West Lake
Scenic Spot Introduction
West Lake, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, is one of the top ten scenic spots in China and a World Cultural Heritage site. Covering an area of 6.39 square kilometers, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the city on one side, earning the reputation of “Paradise on Earth” since ancient times. Here, one can find not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a deep cultural heritage.
The most famous attractions of West Lake are the “Ten Scenes of West Lake”: Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Lotus in the Breeze at Curved Courtyard, Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake, Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge, Fish Viewing at the Flower Harbor, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, Leifeng Pagoda in the Evening Sun, and Evening Bell at Nanping Hill. Each scene embodies a unique poetic charm. Among them, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is the iconic landscape of West Lake, where three stone towers reflect in the lake, complementing the bright moon; Broken Bridge with Lingering Snow is not only an excellent location to view the panorama of West Lake but also famous for the legend of “White Snake”; Leifeng Pagoda, built in the Five Dynasties period, is an important witness to West Lake culture.
For thousands of years, literary figures such as Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo have left many immortal poems here, and the reputation of “comparing West Lake to Xi Shi” has been widely circulated. West Lake is not only a natural landscape but also a model of Chinese garden art, perfectly combining natural beauty with humanistic elegance.
Must-visit Attractions
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
- Iconic landscape of West Lake, located on an island in the lake
- Three stone towers reflect in the lake, complementing the moon
- Historical buildings such as the Imperial Tea Garden and Dragon King Temple are located on the island
- Take a boat tour to experience the beauty of “Lotus in the Breeze at Curved Courtyard”
- Recommended visiting time: 60 minutes, best at dusk
Broken Bridge with Lingering Snow
- Located at the eastern end of Bai Causeway, where the legend of “White Snake” took place
- The scenery after snowfall in winter is the most beautiful.
景点介绍
The Introduction of Scenic Spots
形成”断桥”奇观
- 是观赏西湖全景的绝佳位置
- 春季可赏杨柳依依，夏可观荷花
- 建议游览时间：30分钟，建议清晨或傍晚前往
Forming the spectacular “Broken Bridge”
- It is an excellent location to view the panoramic view of the West Lake
- Enjoy the willows in spring and lotuses in summer
- Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes, recommended to visit in the early morning or evening
- 雷峰塔
- 始建于五代，现为八角五层砖木结构宝塔
- 塔内设有电梯，可登顶俯瞰西湖全景
- 展示”白蛇传”等民间传说文化
- 夕阳西下时形成”雷峰夕照”美景
- 建议游览时间：90分钟，含登塔时间
- Leifeng Pagoda
- Originally built in the Five Dynasties period, it is now an octagonal five-story brick-wood structure pagoda
- There is an elevator inside the tower, allowing visitors to reach the top and overlook the panoramic view of the West Lake
- Exhibits folk culture such as “Legend of the White Snake”
- Forms a beautiful scenery of “Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset” when the sun sets
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes, including the time to climb the tower
- 苏堤春晓
- 全长2.8公里，横跨西湖
- 六桥横跨五堤，柳树夹道
- 春季桃花烂漫，最适合漫步
- 沿途设有多个观景平台
- 建议游览时间：120分钟，建议清晨游览
- Spring Dawn at Su Causeway
- With a total length of 2.8 kilometers, it spans the West Lake
- Six bridges cross over five causeways, lined with willows
- The peach blossoms are in full bloom in spring, making it perfect for a stroll
- There are multiple viewing platforms along the way
- Suggested visiting time: 120 minutes, recommended for early morning visits
- 花港观鱼
- 园内红鱼池养殖锦鲤，景色优美
- 春季牡丹盛开，是赏花胜地
- 园林布局精巧，体现江南园林特色
- 建议游览时间：60分钟
- Fish Viewing at Huagang
- The red fish pond in the park is stocked with Koi fish, providing a beautiful scenery
- Peonies are in full bloom in spring, making it a great place to admire flowers
- The exquisite layout of the garden reflects the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
