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West Lake of Hangzhou

  • Lying on the west side of Hangzhou city, the West Lake is well known for its elegant appearance and natural beauty. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in spring time are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. West Lake was listed as a world heritage site in 2011 by UNESCO and is the only lake heritage site in China.

Profile

  • ID : 125
  • City : Hangzhou
  • English name : West Lake Cruising including island abording
  • Chinese name : 游西湖 上岛
  • Type : Lake,
  • Level : easy
  • Kids : possible
  • Elders: possible
  • Best season : All seasons
  • Visiting length : 1-2 hours
  • Distance to city center : km

Introduction of West Lake of Hangzhou

  • Lying on the west side of Hangzhou city, the West Lake is well known for its elegant appearance and natural beauty. The lake has a total area of 6.38 square kilometers, with 2.27 meters in average depth. Surrounded on three sides by rolling wooded hills, West Lake is divided into five parts by three causeways, Bai Causeway, Su Causeway and Yang Causeway. There are more than 100 gardens, 20 museums and many other historical sites in West Lake scenic area. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in spring time are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. West Lake was listed as a world heritage site in 2011 by UNESCO and is the only lake heritage site in China . Its scenery has always been praised by Chinese poets and artists since the ancient time.

Photo of West Lake Cruising including island abording

  • The photo of West Lake covers images of Huanggang Port, fish, cruising boat, tower on hill, lotus leaf as well as travelers on ship.
  • West Lake Cruising including island abording photo

Highlights of visiting West Lake of Hangzhou

    Spring Dawn on Su Causeway, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Melting Snow on Broken Bridge

Helper to visit West Lake Cruising including island abording

  • Address in English : No.1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, China
  • Address in Chinese : 浙江省杭州市西湖区龙井路1号
  • Tel : +86571-85252357
  • Post code : 330009
  • Ticket time : All time
  • Open time : All time
  • Closing time : Null
  • Location : West Lake Cruising including island abording is around km to downtown Hangzhou

    Transportation

  • Subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Longxiang Qiao Station.
  • Public bus:
    • Su Causeway: Bus K4, Sightseeing Bus 2.
    • Bus 28, 15(Yuequan Road Station).
    • Tomb of General Yue Fei: Bus 27, 7(Yuefen Station).
  • Private car is the best method to visit West Lake Cruising including island abording with local tour operator.

Admission

  • high season : 45 RMB/person.
  • shoulder season : 45 RMB/person.
  • low season : 45 RMB/person.

