West Lake is the most famous attraction in Hangzhou, boasting stunning natural scenery and rich historical culture. It covers an expansive area of 638 hectares (1,576 acres), surrounded by lush mountains on three sides, which is just like a green jade embedded inside. When the sky is clear, the mountain is much greener, and the water much more lucid shining under sunlight. While when it rains, the whole landscape is shrouded in the mist, with antique pagodas and flying birds faintly visible, as if it were a Chinese traditional wash painting. No wonder a prestigious poet over 900 years ago depicted in his poem that West Lake is like a gorgeous lady with either light or heavy make-up.
As the seasons change, West Lake also impresses its admirers with fresh appearances. The gentle spring breeze brings the fragrance of peach blossoms along Su Causeway. In midsummer, the lake surface is covered with lush green lotus leaves, with lotus flowers swaying. In the golden autumn, the forests are ablaze with colors and the full moon reflects on the lake. When snow falls in the cold winter, the mountains, pavilions, and pagodas are all wrapped in a layer of white, exuding poetic charm and picturesque beauty.
Layout of West Lake
West Lake is not merely a body of lake, but a large-scale scenic area with comprehensive range of landscapes. The layout of the entire scenic area can be summarized as “one mountain, two pagodas, three islands, three causeways and five separated lakes”.
On the northwest side of the west lake situates a small hill called Solitary Hill. It connects with Bai Causeway in east-west direction, together with Su Causeway and Yang Causeway on the west side of the lake that both cross the south and north banks, dividing the vast West Lake into five lake areas, namely, West Inner Lake, West Outer Lake, North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, and South Lake. Among these lakes, the largest one West Outer Lake has three man-made islands: the Lesser Paradise Island, the Mid-lake Pavilion, and the Ruangong Islet. Moreover, there is majestic Leifeng Pagoda on the south bank and elegant Baochu Pagoda on the north bank facing each other across the lake.
Top Ten Scenes at West Lake Scenic Area
The concept of Top Ten Scenes at West Lake Scenic Area originated from the ten landscapes depicted by a royal painter during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279 AD). These landscapes captured the most beautiful scenes of West Lake in different seasons as well as at various times of the day. This concept has persisted to this day and has become the hallmark of the West Lake’s scenery.
Obviously, these ten scenes won’t occur simultaneously during your single West Lake trip. Traveling in different seasons, you will surely have brand new experience. The following are introductions of the top ten scenes at West Lake which may help with your travel.
West Lake in Four Seasons
1. Su Causeway in the Morning Spring
Su Causeway is an approximately 3-kilometer (2-mile) boulevard crossing the south and north banks of West Lake. As spring brings warmth here, the two sides of the causeway become quite charming, with verdant willows swaying and pink peach flowers in full bloom.
2. Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden
This scene is located at the north end of Su Causeway. During mid-summer every year, over a hundred species of lotus flowers around the Winding Garden blossom, exuding fragrance to hold tourists’ steps. When it’s drizzling, the crystal-like droplets on the lotus leaves roll back and forth in the breeze.
3. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake
On the west end of Bai Causeway and at the east side of Solitary Hill, there is a perfect area with broad view to admire the full moon every month. Especially during mid-autumn nights, the round moon hangs high, shedding bright light on the tranquil lake and complementing the surrounding pavilions and towers.
4. Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge
This scene is the most fascinating among others since its literal meaning describes a kind of visual illusion. When the sun rises next morning melting the last night’s snow covering on the east side of the bridge and exposing its bare taupe surface, with the west side still in pure white, it looks like the bridge has broken from the middle from a distance at its west end.
Special Moments of West Lake
Suppose the forementioned four scenes are highlights of West Lake in four distinct seasons, then the following scenes are its close-up shots.
5. Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond
The west side of Su Causeway’s south end is a perfect place for admiring flowers and fish. Particularly during spring and autumn, the views are the most attractive – groups of red koi fish play in the pool, and sometimes you can even catch the scene of the fish jumping out of water to bite the flower dropping down.
6. Orioles Singing in the Willows
This scene is at the southeast side of West Lake. In spring and summer, here is shaded by willow trees. Yellow warblers and various other birds fly and chirp among them, as if greeting the guests arriving from afar.
7. Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow
At dusk, standing opposite Leifeng Pagoda, you can see its peak bathing in the lingering glow of the setting sun as well as its shadow reflected on the golden shining water. With sparse birds flying across the colorful clouds, it’s like you have stepped in Monet’s oil painting.
8. Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill
In Jingci Temple of the Nanping Hill on the south side of West Lake hangs a great Buddha Bell weighing over 10 tons (1,500 stone). It would strike every evening at sunset, with the sound waves reverberating melodiously among the porous mountains, creating a lingering and continuous effect that is soothing and pleasing to tourists’ ears.
9. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
As the most symbolic view in West Lake, Three Pools, actually refer to three pinnacles in the lake that form an equilateral triangle near the Lesser Paradise Island. They feature spherical and hollow bodies, each having 5 circular holes around. Every Mid-Autumn Festival on lunar August 15th when the moon is full, the candles in three pinnacles are lit, casting light on the lake, which compares to moon reflection from night sky.
10. Twin Peaks Piercing the Cloud
Two mountains are particularly outstanding on the west side of the lake. When the fog after rain veils their bodies half way up, it looks like two peaks piercing through the cloud. At this very moment you can exactly appreciate the wash painting portrayed by nature from the bridge of Su Causeway.
How to Tour the West Lake?
The length of the tour route around West Lake is about 11 kilometers (7 miles), and you may spend 3 - 4 hours to hike, which is quite exhausting. Extra 2 - 3 hours may be needed if you linger to enjoy the scenery along the way. Besides, some scenic spots are at the center of the lake, only accessible by boat.
To your relief, transportation tools such as sightseeing buses, boats, and bicycles are all available here. Tourists who want to tour around the whole scenic area are suggested to combine walking and other transportation modes throughout your itinerary so that you can save time and energy, as well as enrich your travel experience.
Below are two most recommended routes for your consideration.
Half-Day Tour (3 – 4 Hours)
Routes: Longxiangqiao Metro Station – Lesser Paradise Island (Three Pools Mirroring the Moon) – Huagang Wharf (Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond) – Leifeng Pagoda – Su Causeway in the Morning Spring – Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden – Xiling Bridge – Bai Causeway (Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge) – Longxiangqiao Metro Station
1. Set off from Exit C of Longxiangqiao Station of Metro Line 1, and walk for 5 – 10 minutes to arrive at any wharf along the Lakeside Park where you can buy the sightseeing boat ticket. Then, take the boat to Lesser Paradise Island in about 25 minutes, and the site of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, which is also printed on the back side of CNY 1 banknote, will pop out in front of your eyes.
2. Move on by boat from Lesser Paradise Island to Huagang Wharf in 5 minutes or so, you’ll get to the next spot Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond. After that, walk east for 5 minutes, you are right under the Leifeng Pagoda, whose top floors are ideal places for enjoying the superb panorama of West Lake.
3. Rent a public bicycle near Leifeng Pagoda and cycle for about 5 minutes to the south end of Su Causeway. Then, take the sightseeing bus to the north end in approximately 10 minutes, during which you can appreciate the willows on both banks and lake views in the distance along the way. Upon arrival, one of the top scenes Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden is close by, where you can stroll leisurely and enjoy the lotus flowers.
4. Walk eastward for 10 minutes past Xiling Bridge to the east side of Solitary Hill where you can enjoy the views at the site of Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake. Then continue walking eastward for another 15 minutes through Bai Causeway and Broken Bridge, and finally return to Longxiangqiao Metro Station.
One-Day Tour (5 - 6 Hours)
Route: Longxiangqiao Metro Station – Orioles Singing in the Willows – Qianwang Temple – Lesser Paradise Island (Three Pools Mirroring the Moon) – Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond – Hangzhou Taiziwan Park – Leifeng Pagoda – Jingci Temple – Su Causeway – Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden – Xiling Bridge – West Lake Art Museum / Zhejiang Provincial Museum – Bai Causeway (Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge) – Children’s Palace – Hubin Pedestrian Street – Longxiangqiao Metro Station
1. After exiting from Longxiangqiao Metro Station, you can rent a bike nearby and cycle southward along the east bank of West Lake for about 20 minutes to arrive at the site of Orioles Singing in the Willows. Then, walk for a few minutes to visit Qianwang Temple, spending about one hour exploring the historical views and stories here.
2. After that, take the boat directly to the Lesser Paradise Island from Qianwang Temple Wharf, and then cruise towards the site of Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond on the opposite.
3. Walk southward for a few minutes to Hangzhou Taiziwan Park. You can prepare some food like bread, biscuits, and beverages in advance so as to recharge while taking a rest in the park.
4. Then walk eastward for 10 minutes or so to get to Leifeng Pagoda and Jingci Temple in sequence. Enjoying your time here for approximately 1.5 hours would be suitable. Next take the sightseeing bus through Su Causeway to admire the scenery at the site of Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden.
5. Go across Xiling Bridge to reach Solitary Hill where you can visit West Lake Art Museum or Zhejiang Provincial Museum, admiring various cultural relics such as pottery, porcelain, and bronze, as well as creative artifacts.
6. After visiting, take a walk or take the sightseeing bus based on your physical strength across Bai Causeway and Broken Bridge to Children’s Palace.
7. Finally, keep walking for 10 minutes to Lakeside Pedestrian Street where you can have a fine dinner and return to Longxiangqiao Metro Station to end your itinerary.
