| "Ripping water shimmering on sunny day, Misty mountains shrouded the rain; Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi; West Lake is always alluring." |
These are the words composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) when he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.
Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'.
A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans, that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.
Near to the lake can be found the Ling Yin Temple in its woodland setting near to Fei Lai Feng (Peak Flown From Afar). Legend has it that this limestone peak flew from India where it had formed part of a holy mountain. These are of particular interest to Buddhists and those who have a love of sculpture and art. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a monument to the patriot who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of his archrival Qin Hui, the Song prime minister. These buildings like others in the vicinity of the lake such as the slender Six Harmonies Pagoda add to the calm and beauty of their surroundings.
No visitor to the West Lake and Hangzhou can fail to learn something of this city's most famous products, namely silk and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way all over the world. The National Silk Museum is the first Chinese national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and is the largest of its kind in the world. A similar museum is dedicated as homage to tea. Located at the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of Chinese tea. Often referred to as the 'wonders of West Lake' Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao (Running Tiger) Fountain is each worthy of the attention of the visitor.
Another natural spectacle to be found here is the tidal bore of the Qiantang River that has enthralled people for centuries. Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13 storey high Six Harmonies Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an impressive view over the river.
Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge. This is the first two-tier bridge to have been designed and built by Chinese engineers in modern times. The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.
We hope that this introduction to the delights of the area surrounding the West Lake will tempt you to visit them for yourself. You can be assured that the splendid and diverse landscape will remain long in your memory as you call to mind tour sites to be found south of the Yangtze River.
| Admission Fee: | Free |
West Lake Pictures
Related Link: West Lake Cruise
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Travelers' Voices on West Lake (Xi Hu)
1.
May. 12,2009 20:42 Reply
Ms.Cora said:
The night tour of West Lake has been started since May 9 and will last to the early part of October.
Visitors can take a boat at Er Gong Yuan, Shao Nian Gong, Duan Qiap and Wu Gong Yuan. The route passes the White Causeway, "Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake", Su Causeway, Music Fountain and "Three Pools Mirrioring the Moon".
2.
Apr. 3,2009 16:02 Reply
Ms.Goberstone(Canda) said:
ok the first time i worte me message my writing was all mess up so i will write it again. So me and my friend mimi are doing a project together on Hangzhou and this website is helping us a lot so thank you for the people that made this website!
3.
Apr. 3,2009 15:44 Reply
Ms.Robertson(Canada) said:
so...i have never been to Hangzhou myself, but hearing from all these wonderful comments. I am very esctatic about it. Reading this site has really helped me on my upcoming project. Maybe in the future I wil be able to see Hangzhou myself
4.
Mar. 1,2009 22:16 Reply
Mr.Frank(USA) said:
There are many places you can visit once you use Hangzhou as a base. You can go to and many different districts there. There are many smaller cities like Ningbo, Zhiji,Yuyao,Yiwu and so forth. There are wonderful little towns to visit and experience to real rural side of China in the countryside areas.
Shaoxing is a district in China while Shaoshan like Hangzhou but smaller and on the water with modern building and Highrise apartments. We recently returned from Chongqing just after the May 11 earthquake, and took the train vising Zhunyi and Guiyang the capital city. There is only a Jin Jiang in Chongqing and we got a standard room with a view for 160 rmb. Very nice large room with queen bed, lots of trimmings,very clean and modern.Then we went to Hangzhou and toured again. It is a city with much cleaner air that Shanghai which is getting very polluted now. If your looking for a great buffet top quality with five star food,it is called Fugang near Nan Shang Rd. Right across from Xi Hu (west lake).A wonderful place to eat all you can for a two pick menu of 150 or 180 rmb,All you can drink included.
5.
Mar. 1,2009 22:03 Reply
Mr.Frank(USA) said:
I think Hangzhou is a very interesting city only 2 hours outside of Shanghai. I have been there several times now. The Jin Jiang Inns is a great place for foreigners to say which is a hotel chain all throughout China and has very clean, new, safe rooms. There is free Broadband in all of the rooms, fresh linen, and maid service daily, the rooms are electronic key entries, with security and cameras. A breakfast buffet for foreigners and Chinese style for only 15 rmb.We have stayed in Many Jin Jiang Inns. The rate is from 170 rmb for a single room upto 400 rmb for the best business suite. The higher rates are in more popular business cities like Shanghai.But in smaller towns the rates are considerable less 130 rmb to 280 for the same.
In Hangzhou I especially like going to Longjing village , and Mei Jia Wu to go into the farmers houses to buy Long Jiang tea. I get the best teas for 200-250 rmb a pound. The same that goes for 2800-5000 rmb in the specialty stores. SO of course you know that the teas are highly inflated in the stores.I bring home around 10 pounds a year and drink it all year round, inside and outside of China. You can rent a serviced apartment also top quality , with security , for 4000 rmb max per month
6.
Feb. 20,2009 19:13 Reply
Mr.M. Wahyudi Budiman(Indonesia) said:
Beautiful scenery of Lake. I have enjoyed my 2 week stay in Dahua Hotel (the location of hotel is by the West lake). The only thing that should be increased is providing more service persons that can speak in English.
7.
Feb. 2,2009 23:28 Reply
Ms.USA(USA) said:
beautiful place. Will intrigue you immediately. I love the chang lang. It is wonderfully (if that even is a word) the most beautiful hallway i've ever seen. Wonderful. One of the must-see attraction destinations before you die in my opinion.
8.
Feb. 1,2009 21:38 Reply
Ms.Hangzhou(CN) said:
Electronic tour guide will be widely put into use in the scenic areas around the West Lake on May 1, 2009. The service will be available in Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese languages. With this self-help electronic tour guide system, you will be able to use the earphones to listen to the introductions of the scenic sites. There is also an electronic map on the portable receiver. The red light on the screen will turn on and pointing the location where you are standing. When you walk to the optimal areas for viewing the sites, the electronic guide will automatically introduce the scenic sites. The rental fee for the electronic guide is CNY10, which is cheaper than renting a local guide. Surely, you have to make a deposit of CNY 100.