What to do in West Lake Hangzhou (杭州西湖)

Hangzhou is the capital and most populous city of Zhejiang Province in East China. Hangzhou was also a capital city of China during Song Dynasty. Hangzhou is famous for many beautiful sceneries and it is known as the Heaven on Earth. Inside Hangzhou is a breathtaking natural beauty called West Lake, 杭州西湖, Xī Hú in Mandarin. West Lake in Hangzhou is a stunning natural scenery, a place that is worshipped for generations with its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and cultural significance. This magical place seems to be perfectly handcrafted for the city of Hangzhou, the jewel of China.

In this post, let me take you to West Lake Hangzhou, one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Hangzhou and the rest of China. Here we go.

About West Lake Hangzhou

West Lake is a freshwater lake that is situated in Hangzhou, and its four different views during the four seasons are simply too charming. West Lake is, no doubt, the soul of the whole of Hangzhou. Throughout the years of Chinese history, famous Chinese poets such as Bai Juyi, Su Shi, Xu Zhimo, Hu Shih, have all written countless poems dedicated to the beauty and historic relics found around West Lake. Legends, such as the Legend of the White Snake, are also associated with West Lake. There are a few historic places you can go to around West Lake to read up on these Chinese legends, one of which is Leifeng Pagoda.

West Lake Hangzhou is more than a tourist sightseeing attraction, as it is an integral part of the lifestyle of the people living around West Lake. It is a vibrant park teeming with life and energy as the elder people gather to do their morning exercise routine, younger people gather to train and visitors would cycle around the lake. West Lake Hangzhou was formed over a thousand years ago. There is a popular Chinese legend that says West Lake was formed by the tears of a mother whose son had just passed away.

West Lake Hangzhou was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2011. There are many Chinese poets, painters, and philosophers throughout Chinese history have all marveled at its breathtaking beauty. Chinese Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi has once said that West Lake was “a paradise on earth.”

Getting to West Lake Hangzhou

We went to Hangzhou by taxi from Wu Zhen all the way to West Lake. It was a 2-hour journey with a taxi fare of around 240 RMB. If you’re coming from other parts of China, you could take either the train or plane, getting directly to Hangzhou. It’s well connected from major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Suzhou, Chongqing, and many more. The bullet train can get you to West Lake Hangzhou in only about 1-hour journey from Shanghai, 1½ hours from Suzhou.

Exploring West Lake Hangzhou

The famous West Lake in Hangzhou is a stunning natural scenery in the world, it is not just a place to stare at from afar. Here are some of the most attractive features of West Lake, let’s take a closer look at the magical beauty of West Lake Hangzhou.

Serene Waters

The first thing you should take a glance at is the lake itself. The serene waters of West Lake are its main feature, with its crystal clear water that is blue when the sun shines, and black on cloudy days. The water is so clear, you can see the reflections of the bright blue sky and the beautiful Chinese landscapes from both the hills and the urban city of Hangzhou.

Lingering Fragrance Garden (留园)

Inside the West Lake Scenic Area, there is a beautiful garden called Lingering Fragrance Garden, 留园. Lingering Fragrance Garden is a classical Chinese garden filled with natural beauty and historic significance, which is why it is no surprise this place is also a common topic for Chinese poems. This garden is a place where all five of the Chinese senses can be experienced, with an abundance of flowers, soothing greenery and water sounds in the garden..

Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)

On the south of West Lake, there is a five-story tower called Leifeng Pagoda, 雷峰塔. This pagoda has a long history, dating back to the 10th century but was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times through Chinese history. Leifeng Pagoda is a great place to visit if you want to catch the picturesque sceneries of West Lake and its surrounding mountains.

Su Causeway (苏堤)

The famous Su Causeway or 苏堤 is a scenic embankment of West Lake, decked by willow trees. Su Causeway is a great path for pedestrians and cyclists alike, where you can enjoy the natural scenery of West Lake in full view and gaze along the clear waters and surrounding hills and cityscape of Hangzhou.

West Lake Impressions Show

One of the things we really enjoyed about visiting West Lake Hangzhou is the West Lake Impressions Show. The West Lake Impressions Show is an open-air show that centers around the legends and the history of West Lake. With the backdrop of West Lake and its surrounding mountains, the dazzling light of the show with its colorful costumes, stage props and the talented actors and actresses would make you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time to the city of Hangzhou in the olden days.

West Lake Hangzhou Cultural Traditions

Hangzhou is a center of Chinese culture and it is made famous by its capital city, West Lake. You would find that most of Hangzhou’s cultural attributes and traditions are focused around the West Lake. Some of the cultural highlights around West Lake are as follows.

