You are now at: Home  >>   Beginners’ Guide to Hangzhou: Top 5 Attractions You Should Not Miss  >>  West Lake

West Lake

West Lake West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou. Without West Lake, the city would lose much of its charm. Known by different names through history - Wulin Water, Qiantang Lake and Xizi Lake, it has been called West Lake since the Song Dynasty. It is located on the western edge of Hangzhou and surrounded by hills on 3 sides.

The lake has 3 famous islands— Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Pavilion in the Central Lake and Yuangong Mound. The islands dot the lake, adding a special beauty. The most beautiful scenery around the lake areas is at Su and Bai Causeways. These 2 causeways divide the lake into 5 parts. They look especially stunning at sunrise when there is mist rising from the lake surface.

The Su Causeway is at its best in the spring, while Quyuanfenghe, Ping Hu Qiu yue, Duan Bridge shine when it snows. West Lake Colored Port View Fish Garden, Echoes of the music from birds in the Willows, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Two Peaks Towering in the Sky, Evening Glow on the Leifeng Tower and Nanping Evening Bell are other places which will also delight at anytime of the year. Other interesting spots include Longjin Tea Plantation and Hu Pao Fountain.

Riding a bicycle along the Yanggong Causeway, Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Duan Bridge and Hubin Road to enjoy the sights up close is a really cool experience. Or just take a boat to visit Three Pools Mirroring Island and Yufei Mausoleum built to commemorate a patriot in the Song Dynasty.

Travel Information

  • Add: West Lake Scenery Zone, Xihu District, Hangzhou
  • 地址: 杭州市西湖区西湖风景区
  • Admission: Free
  • Opening Hours: All day
  • Getting there & away:
  • From Hangzhou Railway Station, take Bus K7 and get off at Duan Bridge Station(断桥站)/Children’s Palace Station（少年宫站）;
  • From Hangzhou East Bus Station, take Bus K55 and get off at Yan’an New Village（延安新村）, then transfer to Children’s Palace Station by Bus Y1;
  • From Hangzhou West Bus Station, take Bus K194 and get off at Zoo station(动物园站)/Huang Gang Guan Yu Station(花港观鱼站);
  • From Hangzhou South Bus Station, take Bus60 and get off at West Lake Avenue站(西湖大道站);
  • From Hangzhou North Station, take Bus 15 and get off at Yuquan Station(玉泉站);

    • Ask Your Question