What to expect
West Lake is undoubtedly the epitome of Hangzhou's beauty. The famous "Ten Scenes of West Lake" surround its shores, where nature and culture complement each other, forming the heart of Hangzhou's tourism. You don't need to visit every single attraction—instead, spend half a day or a full day strolling along the lakeside. No matter how you explore, it's sure to lift your spirits.
West Lake in Hangzhou has witnessed the development of China's enduring cultural traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism, and the tea-zen culture. In 1982, West Lake was selected as one of the first national key scenic areas. It was rated as a "National AAAAA Tourist Attraction" in 2007. On June 24, 2011, the West Lake Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
West Lake extends east from the Songmuchang area of Hangzhou city, Baolu Road turning north to Shaonian Gong Square, passing through Baisha Road, Huancheng West Road, Hubin Road, and Nanshan Road to the south of Wansongling, including all scenic spots of Wushan, Ziyangshan, and Yunju Mountain. To the south, it runs from Gulou along the eastern foothills of Wushan, Ziyangshan, and Yunju Mountain, through Fengshanmen along Fenghuangshan Road, following the West Lake water diversion channel to the north bank of the Qiantang River, then turning to the Shanhusha Reservoir and north to Liufangling. To the west, it stretches from Liufangling, Zhuganshan, Jiuquling, and Mingrenling to Meiren Peak, Beigaofeng, Lingfengshan, and east to the ridge line of Laoheshan. To the north, it follows the foothills of Laoheshan (west wall of Zhejiang University), turning 30 meters north of Qingzhiwu Road, connecting to Yugu Road, Zhejiang University Road, and Shuguang Road, ending south of Songmuchang.
West Lake boasts over 100 scenic spots, most notably the "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 on foot, by cruise, electric cart, self-driving, or cycling. The electric cart is a convenient and effortless option, with hop-on-hop-off sightseeing vehicles circling the entire lake. Cycling along the lakeshore offers a romantic and leisurely experience, with many public bike rental stations available. For boat tours, there are nearly 10 piers around the lake offering various vessels and routes. A highly recommended option is taking a cruise to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon at the lake's center while enjoying panoramic views. Alternatively, you can hail a hand-rowed boat for a more flexible and personalized tour guided by a boatman.
Northern route scenery
The northern shore of West Lake is home to many attractions, typically starting from the Melting Snow at Broken Bridge in the northeast corner and heading west to Yue-Wang Temple. You can walk along Bai Causeway to Solitary Hill, visiting cultural sites like Xiling Seal Engravers' Society, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, China Seal Art Museum, and Crane Pavilion. Enjoy authentic West Lake vinegar fish at Louwailou Restaurant, then cross Xiling Bridge to leave the island—Yue-Wang Temple and Breeze-Ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden are just a short distance away.
On sunny summer days, we recommend strolling along Beishan Road under the dense shade of trees to admire the graceful curve of Broken Bridge and swaying willows on the opposite Baidi Causeway. Many trailheads along the road lead to Baoshi Mountain, where you can hike for scenic views before descending to Yuewang Temple (Yue Fei Temple). Yuewang Square offers various small eateries, and the evening Impression West Lake show is highly recommended. If you have ample time and energy, you can continue onto Su Causeway for a panoramic walk around West Lake.
Southeast Coast (Hubin-Nanshan Road)
Another area with a concentration of attractions is the southeastern lakeshore along Hubin Road and Nanshan Road. Hubin Road lies at the junction between downtown Hangzhou and the West Lake scenic area, offering lake views, a cruise pier for West Lake cruises, and the iconic musical fountain. The advantage of Hubin Road is its quick access from the scenic area to the downtown shopping district, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules looking for a short visit.
Head south from Hubin Road along Nanshan Road, where you can visit attractions like Orioles Singing in the Willows, Long Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, Evening Bell at Nanping Hill, and Viewing Fish at Flower Pond. The distance between adjacent attractions is short enough for walking, and shuttle buses or public transportation are also convenient options. You can spend a day visiting a few selected spots based on your preferences. Leifeng Pagoda and Evening Bell at Nanping Hill are ideal for evening visits—listening to the bell at Jingci Temple and admiring the West Lake night view from Leifeng Pagoda are both fantastic experiences.
Terms & conditions
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is smart causal, make sure to dress warm if come for the show during the winter time
In case tickets sold out, please make your booking at early stage
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Meeting point:
Zuiyi Hangzhou
Address: Xihu Yuehu Scenic Area,Zhejiang,China
End point:
Zuiyi Hangzhou
Address: Xihu Yuehu Scenic Area,Zhejiang,China
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