‘Sunny water waves its glow,
Misty rain tricks the hill.
Plainly or gaily decked out like Xi Zi,
West Lake is always alluring.’
These are the words composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127). In this poem, he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, one of the four beauties in ancient China. These poetic sentiments depict the charm of the lake which has always been a beautiful and romantic spot since ancient times.
The lake is 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long, 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide, with an average depth of 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) and an area of 6.5 square kilometers (2.5 square miles). Surrounded by mountains on three sides, West Lake is divided into the North Inner Lake, Moon Lake, West Inner Lake, South Lake, and West Outer Lake by the Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, and Yang Causeway. Between the North Inner Lake and the West Outer Lake lies the largest natural island, Gushan Island. The West Outer Lake also features three artificial islands: Xiaotian Tang Island, Huxinting Pavilion, and Ruan Gongyu Island. Along the lake’s shores stand two renowned Buddhist pagodas: Leifeng Pagoda to the south and Baochu Pagoda to the north.
Today, West Lake ranks among China’s top ten scenic spots and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. It is renowned for its romantic legends and enchanting landscapes.
1. The Legend of West Lake
Among countless legends, none is more captivating than the love story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian. Bai Suzhen was a white snake spirit, while Xu Xian was a mortal. They met on a boat at West Lake and fell deeply in love at first sight, soon marrying. However, the evil monk Fahai imprisoned Xu Xian, attempting to tear them apart. Bai Suzhen rose to fight Fahai, striving with all her might to rescue Xu Xian. Yet she ultimately failed and was imprisoned beneath the Leifeng Pagoda on the shores of West Lake. Years later, Bai Suzhen’s younger sister, Xiaoqing, rescued them both. From then on, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian lived happily together. Because of this moving tale, West Lake has become an ideal place for people to meet and fall in love.
2. The Ten Most Beautiful Scenes of West Lake Scenic Area
The lake area boasts numerous stunning landscapes, with the following ten being the most renowned.
♥Spring Dawn on Su Causeway
Ranked first among the Ten Scenes of West Lake, Spring Dawn on Su Causeway offers a truly refreshing experience. The causeway stretches 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) and was constructed under the supervision of the great Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo. Six bridges span the causeway: Rainbow Crossing Bridge, East Lake Bridge, Dike-Securing Bridge, Mountain-Viewing Bridge, Wave-Locking Bridge, and Wave-Reflecting Bridge. Every few paces, a willow or peach tree graces the path. In spring, the emerald willow buds and blushing peach blossoms create a breathtaking scene, earning it its renowned reputation.
♥Winery Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer
The Winery Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer in the northwest of the lake is a time-honored scenic spot. It is said that there used to be a winery surrounded by lotus flowers in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) there. The fragrance of the lotus flowers and the aroma of wine waft coherently through the summer air, hence the name of the scenic spot. Presently, the scenic spot comes in five parts, including the Yuehu Lake, the Bamboo Garden, the Lakeside Woods, the Winery Yard, and the Lotus Pool. With a variety of lotus flowers dancing around, a culture of imperial wine back to the Southern Song Dynasty unfolding for you and a sight of southern-China garden coming your way, what an enjoyably unforgettable experience you have!
♥Autumn Moon over the Tranquil Lake
West Lake has long been a premier destination for moon viewing. Located on the western shore of the Outer West Lake, west of the Bai Causeway, the “Autumn Moon over the Tranquil Lake” site features the Imperial Stele Pavilion, an octagonal pavilion, and a lakeside platform. The expansive platform offers an ideal vantage point for moon appreciation. Additionally, the Xiling Calligraphy and Painting Gallery is situated here. Visitors can admire the beautiful moonlight while immersing themselves in the atmosphere of traditional Chinese culture.
♥Winter’s Broken Bridge and Lingering Snow
The Broken Bridge and Lingering Snow scenic area lies at the foot of Baoshi Hill, at the eastern end of the White Dike. This single-arch broken bridge, constructed in 1921, measures 8.8 meters in length and 8.4 meters in width. After snowfall, viewed from Baoshi Hill, the bridge deck appears broken—the snow in the center has melted, while remnants linger at both ends. The pristine white snow glistens in the sunlight, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene!
♥Willow Wave and Warbler
Located southeast of the Outer West Lake at Qingbo Gate, Willow Wave and Warbler was the largest imperial garden of the Southern Song Dynasty, hailed as a “gathering place of mountains and waters.” Its embankments are lined with various willow trees. At the garden’s heart stands the Warbler Pavilion. Nearby lies a massive birdcage known as the “Bird Paradise.” In March, visitors can admire the fluttering willow branches while listening to the enchanting songs of orioles and other birds—a truly mesmerizing experience!
