West Lake (Xihu) is located in the wesernt downtown area of the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. It is one of China’s first group of national scenic spots, one of China’s Top 10 scenic spots, and one of its major freshwater lakes for sightseeing. 

It is a lovely mixture of islands, pavilions, villas, courtyards, boulevards, arched bridges, hills, parks, museums, shopping streets, boutique restaurants, monasteries, lagoons and tea plantations, with a scenic area on three sides and downtown Hangzhou on the other. 

West Lake is a centerpiece of Hangzhou and is bound to satisfy visitor’s quest for authentic Chinese culture.

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

Top 10 sites 

These are, depending on the season: Spring Dawn at the Su Causeway, Breeze-ruffled Lotuses at Quyuan Garden, Autumn Moon over Calm Lake, and Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge which can be enjoyed all year round; Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow and Three Pools Mirror the Moon, which, as their names suggest, should be visited at sunset or on moonlit nights; and the places that are not subject to seasonal and weather whims, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, and Evening Bell Ringing on Nanping Hill. 

They are all linked by tree-lined boulevards, causeways, or hiker-friendly trails so they can be covered on foot or by a free public bike. And, if the adventure proves a bit exhausting, a comfortable electric-cart or cruise boats can come to the rescue.

Newer Top 10 sites

For anyone staying more than a week there are many more sights to see, for example: Precious Stone Hill Floating in Rosy Cloud, Heavenly Wind over Wushan Hill, Clouds Scurrying over Jade Emperor Hill, Dreaming of Tiger Spring at Hupao Valley, Nice Creek Meandering through a Misty Forest, Inquiring about Tea at Dragon Well, Yellow Dragon Dressed in Green, and Lord Ruan’s Mound Covered in Greenery. There is Hangzhou’s best summer resort and hiking trail, a bamboo-lined path at Yunqi, with bamboo forests dissected by zigzagging paths and studded with pavilions, pagodas, giant trees and rare flowers, as well. Then there is Sweet Osmanthus Rain at Manjuelong Village, a place to enjoy with friends or children.

Tea enthusiasts will surely like Dragon Well which serves China’s most authentic, palatable, impeccably delicious and haunting green tea, thanks to its magical spring. Or, for bird watchers, there is the unspoiled Lord Ruan’s Mound Covered in Greenery, one of three islands in West Lake, which is a haven for birds and urbanites alike.

And if you want to learn more about silk and tea, there are the China Silk Museum and Hangzhou National Tea Museum with a tea exhibition and interactive tea ceremony. So, it’s clear why West Lake joined China’s first group of national scenic spots in 1982, China’s Top 10 scenic spots in 1985, and China’s first 5A scenic spots in 2006 thanks to its remarkable history, culture and tourist attractions. On June 24, 2011, West Lake joined the World Cultural Heritage list.

Address： Downtown Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Hours of operation： All day

District： West Lake Scenic Area

Entrance： Free

IC Card use：Some

Phone： +86-571-8717-9617

Website： http://trip.hzwestlake.gov.cn/