West Lake(West Lake Scenic Area, West Lake Cultural Landscape)
西湖风景名胜区
based on 7,573 reviews
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in HangzhouOpening hours of West Lake
West Lake Highlights: Must-See Features and Attractions
West lake is undoubtedly the epitome of Hangzhou's beauty, with the famous "ten scenes of west lake" surrounding its shores, where nature and culture complement each other, forming the heart of Hangzhou's tourism. You don't have to visit every attraction, but spending half a day or a full day strolling by the lake will lift your spirits no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
Hangzhou's West Lake bears witness to the development of China's enduring Buddhist culture, Taoist culture, and traditions like tea and Zen. In 1982, West Lake was selected as one of the first national key scenic spots. It was rated as a "National AAAAA-level tourist attraction" in 2007. On June 24, 2011, the cultural landscape of Hangzhou's West Lake was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The West Lake scenic area extends east from Songmuchang in Hangzhou city, passing Baolu Road to the north of Children's Palace Square, continuing along Baisha Road, Huancheng West Road, Hubin Road, and Nanshan Road to the south of Wansong Ridge, encompassing all attractions including Wu Hill, Ziyang Hill, and Yunju Hill. To the south, it runs from Drum Tower along the eastern foothills of Wu Hill, Ziyang Hill, and Yunju Hill through Fengshan Gate and Fenghuangshan Road, following the West Lake water diversion channel to the north bank of Qiantang River at Tianhua Hill, then turning to Coral Sand Reservoir and north to Liufangling. The western boundary stretches from Liufangling, Zhugan Hill, Jiuqu Ridge, and Mingren Ridge to Meiren Peak, Beigaofeng Peak, Lingfeng Hill, and east to the ridge line of Laohe Hill. The northern limit follows the foothills of Laohe Hill (west wall of Zhejiang University), turning 30 m north of Qingzhiwu Road, connecting Yugu Road, Zhejiang University Road, and Shuguang Road to the south of Songmuchang.
West Lake features over 100 attractions, renowned for its "ten scenes of west lake", "new ten scenes of west lake" and "three-time selected ten scenes of west lake".
West lake overview
Exploring west lake can be done by walking, taking a cruise, riding an electric cart, driving, or cycling. Among these, electric carts are convenient and effortless, with sightseeing cars circling west lake that stop upon request, following a route around the entire lake. Cycling along the lakeshore is romantic and leisurely, with many public bike rental spots available. For those who prefer a boat tour, there are nearly 10 docks by the lake offering various boats and routes. It's highly recommended to take a cruise to three pools mirroring the moon at the center of the lake while enjoying the scenic views. Alternatively, you can hail a hand-rowed boat by the lakeside for a more flexible and personalized tour with a boatman.
Northern route scenery
The north shore of West Lake is home to numerous attractions, typically starting from the Melting Snow at Broken Bridge in the northeast corner and heading west all the way to Yuewang Temple. You can stroll along Bai Causeway to Gushan Hill, visiting cultural attractions like Xiling Seal Art Society, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, China Seal Art Museum, and Gushan Park - Fanghe Pavilion. Enjoy authentic West Lake vinegar fish at Louwailou Restaurant, then cross Xiling Bridge to leave the island, with Yuewang Temple and Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden just a short distance away.
If visiting during the intense summer sun, we recommend strolling along Beishan road under the dense tree shade to admire the curved silhouette of broken bridge and swaying willows on the opposite Baidi causeway. Numerous trailheads along the way lead to precious stone hill for hiking with scenic views, descending which brings you to Yuewang temple. The Yuewang square features various small eateries, and the evening Impression West Lake show here is highly worthwhile. With ample time and energy, you can proceed to Su causeway from here for a panoramic walking tour of West Lake.
Southeast coast (Lakeside-Nanshan Road)
Another area with concentrated attractions is the lakeside road-nanshan road along the southeast coast. Lakeside road is located at the junction between Hangzhou urban area and the attraction area, offering views of West Lake, a pier for West Lake cruises, and the iconic music fountain. The advantage of lakeside road is the quick access from the attraction area to the downtown commercial district, making it suitable for travelers with a tight itinerary to make a short stop.
Heading south from lakeside road along nanshan road, you can visit attractions like Orioles singing in the willows, long bridge, Leifeng pagoda, evening bell at nanping hill, and viewing fish at flower harbor. The distances between adjacent attractions are relatively short, allowing for walking, while sightseeing buses and public transportation are also convenient options. You can plan a day trip selecting several spots based on preference. Leifeng pagoda and evening bell at nanping hill are particularly recommended for evening visits - listening to the bell at jingci temple and overlooking West Lake's night view from Leifeng pagoda offer fantastic experiences.
Other visitors' reviews of West Lake
Show More ReviewsWest Lake in Hangzhou is vast; even with a week, I could experience something different every day. The spider lilies on the island were breathtaking, each a different color, with a few blooming every now and then – truly stunning. Unfortunately, it was too hot and crowded, so I returned to the hotel early to cool off. Leifeng Pagoda, which I had always looked forward to seeing as a child, seemed rather ordinary. Built in 1999, it has a very modern feel; I wonder where all the rare treasures from its base have gone. It seems to lack cultural depth, merely possessing the legend of Xi Shi. West Lake, and indeed the entire city of Hangzhou, owes a debt of gratitude to the TV series "The Legend of the White Snake" for attracting so many tourists.