Tea Culture

Hangzhou, and the capital city of West Lake, is famous for its tea production. Longjing tea, which is also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of the world’s finest green teas that are handcrafted and cultivated in the mountainous areas around West Lake. Tea connoisseurs will enjoy the rich taste of Dragon Well green tea from Hangzhou in the comfort of Hangzhou’s serene surroundings.

Calligraphy and Painting

The ethereal beauty of West Lake is no stranger to Chinese artists, and you will see many painters and calligraphers sketching on paper or silk along the lakeside. You can try painting and calligraphy as well, taking part in Chinese calligraphy and painting workshops.

Local Cuisine

Hangzhou cuisine is delectable and is one of the best in all of China. Some dishes which you should try when in Hangzhou are West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, and Beggar’s Chicken, which you can find in a traditional Chinese teahouse or restaurant overlooking the tranquil West Lake.

Preserving Nature’s Beauty

Hangzhou has taken several measures to help preserve the natural beauty of West Lake for future generations. Many sustainable practices have been put in place such as the reduction of boat traffic on the lake and conserving the cleanliness of the lake itself.

10 Remarkable Scenes of West Lake Hangzhou

There are several temples, pagodas, gardens, and man-made islands built within the lake. You can say that West Lake is home to multiple man-made and natural sceneries. Traditionally, there are ten best-known scenic spots on the West Lake. Each of these ten scenic spots are marked by a stele with an epithet written in calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor.

• Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring (蘇堤春曉)
• Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer (曲院風荷)
• Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn (平湖秋月)
• Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter (斷橋殘雪)
• Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset (雷峰夕照)
• Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds (雙峰插雲)
• Orioles Singing in the Willows (柳浪聞鶯)
• Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond (花港觀魚)
• Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月)
• Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill (南屏晚鐘)

Tips for Visiting West Lake Hangzhou

Though West Lake is beautiful during all four seasons, I will personally advise against visiting West Lake during the rain, which is in the month of November. In summer, there will be a full bloom of lotus in West Lake, and in winter, there will be a lot of snow which will give you an amazing view Remnant Snow on the Bridge scene.

Don’t worry about not being able to communicate in Chinese and getting lost on the way. Hangzhou is a very matured tourism city with many voluntary tourist guides available at any spot you choose.

There may be some private minibuses that will stop at your location and claim that they will be able to take you to all the famous sites in West Lake such as the Leifeng Pagoda. Some of them may even charge a pretty high price. I do not recommend tourists to negotiate with these minibuses as a number of my friends did in the past and their cameras were stolen. I recommend taking the regulated tourism buggy service available within the West Lake Park. Though they do charge a price, the service is more reliable.

If you are on a tight budget, there are many hostels around the West Lake. Most of them are catered for English speaking tourists.

FAQ on West Lake Hangzhou

What is West Lake in Hangzhou famous for?

West Lake in Hangzhou is famous for its natural beauty and sceneries, historic sites and cultural significance.

Where is West Lake located in Hangzhou?

West Lake is located in the heart of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is easily accessible from the Hangzhou city center.

How big is West Lake?

West Lake has an area of about 5.6 square kilometers and its perimeter measures to about 15 kilometers long.

What are some of the must-visit attractions around West Lake?

Some of the best attractions to visit around West Lake are the Leifeng Pagoda, Su Causeway, Lingering Fragrance Garden, and the West Lake Impressions Show.

Is West Lake a natural or a man-made lake?

West Lake is a natural freshwater lake that has been landscaped with man-made causeways, bridges, and gardens over the years.

What is the best time to visit West Lake Hangzhou?

The best time to visit West Lake is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and in autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the autumn leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold.

Are there boat rides in West Lake?

Yes, there are boat rides in West Lake. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride around West Lake to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of West Lake.

What is the significance of Longjing tea in relation to West Lake?

Longjing tea, which is also known as Dragon Well tea, is produced and handcrafted in the hills around West Lake. The tea is considered as one of the finest green teas in China. Visitors can learn more about Longjing tea and enjoy a pot of Dragon Well green tea at a local tea plantation or tea house in Hangzhou.

Is West Lake a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, West Lake in Hangzhou was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2011 for its cultural and historical significance.

What are some nearby attractions to explore in Hangzhou besides West Lake?

There are many nearby attractions for you to explore in Hangzhou. Hangzhou is a great all-rounded destination for travelers who enjoy history and Chinese culture and of course, stunning natural sceneries.

Conclusion

West Lake Hangzhou is more than just a piece of water, it is a living masterpiece that showcases China’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The natural sceneries, picturesque landscapes, and its timeless traditions, West Lake in Hangzhou is an attraction that has called travelers from all over the world to experience the magic of Hangzhou. From the historic sites and attractions around West Lake to the calming taste of Dragon Well green tea, to the silent wonders in the reflections on the lake, West Lake Hangzhou has a unique experience for everyone to take a journey to tranquility and connect with the rich Chinese history and culture.