Among the world’s top-rated lakes, China’s wondrous West Lake is one of the best. It is in the center of Hangzhou, China. It is one of the first batches of national key scenic spots in China and one of the top 10 scenic spots in China.
In this “paradise” where rivers, lakes, and mountains blend, you can reminisce about the poignant ancient love story by the broken bridge, experience the stunning scenery, and taste delicious food by the lake. This article will introduce the famous attraction in Hangzhou, West Lake. Usually, travelers will visit West Lake for 1 day. I believe this article will bring inspiration to your China travel journey.
What you need to travel to West Lake
First time traveling to China? Here is a complete travel guide!
Transportation to West Lake
It is recommended to take the China High-speed Railway, the fastest and most convenient option.
Shanghai – Hangzhou: 180KM
50 minutes by China High-speed Railway.
From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou East Railway Station, it takes 50 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Wuxi – Hangzhou: 200 km
1.5 hours by China High-speed Railway.
From Wuxi Railway Station or Wuxi East Railway Station to Hangzhou East Railway Station (a few to Hangzhou Railway Station).
Hangzhou to West Lake
From Hangzhou East Railway Station, take Metro Line 1 to Fengqi Road Station. Then walk about 5 minutes to the West Lake.
Hotels in Hangzhou
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets
Trip.com | Expedia
SIM/eSIM
China eSIM | Day Pass/Data Package | 1-30 days | QR code
China | High-speed eSIM without having to bypass the firewall
10 Scenes of West Lake
The 10 Scenes of West Lake is a collection of 10 iconic views. Each scenic spot is traditionally named and described with a four-character Chinese phrase. The poetically named scenic places symbolize the ethos of “harmony of humankind and nature” in traditional Chinese landscape design. Historically, the selection of the 10 vistas evolved. It was not until 2007 that the Traditional version of 10 Scenes of West Lake was finally born.
First, introduce you to the 10 Scenes of West Lake, they are divided into seasons and will not appear at the same time. Then provide suggested tour routes.
Spring Dawn at Su Causeway 苏堤春晓
Meaning: Views of the lake from the center of the Su Causeway.
Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden 曲院风荷
Meaning: Views of gardens with lotus at the north end of the Su Causeway during the summer.
Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake平湖秋月
Meaning: Views from the northeast of the main lake toward the three islands, with hills to the west, south, and east sides of West Lake.
Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge断桥残雪
Meaning: View toward the Broken Bridge at the eastern end of Bai Causeway, extending westward beyond.
Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow雷峰夕照
Meaning: Leifeng Pagoda, or the Leifeng Hill where the pagoda stands, in the sunset.
Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon三潭印月
Meaning: Three stone pagodas near the artificial island of Little Yingzhou, with lanterns that reflect on the lake’s surface alongside the moonlight.
Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves柳浪闻莺
Meaning: Originally a royal garden of the Song dynasty, a park filled with willows swaying in the wind and bird songs
Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds双峰插云
Meaning: On rainy or misty days, parts of the South and North Peaks seem to emerge and disappear within the clouds, with their tops still visible above the mist.
Viewing Fish at Flower Pond花港观鱼
Meaning: Views of ponds with goldfish in a floral garden between the Small South Lake and Inner West Lake in the west.
Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill 南屏晚钟
Meaning: The sound of bells at the Jingci Temple at the Nanping Hill.
West Lake Tour Guide
When traveling to West Lake, Hangzhou, no travelers will visit all the spots around the lake. Usually will choose some tour routes to experience the scenery of the West Lake. The greening along the coast is particularly good, and the supporting facilities are also complete.
You can visit here on foot, by sightseeing Bus, bicycle, or cruise. There are Sightseeing Buses that stop at the shore of the lake, and the route goes exactly around the lake (10 yuan/region, 40 yuan/full trip). If you want to take a sightseeing bus, just wave to the bus when you see a seat available, get on and buy a ticket.
Cycling along the lake is romantic and leisurely. Many rental bicycles along West Lake. You can rent them by scanning the QR code with WeChat or Alipay. If you want to take a cruise, there are nearly 10 quays on the lakeside, with various routes. It is recommended to Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon in the center of the lake. You can also rent the rowing boats on the lakeside, and the boatman will take you around the lake, which is more freedom. The cost of each boat is around 150 yuan/hour.
West Lake Maps in Google Mymap
There are many scenic spots on the north bank of the lake. Starting from the Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge in the northeast and heading west, walk along Bai Levee to Solitary Hill to visit the Xiling Seal Art Society and the Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake. Then continue along the bridge. Not far away are Yue Fei Temple and Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden. There are many shops and restaurants around Yue Fei Temple, and the performances here at night are also worth watching. If you have enough time and energy, you can also go to Su Levee from here and enjoy the panoramic view of West Lake.
To the southeast is the intersection of Hangzhou city center and the West Lake Scenic Area. There is a pier where you can take a cruise. The biggest advantage of sightseeing here is that you can quickly get from the scenic area to the center of Hangzhou, which is suitable for travelers in a hurry to stop for a short time. You can visit such as Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves, Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow, Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, etc. The distance between adjacent attractions is not too far.
Recommend West Lake Tour Route
North Line: Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge → Solitary Hill → Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake → Xiling Seal Art Society → Yue Fei Temple → Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden
East Line: Yongjin Gate & Bridge → China Academy of Arts → Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves → Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow → Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill → Su Dongpo Memorial → Viewing Fish at Flower Pond
Middle Line: Spring Dawn at Su Causeway → Viewing Fish at Flower Pond → Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon → Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow → Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill
West Line: Tea Museum of China→ Viewing Fish at Flower Pond → Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds (View from a distance) → Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden → Yue Fei Temple → Spring Dawn at Su Causeway
Spots Entrance Price
West Lake is free to travelers. However, some scenes need entrance tickets.
| Spots | Price |
| Jingci Temple | 10 yuan |
| Yue Fei Temple (Yuewangmiao / Yuewang Temple) | 15 yuan |
| Qianwang Temple (Emperor Qian) | 15 yuan |
| Hangzhou Zoo | 20 yuan |
| Leifeng Pagoda | 40 yuan |
Book tickets online: Trip.com | Klook
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