Written by Veronica |
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 āTen Scenes of the West Lakeā are spread out around the lake including temples, pagodas, gardens, bridges, and islands. At night, thereās the captivating Impression West LakeĀ Show. Make sure you visit this iconic site on your China tour.
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- Fast Facts aboutĀ the West LakeĀ
- History and Legends ofĀ the West Lake
- What to See and Do atĀ the West Lake
- Suggested Visiting Routes around the West Lake
- Popular Ways to Explore the West Lake of Hangzhou
- Approximate costs for common activities around West Lake
- Ā Best Time to Visit the West Lake
- How to Get to the West LakeĀ and nearby Hotels
- Attractions nearby the West LakeĀ Park
- FAQs about West Lake in Hangzhou
- Explore West Lake and More Gems in Hangzhou with China Xian Tour
Fast Facts aboutĀ 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 ofĀ 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 lakeās beauty. The Bai Causeway is named after him.
In Song Dynasty, another famous poet, Su Shi, became the governor. He improved the lakeās 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 tourĀ and composed many odes to the lake.
Romantic Legend of the West Lake
The West Lake is a place of poetry and romance. Thereās 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 Baiās true form, and imprisoned her under Leifeng Pagoda. In the end, Baiās 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.Ā 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 StreetĀ and learn about Buddhism in the region at Lingyin Temple.
What to See and Do atĀ the West Lake
Admire the āTen Scenes of the West Lakeā
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 Morningā Enjoy a quiet morning walk down the 3-mile-long causeway with willows and peach trees
- Lotus Swaying in the Breeze ā 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 Lakeā Thereās a platform west of Bai Causeway thatās ideal for admiring the full moon on Mid-Autumn Festival
- Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge ā 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 Willowsā Hear the birds singing in the hanging willows in the spring
- Fish Swimming in the Flower Pondā Different kinds of flowers and fish give the area life and the most stunning colors changing with the seasons
- Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset ā 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 ā The South Peak and North Peak stand towering over on two sides of the West Lake
- Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill ā 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 ā Three small stone pagodas stand in the middle of the lake. They are hollow on the inside, and if theyāre lit, the light gets reflected in the water like the moon. This is the iconic image on the one-yuan banknote.
ExploreĀ the West Lake Park and the Surrounding Areas
Thereāre 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 Chinaās finest biking routes. Itās the best way to observe the local lifestyle.
Watch theĀ 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 Olympicsā 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.
Suggested Visiting Routes around the West Lake
Here below are the recommended visiting routes for the West Lake. All focus on different scenic spots and experiences. You can choose according to your preference.
- A Romantic One-day Tour
- Route: Broken Bridge – Bai Causeway – Solitary Hill – Su Causeway – Leifeng Pagoda
- Feature: During this tour, imagine the scene of the Romantic White Snake Legend at the Broken Bridge. When strolling along the Su Causeway, indulge in the poetic charm of rows of willows on both banks and the reflections of 6 bridges on the water. And you can ascend the Leifeng Pagoda to overlook the whole West Lake. At dusk, the āSunset Glow at Leifeng Pagodaāwill amaze you.
- A Full-day Cycling Tour
- Route: Broken Bridge – Beishan Street – Yanggon Causeway – Nanshan Road
- Feature: This route is a classic cycling route and is only 11 kilometers long. All the major sites will be passed by during the tour, so you can stop at any scenic spots you are interested in to pay a visit. Beginners can also enjoy it leisurely.
- A Half-day Culture Tour
- Route: Lingyin Temple – Tea Museum
- Feature: Tourists can feel the serenity of the millenarian Buddhist temple, Lingyin Temple. The vegetarian noodles there is very famous, order a bowl to taste. In the Tea Museum, you will have a deep understanding of the culture of Longjin Tea, a local tea famous all over China.
Popular Ways to Explore the West Lake of Hangzhou
To tour the West Lake, biking, walking, battery car and boating are the most popular four ways. Every tourist can find the suitable way to experience the different charms of the lake.
BikingĀ – Free Exploration
For young tourists, biking is usually their first choice. Because they can enjoy free time to explore the scenic spots around the lake and feel the gentle breeze. The essences of the West Lake are connected along the way. In Nanshan Road, you will feel a strong artistic atmosphere when passing by the China Academy of Art and Zhejiang Art Museum. In Beishan Street section, the classic landscapes of the Broken Bridge and the Bai Causeway to the south and plenty of buildings with the style of the Republic of China era to the north will feast your eyes. In Yanggong Causeway, six arch bridges wait for you to conquer, you will feel like riding a roller coaster.