Information about Public Transportations in West Lake
Bike
There are many red public bicycle rental and return spots around the metro stations, bus stops near the West Lake scenic area, as well as within the scenic area. Just scan the QR code on the bicycle with Alipay to unlock and you can start your cycling journey.
Fare: It is free during the first one hour of use, and then charges CNY 1 per hour, with the maximum daily charge of CNY 5.
Reminder: Cycling is prohibited along Su and Bai Causeways.
Sightseeing Boat
Wharfs are scattered around the West Lake, providing diverse sightseeing boat tours. You can choose the type of tour that suits you best.
① Island Tour: You can take the boat to Lesser Paradise Island, closely appreciating the views of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
② Tour around West Lake: The boat takes you to tour around the whole lake without landing islands.
③ Leisure Tour: The boat tour can be customized as you like, or you can row the boat yourself within a certain area.
See more details of West Lake Cruise.
Sightseeing Bus
Additionally, there are many sightseeing buses running around the lake. As long as there is an available seat in the car, just wave your hand and the car will stop to take you on a tour. The route has four major stops: Children’s Palace – Yongjin Gate – Leifeng Pagoda – Temple of General Yue Fei. You can buy either short-journey or whole-journey tickets.
March – June & September – October: 08:30 – 18:30
July – August: 08:30 – 21:00
Note:
The ticket is valid for single use only. If you buy a full-journey ticket but get off halfway, the ticket will be invalid.
Entrance Fee
The West Lake scenic area itself is free to enter, and some scenic spots within it are charged separately.
November 1st – March 15th: 08:00 – 17:30
March 16th – April 30th: 08:00 – 19:00
CNY 20 for minors aged 6 – 18 and seniors over 70
Free for children less than 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) or 6 years old.
CNY 7.5 for children between 1.2 – 1.5 meters (3.9 – 4.9 feet)
Free for children less than 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and seniors aged over 70.
How to Get to West Lake?
By Metro
1. Take metro line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station and go out through Exit C, and then walk westward for 5 minutes to reach the Lakeside Park / Music Fountain or northward for 15 minutes to Broken Bridge or Bai Causeway.
2. Take metro line 1 to Ding’an Road Station and go out through Exit B or C. Then, walk westward for 10 minutes to reach the eat bank area of West Lake. And if you go on walking southward for about 10 minutes, you can get to the site of Orioles Singing in the Willows.
By Bus
1. Take Bus No. 4, 31, 139, 582, 1314, or West Lake Loop Line to Jingsi Station, and you’ll see the south gate of Leifeng Pagoda is close by.
2. Take Bus No. 4, 31, 52, 87, 133B, West Lake Loop Line, or Tourism Line 2 to Sudi Station, and walk eastward for a few minutes, and you’ll get to the south entrance of Su Causeway.
3. Take Bus No. 15, K15, 28, K28, 82, or K82 to Quyuan Fenghe Station, and scenic spot of Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden is nearby.
Legend of West Lake
The most well-known legend about West Lake is a heart-wrenching love story between a human and a snake spirit. It’s said that a kind snake spirit who had cultivated to take human form came to West Lake searching for the reincarnation of her savior from a thousand years ago. Delightfully, they met each other and fell in love at first sight on the Broken Bridge of West Lake, and soon got married. Unfortunately, this love beyond the mundane world was later opposed constantly by an evil monk and ended up with the snake spirit grounded in Leifeng Pagoda. Her husband was so heartbroken that he took the tonsure and practiced abstinence thereafter. After many years, their son grew up and won the champion of the imperial exam, coming to Leifeng Pagoda to visit his mother. The celestial beings were touched by his filial piety, and thus bestowed reunion upon the whole family.
This love story, carried on through generations from ancient times to present, though full of fantastic elements, has well manifested people’s pursuit for free love.
Travel Tips
1. If you’ve got extra time for a night stroll, you may consider watching the Music Fountain in the Lakeside Park, or enjoying the stage show Enduring Memories of Hangzhou beside the Yuehu Lake.
Music Fountain starts at 19:30 every day, enduring 15 – 20 minutes. Water sprays in different height and various shapes as music melodies and rhythms change, and meanwhile displays a brilliant visual effect by virtue of colorful lights. Stage show starts at 19:40 every day, with the landscape and antique buildings as the backdrop of the stage where performers dance with music on the shining lake surface.
Read more about stage show of West Lake: Enduring Memories of Hangzhou
2. Given the large scenic area of West Lake and slopes and stairs in certain attractions, it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes.
3. There is no luggage storage in the scenic area, but tourists in need can store their luggage in the locker in the metro stations such as Longxiangqiao Station, Fengqi Road Station, and Ding’an Road Station that are close to West Lake.