- 岳王庙
- 纪念南宋抗金名将岳飞的祠庙
- 可参观岳飞生平事迹展览
- 建筑古朴庄严，气势恢宏
- 建议游览时间：45分钟
- Yue Fei Temple
- A temple dedicated to the memory of Yue Fei, a famous general who resisted the Jin dynasty during the Southern Song Dynasty
- Visitors can view exhibitions on Yue Fei’s life and deeds
- The architecture is simple, solemn, and magnificent
- Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
参观建议
Visiting Suggestions
- 最佳游览路线
- 第一天上午：断桥残雪→白堤→苏堤春晓→花港观鱼
- 第一天下午：岳王庙→雷峰塔（看夕阳）
- 第二天上午：乘船游湖→三潭印月
- 第二天下午：漫步西湖边，体验湖畔生活
- 建议傍晚在湖边漫步，感受”西湖夜景”
- Best Touring Route
- First day morning: Broken Bridge with Lingering Snow → Bai Causeway → Spring Dawn at Su Causeway → Fish Viewing at Huagang
- First day afternoon: Yue Fei Temple → Leifeng Pagoda (to watch the sunset)
- Second day morning: Take a boat tour on the lake → Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
- Second day afternoon: Stroll along the West Lake and experience lakeside life
- It is recommended to take a walk along the lake in the evening to enjoy the “night view of the West Lake”
- 参观时间安排
- 清晨5-7点：观赏”苏堤春晓”，避开游客
- 上午9-11点：游览主要景点
- 下午3-5点：乘船游湖最舒适
- 傍晚：欣赏”雷峰夕照”
- 夜晚：可观赏音乐喷泉表演
- Visiting Schedule
- 5-7 am: Enjoy “Spring Dawn at Su Causeway” to avoid crowds
- 9-11 am: Visit major attractions
- 3-5 pm: Take a comfortable boat tour on the lake
- Evening: Appreciate “Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset”
- Night: Enjoy the music fountain performance
- 实用贴士
- 交通建议：景区内可租借自行车环湖
- 摄影建议：早晚光线最佳，雾天别有韵味
- 游船选择：可选择包船或拼船
- 体力分配：景区较大。
- Practical Tips
- Transportation suggestion: Bicycles can be rented within the scenic area for a lakeside ride
- Photography suggestion: The light is best in the morning and evening, and foggy days have a unique charm
- Boat selection: You can choose to charter a boat or share a boat
- Physical distribution: The scenic area is relatively large.
景点介绍
交通指南
外部交通
- 飞机：Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport → City Center (about 45 minutes)
- 高铁：Hangzhou East Railway Station → West Lake (about 30 minutes by metro)
- 汽车：Direct buses are available from major bus stations.
- 自驾：Parking is recommended at parking lots around the scenic area.
景区内交通
- 地铁：Line 1 can reach Hubin, Longxiang Bridge, and other stations.
- 公交：Tour Bus 1, Tour Bus 2, and Tour Bus 3 operate around the lake.
- 游船：Boats are available at multiple docks for sightseeing.
- 自行车：Well-developed bicycle paths around the lake.
周边美食推荐
Longjing Shrimp
- A famous dish in Hangzhou, known for its fresh and tender taste.
- Recommended at established restaurants like Lou Wai Lou and Wai Po Jia.
- Per capita consumption: 100-150 yuan.
West Lake Vinegar Fish
- A traditional dish, sweet and sour.
- Recommended at Zhiweiguan and Green Tea Restaurant.
- Per capita consumption: 80-120 yuan.
Beggar’s Chicken
- A traditional Hangzhou cuisine, known for its delicious meat.
- Recommended at old shops like Shan Wai Shan.
- Per capita consumption: 60-100 yuan.
Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root
- A traditional Hangzhou dessert.
- Recommended at Kuiyuan Guan and Zhiweiguan.
- Price: 20-40 yuan per serving.
特别提醒
游览建议
- The scenic area is free, but some attractions require tickets.
- As there are more visitors during holidays, it is recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
- The ground is slippery when wet, so please be careful.
- Prepare small change for buying snacks and souvenirs.
摄影建议
- The broken bridge and remaining snow are most beautiful in the morning mist.
- Leifeng Pagoda is best photographed at sunset.
- The moonlit night at Santan Yinyue is optimal.
- It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens.
天气应对
- Sun protection is essential in spring and summer.
- Carry rain gear with you.
- Wear comfortable and slip-resistant shoes.
- It is advisable to check the weather forecast.
文明游览
- Protect the environment and do not litter.
- Take care of flowers, plants, and trees.
- Do not feed the animals in the lake.
- Maintain quietness in the scenic area.
其他提示
- The facilities in the scenic area are well-developed.
- Coin-operated lockers are available.
- It is recommended to bring drinking water.
- Prepare a moderate amount of cash.