♥Flower Pool Fish Viewing
The Flower Harbor Fish Viewing Scenic Area is located south of Su Causeway at the Red Carp Pond, covering over 20 hectares (49 acres). It comprises five distinct zones: Flower Harbor, Red Carp Pond, Peony Garden, Grand Lawn, and Forest Sea. The entire park is encircled by Flower Harbor, a scenic waterway connecting West Inner Lake and South Lake. At the heart of the park, Red Carp Pond teems with schools of vibrant red carp, which visitors can admire while leaning against the bridge railings. West of the pond lies the lush Forest Sea, centered around the Peony Garden with its iconic Peony Pavilion. When peonies bloom in full splendor, gentle breezes carry petals drifting across the lake surface, creating a breathtakingly serene scene. North of the Red Carp Pond lies a vast lawn dotted with pavilions where visitors can rest. For centuries, viewing fish in the flower pond has offered both natural beauty and cultural significance. Throughout history, emperors, statesmen, scholars, and poets have expressed their admiration for this experience through poetry, calligraphy, and painting.
♥Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset
Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset stands atop Xizhao Hill on the southern shore of West Outer Lake. At dusk, the sunset glow and the majestic Leifeng Pagoda are reflected on the shimmering lake surface, creating a breathtaking scene! Built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960) by the King of Wuyue to celebrate his consort’s pregnancy, Over the centuries, the pagoda suffered repeated destruction and underwent multiple restorations. Standing atop the 70-meter-tall structure, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire West Outer Lake.
♥Two peaks pierce the clouds The natural scenery here is exceptionally beautiful, especially on rainy days when thick fog envelops the landscape, revealing only the peaks of the two mountains. It appears as if the two peaks pierce through the clouds and mist, hence the name “Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds.”
Long ago, Buddhist temples and pagodas stood atop both peaks, creating a picturesque scene that earned it a place among the Ten Scenic Views of the lake during the Southern Song Dynasty. Over time, these structures fell into disrepair and ruin. During his tour of the lake, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty erected a pavilion at Hongchun Bridge on Lingyin Road and renamed the site “Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds.”
♥Evening Bells at Nanping Hill
Nanping Hill, south of West Lake, rises less than a hundred meters but stretches over a thousand meters. At its base lies Jingci Temple, founded in 954 AD by the King of Wuyue during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The renowned Xingjiao Temple, built in 972 AD during the Northern Song Dynasty’s Kaibao era, also sits at the foot of the hill. Within its walls, the morning bell tolls and the drum beats resound, shaking the heavens and earth. The rocks and caves of Nansheng Mountain resonate with the incoming sound waves, producing a beautiful, lingering melody.
♥Three Pools Reflecting the Moon
Three Pools Reflecting the Moon is located south of Little Paradise Island. The “three pools” refer to three stone pagodas and the surrounding waters. Constructed during the Tianqi reign of the Ming Dynasty (1621-1627), the pagodas form an equilateral triangle, each standing 2.5 meters tall and spaced 62 meters apart. They typically rise 2 meters above the water level. The structure comprises a stone base, hollow spheres, circular covers, hexagonal pavilions, and pear-shaped roofs. Each sphere features six evenly spaced holes. On full moon nights, candles are lit at the spheres’ centers, and thin paper covers the holes. The holes and the full moon above are reflected in the water, creating the illusion of countless moons—a truly extraordinary sight! Additionally, the image of Three Pools Reflecting the Moon is featured on the one-yuan banknote.
3. In addition to the above ten major attractions, the lakeside area boasts numerous other worthwhile destinations, including the Tomb of Yue Fei, the Tomb of Su Xiaoxiao, Liuhe Pagoda, Baochu Pagoda, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Underwater World, and Hangzhou Zoo.
4. West Lake Musical Fountain
The musical fountain at the Third Park on the lake’s eastern shore is truly spectacular, offering a feast for both the eyes and ears. The fountain show begins daily at 7:30 PM and typically lasts 20 minutes.
5、Recommended Sightseeing Routes
♥On Foot:
→To visit the Broken Bridge: Bai Causeway- Xiling Bridge (about 1 hour)
→To enjoy the Su Causeway: Crossing Rainbow Bridge- Eastern Lakeside Bridge- Suppressing Dike Bridge- Viewing Hills Bridge-Locking Waves Bridge- Reflecting Ripples Bridge (about 2 hours)
→To Wander the Beishan Street: Youth Activity Center- Beishan Street- Temple of General Yue Fei (about 1.5 hours)
♥By Boat: Lesser Paradise Island (Three Pools Mirroring the Moon)- Inner West Lake- Yang Causeway- Winery Yard and Lotus Pool (1.5 to 3 hours)
♥By Bike: Broken Bridge- Bai Causeway- Su Causeway- Leifeng Pagoda- Qingbo Gate (Orioles Singing in the Willows)- Broken Bridge (about one day)
For more information on West Lake and Hangzhou tours, please contact 365 China Travel Agency. >>>apply now