WalkingĀ – In-depth Experience
Unlike the cursory sightseeing by bike or battery car, walking allows you to have an immersive experience. Choose the scenic spots you like and explore the serene corners that can not be reached by vehicles, such as the paths on the Solitary Hill. You can also touch the historic relics with your hand, watch the fish playing in the water and sit on a chair to see the waves of willows. Walking is more suitable for tourists who are fond of culture and prefer a slow travel pace.
Battery CarĀ – Leisurely Tour
Battery Car is an ideal choice for families and tourists with limited strength. A ride around the lake takes only 70 minutes, but you can sit comfortably in the car and admire all the major scenic spots of the lake. When you see the car, just wave your hand, it will stop in front of you. Then you can get on and buy the ticket on the car. Besides, the audio explanation is equipped in the car, you can also learn about the history and culture of each scenic spot.
BoatingĀ – Unforgettable Painting-like Perspective
If you want to enjoy an unforgettable experience, boating is definitely the most recommended. When the boat moves on the water, you will feel like wandering in a painting. It provides you with a different perspective of the West Lake. And you can appreciate the scenery of Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon. The boat types are also various, including the painted pleasure boat, sculling boat, bus boat, self-rowing boat and night cruise boat.
Approximate costs for common activities around West Lake
The cost of the main experiential activities in West Lake is listed below for your reference.
1. Boat/cruise
- Painted pleasure boat: CNY 55 – 70/person
- Sculling boat: CNY 150 – 180/hour/boat
- Bus boat: Charge by section. Each section: CNY 6 – 8; A full ride: CNY 70
- Self-rowing boat: CNY 30+/half an hour
- Night cruise boat: CNY 90/person
2. Impression Show
- Normal seat: CNY 340+
- VIP seat: CNY 410+
- Honourable Guestseat: CNY 940+
- Duration: about 50 minutes
3. Bike rental
- Public bike: Within 1 hour: Free; 1-2 hours: CNY 1; 2-3 hours: CNY 2; More than 3 hours: CNY 3/hour
- Private car rental point: CNY 10 – 20/hour
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 HangzhouĀ 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 visitĀ Longjing Tea PlantationsĀ in Hangzhou to experience Chinese tea culture.
West Lake in Different Seasons
- Spring:In Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, you will see the classic landscapes of āOne willow and one peachā. Nearly 400,000 tulips form a sea of flowers in Taiziwan Park. It is also the best time to experience tea picking in Longjin Village.
- Summer:The endless lotus flowers are in full bloom in Quyuan Park and Flower Pond. Tourists can also watch the sunset at the Calm Lake and hike in the Nine Streams and Eighteen Gullies Scenic Area to avoid summer heat.
- Autumn:The fragrant osmanthus rain in Manjiaolong Scenic Area and the golden Chinese parasol in Beishan Street are worthy of a visit. On a sunny day, climb to the top of Baoshi Mountain to enjoy a distant view.
- Winter: After snow, the West Lake is like an ink painting. The Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge is one of the most famous and classic scenes. You can also try to find the plum blossom in the Solitary Hill and Lingfeng Peak.
Related reading: Where to Stay in Hangzhou
How to Get to the West LakeĀ 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. Itāll 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 LakeĀ Park
As the most popular tourist destination in Hangzhou, thereāre plenty of hotels near the West Lake starting from around CNY 150 per night. Itās a good area to stay in for your trip to Hangzhou.
Attractions nearby the West LakeĀ Park
Lingyin TempleĀ is one of Chinaās 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 MuseumĀ showcases the 4,700 years of history of tea culture in China. Thereāre exhibitions on tea types, tea production, and the rich tea history and culture. Youāll have the chance to sample different types of tea, observe tea ceremonies, join tea art lessons, and walk around the tea plantations.
FAQs about West Lake in Hangzhou
Why is West Lake so famous?
It is because of its perfect combination of natural scenery and profound culture. And it was included in the World Heritage List in 2011.
Is it possible to visit Longjing Village and the tea plantations from West Lake?
Of course. You can take bus 87 to get there. This bus route is renowned as a landscape route passing through the tea garden.
How long does it take to walk or bike around the entire West Lake?
An entire walking tour takes about 7 – 8 hours and a bike tour takes only about 2 hours.
Is West Lake safe to visit at night?
Sure. It is very safe. There are usually street lamps and tourists around the lakeside at night.
Can I visit West Lake during winter?
Yes. You can enjoy a quieter tour and appreciate the famous Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge.
Explore West Lake and More Gems in Hangzhou with China Xian Tour
Hangzhou is a representative city to experience the charm of Jiangnan. Besides the West Lake, you can also explore the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins and experience tea culture. Are you interested in the scenic spot? Contact China Xian Tour, we will customize a Hangzhou tour to include all the attractions you prefer. Also, we will book the tickets and hotels for you. You can just immerse in the tour completely. So contact us right now.