Hotel near West Lake of Hangzhou

  • 5 star/duluxe hotel
  • Zhejiang Hotel
  • Hangzhou Hua Jia Shan Resort
  • Landison Longjing Resort
  • hangzhou shangri-la hotel
  • 4 star/superior hotel
  • Haihua Manlong Resort Hotel
  • Main attractions of West Lake
  • There are more than 100 gardens, 20 museums and many other historical sites in West Lake scenic area. The most famous Top Ten Scenes are as follows.
  • Spring Dawn on Su Causeway(苏堤春晓) Su Causeway is a long causeway with a length of 2.8 kilometers, stretching from the foothills of Nanping Mountain in the south to the Qixia Mountains in the north. This causeway was constructed from excavated soil when the West Lake was dredged by the poet Su Dongpo in the Northern Song Dynasty(960-1127). In honor of Su Dongpo, the causeway was named as Su Causeway. There are six single-hole stone arch bridges along the causeway, Reflecting Ripple Bridge, Locking Waves Bridge, Watching Hills Bridge, Yadi Bridge, Dongpu Bridge and Crossing Rainbow Bridge from south to north. Peach Trees and willows are planted on both sides of Su Causeway. In spring, the green willows bud, the peach flowers blossom and the birds sing. It is is intoxicating and delighting.
  • Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor (花港观鱼) Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor is a large park located in the southwest of the West Lake and the south of the Su Causeway, covering an area of over 20 hectares. It features flowers, harbor and fish. The whole garden is divided into five scenic spots: Red Carps Pond, Peony Garden, Flower Harbor, Large Lawn and Jungle. The Red Carps Pond is the center of the garden. The bank of the pond is naturally tortuous. A zigzag bridge is erected on the pond. Leaning on the rails, visitors can appreciate thousands of red carp swimming and dancing in the water.
  • Orioles Singing in the Willows（柳浪闻莺） Orioles singing in the Willows is a large park located at the Qingbo Gate to the southeast side of West Lake. Covering an area of over 20 square meters, it was the largest imperial garden in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), called Ju Jing Garden. The park is divided into four scenic spots. At the center of the park is the Orioles House. When spring comes, orioles fly and warble in the willow and flower branches. So called "Orioles Singing in the Willows".
  • Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset(雷峰夕照) Leifeng Pagoda was first built in 975 during the Five Dynasties by the king of the Wuyue Kingdom to celebrate the pregnancy of his concubine. It is located in front of Jingci Temple on the Xizhao Mountain. At dusk, the sunset glowing shining on Leifeng Pagoda and the Buddha's light is magnificent. Standing on the pagoda, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the West Lake.
  • Three Pools Mirroring the Moon（三潭印月） Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is the most classic scene of the West Lake. The largest island in the West Lake has beautiful and quiet scenery. It has the artistic characteristics of Water Garden in South China, a island in the lake, a lake in the island, and a garden in the garden. There are three gourd-shaped stone pagodas in the lake south of the island. It was said that the three pagodas were first erected by the poet and official Su Dongpo in the Northern Song Dynasty(960-1127) when he dredged the West Lake. The existing pagodas were rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The three pagodas are all hollow and each of them has five small round holes evenly distributed on their bodies. At night of full moon, the holes are sealed with thin paper and candles are lit inside the pagodas. The light from the holes are reflected in the water. It seems as if there were so many moons. That is quite unique and marvelous. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is thus named. This enchanting scene is printed on the CNY 1 note.
  • Autumn Moon over the Peaceful Lake(平湖秋月) At the sunny night in autumn, the surface of the West Lake is as calm as a mirror. the moon in the sky is particularly large, bright and round. The moonlight and the lake water reflect each other, making a quiet sense. The best place of enjoying this view is located on the west end of Bai Causeway, backed by the Isolated Hill and facing the outer lake.
  • Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds（双峰插云） The two peaks refer to South Peak and North Peak. They were famous Buddhist peaks in ancient times. Buddhist temples and pagodas were built on the top of the peaks. The natural scenery on two peaks is beautiful. When it is cloudy, only two tops of the peaks in the mist can be seen from the boat of West Lake. The view is unique.
  • Evening Bell at Nanping Hill(南屏晚钟) Nanping Hill is located on the south bank of West Lake, north of Yuhuang Mountain. The main peak is about one hundred meters high, with lush forests and stone walls. Many ancient cliff inscriptions and Buddhist sites on the hill still exist now. The Jingci Temple at the northern foot of the hill was built in 954 during the Five Dynasties. The bells in the temple ring at dawn and the sounds echo in the valley again and again. All the people traveling in the West Lake can hear the clear bell sounds.
  • SWinery Courtyard and Lotus Pool(曲院风荷) On the west side of West Lake and in front of Yuefei Temple, there was an official winery during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Near the winery grows lotus. In summer, a variety of lotus flowers blossom in the peaceful lake. When breeze blows, the fragrance of the lotus flowers and wine make people intoxicating. This area is 126,500 square meters, including six scenic spots, Yuehu Lake, Bamboo Garden, Lotus Pool, Winery Yard and Lakeside Woods. Lotus Pool is most famous.
  • Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge(断桥残雪) The Broken Bridge is located on the east end of the Bai Causeway, backed Precious Stone Hill and facing Hangzhou City. It is the watershed of outer West Lake and Inner West Lake. With a high location and broader vision, Broken Bridge is the best place to enjoy the snow scenery of West Lake in winter. After snow, standing on the Precious Stone Hill and overlooking southwards, the West Lake is covered with silver snow. The snow on the middle part of the Broken Bridge has melted, but the both ends of bridge are covered with snow. It seems as if the bridge is broken, so called "Broken Bridge". The white snow is shining in the sunshine, giving people a strong and deep impression of vitality.

