This oasis of spectacular natural beauty has inspired poets and artists with its sparkling water, misty mountains and traditional pagodas.
West Lake is large area of freshwater in downtown Hangzhou surrounded by picturesque scenery. It comprises five sections that are split by causeways. Visitors are drawn to the region by the pretty gardens and traditional pagodas and temples. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing and peaceful break from the city.
The lake's highlights are known among locals as the “10 Scenes of the West Lake”. Cross the Broken Bridge and capture a photo of your reflection in the calm water beneath. Learn of the heartbreaking love story surrounding the bridge. See another feature on the list, the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, which is a triplet of pagodas displayed in a triangular form in the water. Arrive during the full moon to see candles inside the pagodas.
Visit the traditional structures that overlook the lake, including churches, pagodas and temples. Make your way to the Mid-Lake Pavilion, the oldest of its kind in the city. The famous poem Chong Er (Endless Love) was supposedly inspired by this serene site.
Make sure to see the Lingyin Temple, which dates back many centuries, on the lake’s shore. Ascend the hills to the base of Baochu Pagoda for panoramic views of the lake and the misty mountains beyond it. There is a spectacular vista of the Hangzhou skyline from Leifeng Pagoda.
Enjoy a picnic with the family and relax among the natural beauty of the parks and gardens. See tea pickers toiling in the fields of Longjing in the spring. See the tulips in full bloom at Prince Bay Park. Enjoy the view of the water at Guo’s Villa as you sip fresh tea. The Hangzhou Botanical Gardens is home to an array of colourful flowers.
You can take a tourist boat around the lake to the various attractions. West Lake is situated in the centre of Hangzhou.
