the West Lake
The West Lake is suitable for visit all year round. Each season presents different sceneries. The best time to travel to Hangzhou in terms of weather are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
These seasons have mild temperatures with blooming flowers, including peach blossoms, lotus flowers, osmanthus, and chrysanthemums. Early spring is also the best time to visit Longjing Tea Plantations in Hangzhou to experience Chinese tea culture.
How to Get to the West Lake and nearby Hotels
From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
The West Lake is about 36 km (22 miles) from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, which takes about 45 minutes by car. You can take a taxi there for around CNY 100. Or you can take an airport shuttle bus to Hangzhou city center and then take a taxi or bus to the lake. It’ll be cheaper but will take more time. You can also take Metro Line 7 to Wushan Square Station, which is a short walk from the lake.
From Hangzhou East Railway Station
Hangzhou East Railway Station is about 15 km (9 miles) from the West Lake, half an hour away by taxi. Take Metro Line 1 to Dingan Road Station and walk to the lake.
From Hangzhou Railway Station
Hangzhou Railway Station is about 6 km (4 miles) from the West Lake, 20 minutes away by taxi. Take Metro Line 1 to Dingan Road Station and walk to the lake.
Hotels nearby the West Lake Park
As the most popular tourist destination in Hangzhou, there’re plenty of hotels near the West Lake starting from around CNY 150 per night. It’s a good area to stay in for your trip to Hangzhou.
Attractions nearby the West Lake Park
Lingyin Temple is one of China’s oldest and largest Buddhist temples. Aside from its cultural significance, it is renowned for its magnificent architecture, Buddhist statues, paintings, and ancient relics.
China National Tea Museum showcases the 4,700 years of history of tea culture in China. There’re exhibitions on tea types, tea production, and the rich tea history and culture. You’ll have the chance to sample different types of tea, observe tea ceremonies, join tea art lessons, and walk around the tea plantations.
