What to expect
The West Lake is undoubtedly the representative of the beauty of Hangzhou. The famous "Ten Scenes of the West Lake" surround the lake, and the nature and humanity complement each other, forming the core area of Hangzhou travel. You don't have to insist on visiting every scenic spot, but you can spend half a day or a whole day wandering around the lake. No matter how you play, it will make you feel happy.
Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area has witnessed the development of China's Buddhist culture, Taoist culture, tea and Zen culture and other cultural traditions. In 1982, Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area was selected as the first batch of national key scenic spots. In 2007, it was rated as a "National AAAAA-level tourist Attraction". On June 24, 2011, Hangzhou West Lake Cultural Landscape was included in the World Heritage List.
The West Lake Scenic Area starts from Songmuchang in Hangzhou city in the east, Bao Road turns to the north of Children's Palace Square, passes Baisha Road, West Ring Road, Hubin Road, Nanshan Road to the south of Wansongling and all the scenic spots of Wushan, Ziyangshan and Yunjushan; from Gulou in the south, along the foothills of Wushan, Ziyangshan and Yunjushan on the east side, through Fengshan Gate, along Fenghuangshan Road, at Tianhuashan, along the West Lake water diversion channel to the north bank of Qiantang River, turn to the Coral Sand Reservoir to the north of Liufangling; from Liufangling, Zhuganshan, Jiuquling, Mingrenling to Meirenfeng, Beigaofeng, Lingfengshan to the east of Laoheshan ridgeline in the west; from the foothills of Laoheshan in the north (the west wall of Zhejiang University), turn 30 meters north of Qingzhiwu Road, connect Yugu Road, Zheda Road, Shuguang Road to the south of Songmuchang.
There are more than 100 scenic spots in the West Lake Scenic Area, among which the “Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake”, “New Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake” and “Three Reviews·Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake” are famous.
Overview of West Lake
You can visit West Lake by walking, taking a Cruise, riding an electric car, or driving or cycling. Among them, the electric car is convenient and labor-saving. There are tourist buses that stop when you wave your hand around West Lake, and the route just goes around West Lake. Cycling along the lake is romantic and leisurely. There are many places to rent public bicycles along the shore of West Lake. If you want to take a boat tour, there are nearly 10 docks on the lakeside, with various boats and routes. It is recommended to take a boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Mirroring the Moon in the center of the lake, and take a good look at the scenery of West Lake on the boat. Or you can hire a hand-rowed boat by the lakeside and let the boatman row you around the lake, which is more free.
Northern scenery
There are many scenic spots on the north bank of West Lake. Usually, you start from the Broken Bridge and Residual Snow in the northeast corner and head west to Yuewang Temple. You can walk along the Baidi Causeway to Gushan, visit cultural attractions such as Xiling Seal Society, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, China Seal Museum, and Fanghe Pavilion, eat authentic West Lake Vinegar Fish at Louwailou, and get off the island from Xiling Bridge. Not far away are Yuewang Temple and Quyuan Fenghe.
If it is a hot summer day, it is recommended to walk along Beishan Road and hide under the dense shade of trees to see the curve of the Broken Bridge and the swaying willows on the opposite side of the Bai Causeway. There are many entrances along the road leading to Baoshishan Mountain, where you can climb the mountain to see the scenery, and then go down the mountain to Yuewang Temple. There are many small shops in Yuewang Square where you can eat, and the Impression of West Lake performance here in the evening is also worth seeing. If you have enough time and energy, you can also go up Su Causeway from here and walk to enjoy the panoramic view of West Lake.
Southeast coast (Hubin-Nanshan Road)
Another area with a concentration of scenic spots is Hubin Road-Nanshan Road on the southeast coast. Hubin Road is at the junction of downtown Hangzhou and West Lake Attraction. You can see the scenery of West Lake, there is also a pier for West Lake Cruise, and there is also the iconic musical fountain. The advantage of Hubin Road is that it can quickly reach the business district in the city center from the Attraction, which is suitable for tourists who are in a hurry to stay for a short time.
Go south from Hubin Road and along Nanshan Road. You can visit scenic spots such as Orioles Singing in the Willows, Changqiao, Leifeng Pagoda, Nanping Evening Bell, and Huagang Fish Watching. The distance between adjacent scenic spots is not far, so you can walk. Tour buses and public buses are also very convenient. You can choose a few to visit in one day according to your preferences. Among them, Leifeng Pagoda and Nanping Evening Bell can be arranged in the evening. Listening to the bells in Jingci Temple and overlooking the night view of West Lake from Leifeng Pagoda are both great experiences.