Question or Comment



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    • Show of Impression West Lake
    • Impression West Lake is a grand open-air Night Show staged entirely upon the West Lake. The show is a spectacle of light, music and dance. It is performed in Yuehu Lake Scenic Area. The lake and its surroundings create a life-like charming background. The show focuses on the ancient folklores and myths, exhibiting the deep-rooted culture and natural beauty of Hangzhou. It lasts 1 hour and consists of five acts: encounter, falling in love, farewell, memory, and impression.
    • Legend of West Lake
    • There are many legends about West Lake. The best-known one is the love story between a white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen and a mortal man named Xu Xian. They met on a boat on the West Lake and fell in love with each other and got married. But a monk Fa Hai insisted that the marriage of humans and spirits was forbidden. He imprisoned Bai Suzhen under the Leifeng Pagoda. 18 years later, Bai Suzhen was rescued by her son. The couple then lived together happily. Because of this romantic story, the West Lake becomes an popular place for dating.

    Toolkits

    • Ways of Traveling West Lake
    • 1. Walking The West Lake is very large. It takes about 4-5 hours to walk around. Walking is suitable for people who are not in a hurry and want to appreciate the beauty of West Lake slowly.
    • 2. Battery Car For people who are in a hurry or lack of energy, taking a sightseeing battery car is a good choice. The battery car can be taken between sections or around the lake. The car passes Su Causeway, Yuefei Temple, Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge, Music Fountain and Leifeng Pagoda. You can get off the car nearby the attractions you like. It is very convenient. The ticket price for every section is 10RMB and 40RMB for whole trip.
    • 3. Public Bike Visitors need to apply for a Z Card if they want to rent a public bike with valid identification. There are some Card Service Centers around the West Lake. The cost of the card is 300RMB including deposit of 200RMB. It is free if riding time is less than one hour. 1RMB is charged within 2 hours and 2RMB is charged within 3 hours, and so on. You can rent and return a bike by swiping the card at any stop around the lake. But some area of the lake are not allowed bike to enter. After traveling, remember to return the card and get the deposit and balance back.
    • 4. Sightseeing Boat If you want get more close to the West Lake and visit island in the lake, you can take sightseeing boat. There are 5 types of boats for your choice.
      Painted Boats Painted Boats are the most comfortable boats. They can be boarded from No.3 Hubin Park Dock and Children's Palace Dock. The ticket is 70RMB per person including the entry fee of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and island in the Lake.
      Medium-sized Sightseeing Boats Medium-sized Sightseeing Boats can be boarded from QianwangCi, Children's Palace, Zhongshan Park, Yuewang Temple Park and Huagang Park Dock. The ticket is 55RMB per person including the entry fee of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and island in the Lake.
      Small Sightseeing Boats Small Sightseeing Boats can be boarded from Zhongshan Park and Yanggong Causeway Dock. The ticket is 30RMB per person.
      Rowing Boats Rowing Boats can be boarded from No.1 No.2 and No.5 Hubin Park dock and Broken Bridge dock. The boats have a a largest capacity of six passengers. The price is 150RMB per hour.
      Foreign Affairs Boats Foreign Affairs Boats can be boarded from Huagang Park Dock. The ticket is 35RMB per person.
      If you want to row or drive a boat on your own, you can rent a self-rowing boat from No.6 Hubin Park dock or a self-drive boat from Broken Bridge Dock.
    • Routes of Traveling West Lake
    • Everywhere is beautiful around the West Lake. Travelers can arrange their route according to interest and time. Usually the Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge will be the starting point for visiting the West Lake.
      Route 1. Broken Bridge-Bai Causeway-Autumn Moon over the Peaceful Lake- Xiling Seal Engravers' Society-Winery Courtyard and Lotus Pool-Spring Dawn on Su Causeway-Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor-Su Dongpo's Memorial Hall-Evening Bell at Nanping Hill-Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset-Orioles Singing in the Willows-Music Fountain
      Route 2. Broken Bridge-Xiling Seal Engravers' Society-Lesser Paradise Island (Three Pools Mirroring the Moon)by Boat-Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor-Su Dongpo's Memorial Hall-Evening Bell at Nanping Hill-Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset-Orioles Singing in the Willows-Music Fountain
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