Overview
What to Expect
West Lake Scenic Area is the crown jewel of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and one of China’s most beloved natural and cultural attractions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, this 6.39 square kilometer lake is surrounded by lush hills, ancient temples, and historical landmarks that have inspired poets, painters, and scholars for over 2,000 years.
The lake is famous for its “Ten Scenic Views,” which include timeless landscapes like “Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring,” “Moonlight over the Calm Lake in Autumn,” and “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.” These scenic spots showcase the perfect integration of natural beauty and human-made structures, reflecting traditional Chinese landscape design principles.
Visitors can explore the lake by traditional dragon boat or electric boat, visit historical sites like Leifeng Pagoda and Yue Fei Temple, and stroll along scenic causeways that divide the lake into different sections. West Lake is not just a natural attraction but also a symbol of Chinese culture, featuring prominently in classical poetry, painting, and literature.
Su Causeway – Famous 2.8km causeway built during the Song Dynasty, lined with willow trees and peach blossoms
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon – Iconic stone pagodas in the lake, symbol of West Lake and featured on Chinese currency
Leifeng Pagoda – Reconstructed ancient pagoda offering panoramic views of the entire West Lake area
Longjing Tea Plantations – Nearby tea gardens producing China's famous Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea
Traditional Dragon Boat Rides – Authentic Chinese boat experience to explore the lake's scenic spots
Things to Do
- Take a traditional dragon boat or electric boat tour to experience the lake from the water
- Walk along the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway to enjoy seasonal flowers and lake views
- Visit Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views and historical exhibits
- Explore nearby Longjing Village to taste authentic Longjing green tea and visit tea plantations
- Attend the annual West Lake International Expo (October) for cultural performances and events
Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Start with a stroll along the Su Causeway, enjoying spring blossoms (March–May) or autumn foliage (October–November), and visit the Flower Harbor in the Lake.
Mid-Morning: Take a dragon boat tour of the lake to see the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and pagodas.
Afternoon: Visit Leifeng Pagoda for bird’s-eye views of West Lake, then explore the historic Yue Fei Temple dedicated to the famous Song Dynasty general.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at a lakeside restaurant, then take a night walk along the lake to see the illuminated bridges and pagodas, creating a magical atmosphere.
How to Get to West Lake Scenic Area
- By Air: Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), take airport shuttle bus Line 1 to Hangzhou Railway Station, then metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station (total 1 hour)
- By Train: Arrive at Hangzhou Railway Station or Hangzhou East Railway Station, take metro Line 1 or 4 to West Lake area (20–30 minutes)
- By High-speed Train: From Shanghai, take high-speed train to Hangzhou East Station (1 hour), then metro to West Lake (30 minutes)
- Within Hangzhou: Metro Lines 1, 2, 7 serve the West Lake area; public buses cover all major scenic spots; bike rentals available for lake circumference tours
Travel Tips
- Visit early in the morning (7:00–8:00 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the lake’s tranquility
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is significant walking between scenic spots
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water during summer months (June–August) when temperatures can exceed 35°C
- Try local specialties like West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dragon Well Shrimp at lakeside restaurants
- Consider purchasing a combined ticket for multiple attractions to save money
- Avoid weekends and national holidays as the lake can get extremely crowded
FAQ
Q: Is there an entrance fee for West Lake?
A: The lake itself is free to visit, but some attractions like Leifeng Pagoda, Yue Fei Temple, and boat tours have separate fees (30–80 CNY).
Q: How long does a boat tour of West Lake take?
A: Typical boat tours last 40–60 minutes, covering the main scenic spots like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Solitary Hill.
Q: Can I visit Longjing Tea Village from West Lake?
A: Yes, it’s about 30 minutes by taxi or bus from West Lake, and highly recommended for tea lovers.
Q: What is the best way to get around West Lake?
A: Walking and biking are ideal for short distances; boats for lake crossings; buses for connecting different scenic areas.
Q: Are there English signs and guides available?
A: Major attractions have English signs, and English-speaking guides can be hired at the main entrances or through travel agencies.
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