| "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.
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| Lakeside Boulevard |
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. 
Leifeng Pagoda in the Lake Area
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 |
Related Link: West Lake Cruise





Q & A on West Lake (Xi Hu)
1.
Jan. 8,2010 00:01 Reply
Mr. foon(malaysia) said:
Those who r visiting hangzhou should vist west lake for its senic view as i just came back frm there but remember to bring your winter clothing.It was snowing on 26 Dec , got 2 see some snow. Hangzhou, west lake is still a all year round place 2 visit.
2.
Sep. 22,2009 19:44 Reply
Ms.Judie(U.S.) said:
When is the best time to visit the West Lake?
Sep. 22,2009 19:55
Mr.Cuffman(CN) replied:
Dear Judie. Actually every season is the best time to visit the West Lake. It displays different scenery beauties at different season. It will always be a nice view wherever you are there.
Sep. 26,2009 19:42
Mr.Cook replied:
Cuffman is right. Whenever you go to West Lake, it will feast your eye. There also goes a saying:" west Lake is better in rain than in sun, better at night than in rain. Thereby West Lake at night must give the best scenery.
Sep. 27,2009 19:58
Ms.amy replied:
I have heard about the tale of the white snake, which relates to the West Lake and the broken bridge. That's a good love story, lol. I am planning to see West Lake in the coming year.
Nov. 3,2009 18:35
Mr.beer(uk) replied:
maybe in winter
Nov. 25,2009 14:06
Mr.Torell(USA) replied:
I have ventured around West Lake and Hangzhou in all Seasons and My Favorite is April/May. The birth of flowers, the quality of Tea, the perfect temperatures all lead me to this conclusion. BUT most posting is correct - Anytime there is Better than almost anywhere else!!
Jan. 7,2010 20:27
Ms.Watson replied:
Yes, listen to Mr.Torell.
3.
Jan. 4,2010 01:06 Reply
Ms.Elaine(malaysia) said:
Hi James,
As i read through your reply to Ms Linda that Month of End Nov is not the right month to visit what about in Jan. As i check the weather and is really cold and is minus degree celcius. I have actually going to visit Hangzhou on the 15th Jan. Do you think it is good to pay a visit to West Lake? By the way we will be staying in SSAW Yilian, can you pls advice is it near to Pagoda? Understand it is near to Railway Station. Is this the station that we going to take the bullet train to Shanghai or we have to take this train to Hangzhou railway station than proceed with with the bullet train to shanghai, pls advice.
Jan. 4,2010 04:01
Ms.Helena replied:
Yes, it is cold. However, west lake is recommended to visit. As for the directions, i suggest you use google map.
4.
Dec. 8,2009 23:42 Reply
Ms.Yvone(Singapore) said:
Hi,
I will be going to Hangzhou on the 15th December for two weeks. What are the famous shopping areas or streets that worth a visit in Hangzhou? Thanks
Dec. 9,2009 01:06
Mr.Eva replied:
This page is of great help:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/zhejiang/hangzhou/shopping.htm
5.
Nov. 14,2009 06:55 Reply
Mr.yong(m'sia) said:
i planned to cycle around west lake with my children.
would like to know are we suppose to cycle on ordinary road or dedicated cycling track ? is the traffic busy and safe for children?
Nov. 16,2009 20:34
Mr.Goodman replied:
Hello,Mr.yong
Your cycle around west lake plan is totally a good and feasible idea. Lots of people do that. You can easily find bus rental site around the lake. You shall make a plan about the route first.
Nov. 25,2009 13:51
Mr.Torell(USA) replied:
Dear Mr. Yong - Very beautiful bike ride around lake. Many Places to Drop-off and Pick-Up bike - so if you make it half way around and would like to relax and eat, you can do so easily.
Mostly dedicated biking lanes but some areas get closer to the street - my LaoPo is inexperienced and decided to walk her bike in these areas. We never encountered any dangerous or frantic moments.