West Lake Scenery

West Lake Cruise Scenery

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon West Lake, located in Hangzhou, which is sometimes called 'paradise on earth', is charming in any season. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of West Lake is from a boat on the lake. Following are some of the sights worth seeing.

Gu Shan (Solitary Hill)

Located at the northwest corner of the West Lake, Solitary Hill is the largest island in the lake. It is not only a scenic spot but also a place where many cultural relics can be found. Among them are Wen Lan Pavilion, Fang He Pavilion, and the Tomb of Qiu Jin. Because the hill is surrounded by water, it provides the best view of West Lake scenery.

* Transportation: Take tourist bus No. 1, 2, or 3 and get off at Xileng Bridge Station, or disembark at Zhongshan Park and take a boat.

Xiaoyingzhou Island (Island of Little Oceans)

Xiaoyingzhou Island, where you can admire the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, is rich in natural beauty. The island is known as 'the first wonderland of the West Lake'.

* Transportation: Take a boat from any of the wharves on shore of West Lake.

Ruangongdun Island (Ruan's Mound Encircled by Greenness)

Ruangongdun is an island that was built under the direction of Ruan Yuan, another of whose contributions was the dredging of West Lake, hence the name, Lord Ruan's Mound (Ruangongdun Island). An abundance of lush plant life makes the island feel like a garden floating on the river. On most summer and autumn evenings, you can take a cruise that includes a show by actors in ancient costumes on the island.

* Transportation: Take a boat at Zhongshan Park.

Su Causeway (Spring Dawn at Su Causeway)

Su Causeway is 2.8 kilometers long and traverses West Lake from south to north. It was built under the direction of and named in honor of Su Dongpo (a great poet during the Song Dynasty) as part of another dredging project. At the south end of the causeway, you will find Su Dongpo Memorial Hall.

* Transportation: Take bus No.K4, 308, 504 or tourist bus No. 1, 2, 3, or 5 to Su Causeway Station. Take bus No. 7, 15, 27, 28, or tourist bus No. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei Station, or take a boat to Huagang.

Mausoleum of General Yue Fei (Yue Miao)

The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, located at the northwest corner of Yuehu Lake, was built in 1221 to memorialize the hero Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279).

* Transportation: Take bus No. 7, 15, 27, or 28 or tourist bus 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei Station, or take a boat to the Yue Temple.

Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake (Pinghu Qiuyue)

Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake can be admired from the west end of Bai Causeway and the foot of Solitary Hill (south side). This is also the best place from which to admire the brightness of the moon on Mid-autumn Day, which is celebrated every year, from Aug. 14th to 16th of the lunar month.

* Transportation: Take tourist bus No. 1, 2, or 3 to Xileng Bridge Station or Broken Bridge Station, or take a boat to Zhongshan Park.

Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor Park (Huagang Guanyu)

One of the Ten West Lake Sights, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor Park is located on an islet between Xili Lake and Xiaonan Lake west of the southern section of Su Causeway. It is a large park that combines the garden art popular south of the Yangtze River with that of the occident. The park is also a good place to see different kinds of fish and flowers.

*Transportation: Take bus No. K4, 308, or 504, or tourist bus: 1, 2, 3, or 5 to Su Causeway Station or Guagang Station, or take a boat.