1. Location and Overview
The West Lake of Hangzhou is located in the West Lake District of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, just 3 kilometers from the city center, covering an area of about 6.5 square kilometers. Surrounded by green mountains on three sides, the lake naturally blends with the cityscape, and is the first “cultural landscape” heritage in China to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The West Lake is famous for its “Ten Scenic Spots”, most of which were built during the Southern Song Dynasty (13th century) and still retain the unique aesthetics of “co-creation between man and nature”.
2. Top Ten Must-See Sights
① Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway
- Features: A causeway running through the north and south of West Lake, 2.8 kilometers long, connected by six arch bridges. The peach blossoms and willows intertwine along the causeway in spring, making it the best place for cycling or walking.
- Best Time: March-April, best photographed in early morning or dusk when the light is soft.
- Recommended Activity: Rent a public bicycle (within 1 hour for free) and ride from King Yue Temple at the north end to Leifeng Pagoda at the south end.
② Broken Bridge with Broken Snows
- Featured: The most famous bridge in West Lake, the bridge forms a black and white contrasting view with the lake after snow in winter. Legend has it that this is the place where the White Lady and Xu Xian met in The Legend of the White Snake.
- Best Time: Early morning after snow from December to February, fewer tourists.
- Tips: The bridge is slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes; the nearby White Causeway is suitable for shooting panoramic views.
③ Autumn Moon on Pinghu Lake
- Features: Located on the Linhe Platform at the southeast corner of Lonely Mountain, you can enjoy the full moon reflected on the lake on the night of Mid-Autumn. The teahouse on the platform serves Longjing tea with osmanthus cakes.
- Best Time: In the evening of September-October, avoid the crowd rush on the day of the full moon.
④ Leifeng Sunset Photographs
- Features: The iconic tower by the West Lake, which is colored gold by the setting sun at dusk. The tower displays murals of the story of the White Snake, and the top floor offers a panoramic view of the West Lake.
- Practical Information: Admission is 95 RMB, open from 8:00-19:00 (extended to 20:00 in summer).
⑤ Three Pools and the Printing Moon
- Features: The small island in the center of West Lake is famous for its three stone towers. At night when the towers are lit, 33 moons (including the real moon with 32 reflections) are reflected on the lake.
- How to visit: Take a boat ride from the Lakeside Pier (55 RMB including the ticket to board the island), which takes about 1.5 hours.
⑥ Qu Yuan Feng He
- Features: A water park where lotus flowers bloom in summer, with more than 100 kinds of lotus flowers and water lilies planted. The “Bihuo Xuan” in the park offers lotus-themed afternoon tea.
- Best Time: 7:00-9:00 a.m. in June-August, when the light is good for photography.
⑦ Fish Watching in Flower Harbor
- Features: A park combining gardens and lakes, with a koi pond where you can feed the fish. On the east side of the park is the Ma Yifu Memorial Hall, which showcases the history of modern Chinese culture.
- Parent-child activities: Participate in the interactive game of “Little Fish Detective” and learn about the ecological knowledge of West Lake.
⑧ Willow Wave Wen Ying
- Features: The willow promenade on the southeast shore of the West Lake is filled with snowflakes in spring. The “Wenying Pavilion” in the park often has traditional musical instrument performances.
- Free Activities: Open taijiquan classes are held at 10:00 a.m. daily.
⑨Twin Peaks in the Clouds
- Featured: The South Peak and the North Peak on the west side of West Lake are surrounded by clouds when it is cloudy and rainy. You can take the cable car (RMB 70 round trip) to the top to visit Lingyin Temple.
- Hiking Route: It takes about 1 hour to walk from Lingyin Temple to North Peak.
⑩ Nanping Evening Bells
- Features: The bronze bell at Jingci Temple is rung 108 times every evening to symbolize the elimination of worries. The legend of the temple’s “Ancient Well for Carrying Wood” is related to Jigong.
- Experience Suggestion: Pay 20 RMB to ring the bell yourself.
3. Practical Travel Tips
Mode of transportation
- Subway:
- Line 1 “Longxiangqiao Station” is directly connected to the Hubin business district, and a 5-minute walk to the West Lake musical fountain.
- Line 7 “Wushan Square Station” is close to Leifeng Pagoda and Hefang Street.
- Bus: Bus No. 5 (No. 306) connects the main attractions of West Lake and costs 5 RMB.
- Boat Cruise: The cruise line around the lake (6-8 RMB/station) covers 10 piers and runs once every half hour.
Tickets & Hours.
- Free attractions: open parks such as Su Causeway, White Causeway and Liu Lang Wen Ying.
- Fee-paying attractions: Leifeng Pagoda (95RMB), Lingyin Temple (45RMB + 30RMB incense coupon), San Tan Yin Yue (55RMB boat ticket).
- Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 for most attractions, Leifeng Pagoda extended to 20:00 in summer.
Best Season.
- Spring (March-May): peach blossoms, cherry blossoms and tulips are in full bloom, with temperatures ranging from 15-25℃.
- Autumn (September-November): osmanthus blossoms in full bloom, and abundant moon viewing activities in Mid-Autumn.
- Avoiding the crowds: weekday mornings or non-holidays in winter.
Recommended Itinerary
- One Day Tour: Broken Bridge and Broken Snow → White Causeway → Lonely Mountain (Pinghu Autumn Moon) → Temple of the King of Yue → Spring Dawn of Su Causeway → Flower Harbor Fish Viewing → Leifeng Sunset.
- Two-day tour:
- Day 1: Lake West Line (Qu Yuan Feng He, Guo Zhuang, Mao Jia Bu) + Night Tour He Fang Street.
- Day 2: Lingyin Temple + Beigaofeng Cable Car + Longjing Village Tea Picking Experience.
Practical Tips
- Guide service: Rent an electronic guide (RMB 30/day) or download the “West Lake Voice” APP to listen to the free audio guide. 2. Restaurant recommendations: Rent an electronic guide (RMB 30/day) or download the “West Lake Voice” APP to listen to the free audio guide.
- Recommended food and drink: Louwailou (West Lake Vinegar Fish), Zhimiguan (Xiao Long Bao), Lakeside Residence (Longjing Tea).
- Safety Tips: Some of the stone paths in the lake area are slippery, so it is recommended to wear sports shoes; in summer, prepare sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
4. Special Experiences
- Tea Culture: Participate in tea picking in Longjing Village (April-May) or learn tea brewing skills at the Chinese Tea Museum.
- Night Tour Program:
- Impression of West Lake” live water show (from RMB 280), combining light and dance to interpret the history of Hangzhou.
- Ruan Gong Dun antique night tour, experience the Song Dynasty market and lantern parade.
Conclusion
Hangzhou West Lake is not only a scenic spot, but also an epitome of traditional Chinese culture and natural aesthetics. Whether you are strolling along the Su Causeway to feel the spring breeze or sitting quietly on the Lonely Mountain to savor the autumn moon, this place will immerse you in the poetry that spans thousands of years. It is recommended to arrange at least 2 days, combining classic attractions with in-depth experiences to experience the unique charm of “Paradise on Earth”.
