Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake

Introducing the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake

The Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake are ten distinctive landscapes in and around West Lake. Historically, Hangzhou has held many activities to select the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake, and the ten scenes selected during the Southern Song Dynasty are the most classic, namely, Su Causeway in Spring Dawn, Calm Lake in Autumn Moon, Broken Bridge in Snow, Winding Courtyard with Lotus, Lei Pagoda in Sunset, Evening Bell at Nanping, Watching Fish at Flower Harbor, Orioles Singing in the Willow Waves, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

The Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake, formed during the Southern Song Dynasty, are primarily located around West Lake, with some situated directly on the lake itself. Each scene possesses its own unique charm, yet together they represent the essence of ancient West Lake's scenic beauty. They are a favorite destination for Hangzhou locals and tourists alike, eager to explore them first.

Climate and best time to travel

In spring, " Su Causeway is full of flowers and willows are full of smoke " , in summer, " red clothes and green fans reflect the clear waves " , in autumn, " the lake is full of autumn colors " , and in winter, " the Bai Causeway is a trace of blue and white ink ".

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Su Causeway Spring Dawn

Su Causeway is the only channel connecting the north and south banks of West Lake, crossing the entire waters of West Lake. Therefore, it offers the most comprehensive view and is the best place to enjoy the entire lake. Pause at the Imperial Stele Pavilion south of the Yadi Bridge to take in the picturesque panorama of lake and mountains.

Winding Courtyard Lotus

Themed around summer lotus viewing, the exhibition visually captures the unique beauty of " the endless green lotus leaves reaching the sky, the distinctive red lotus blossoms reflecting the sun . " Because the area is home to numerous lotus flowers, when the summer lotus blossoms are in full bloom and the gentle breeze carries the fragrance of lotus and wine, creating a scene where " the warm breeze intoxicates visitors . "

Autumn Moon over Calm Lake

It is one of the best spots for panoramic views of West Lake from the north shore. Its theme is to admire the lake's shimmering moonlight on an autumn night. Pinghu Autumn Moon perfectly preserves the " one courtyard, one building, one stele, and one pavilion " layout of the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake designated by the Qing Dynasty imperial court (17th-18th centuries ) .

Broken Bridge and Remaining Snow

Winter is the best time to enjoy the snowy scenery of West Lake. When the sky clears after a snowfall, the sunrise reveals the melting snow on the sunny side of the Broken Bridge, revealing a sliver of brown bridge surface. It's as if a long white chain has been severed here, creating the scene of " snow-removed bridge . "

Watching Fish at Huagang

The theme of the landscape is to enjoy the beauty of flowers and fish, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant vitality of nature. In spring, the falling petals create a scene of " flowers on the bodies of fish, which lick the flowers . " The remains of the imperial stele, pavilion, fish pond, and rockery remain.

Orioles Singing in the Willow Waves

The theme is to enjoy the willow forest scenery by the lake. The garden's abundance of willows creates waves in the wind, echoing the melodious calls of orioles, hence the name " Willow Waves and Singing Orioles. " Today, " Willow Waves and Singing Orioles " still retains the traditional willow forest character. Strolling through the landscape, you can listen to the willow branches brushing your face and the orioles chirping, creating a vibrant scene.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

The most iconic sight of Hangzhou's West Lake. Its core elements are the Three Pagodas and Xiaoyingzhou Island, nestled in the water. The theme is to admire the interplay of the moon, pagodas, and lake from the island on a moonlit night, inspiring Zen-like reflections and insights.

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

The pagoda is composed of two peaks, the southern and northern, in the mountains west of West Lake, and a viewing point near Hongchun Bridge in the northwest corner of the lake. Its theme is to admire the mist-shrouded landscape of the mountains surrounding West Lake . Whenever the mist thickens, the pagoda's top appears and disappears amidst the clouds, creating a scene reminiscent of a Buddhist kingdom in the clouds.

Leifeng Pagoda Sunset

The scenic view is characterized by the silhouette of the ancient pagoda against the mountain peak at dusk. Thanks to "The Legend of the White Snake," one of China's four great folk love stories, it has become a symbol of steadfast love, imbuing the West Lake landscape with rich historical connotations. In 2002 , to protect the ruins from weather and wind, a protective tower was built over the site in the style of the original tower, restoring both the pagoda itself and the view from Baochu Pagoda.

Nanping Evening Bell

The scenic spot is characterized by the aesthetically pleasing sound of the bells of Jingci Temple at the foot of Nanping Mountain resounding across the lake. Whenever the temple bells ring in the evening, the oscillations of the bells are transmitted to the rocks and caves on the mountain, creating a melodious and resonant sound. Today, it has become the venue for the bell-ringing ceremony on New Year's Eve in Hangzhou, welcoming the new year and bidding farewell to the old.

Recommended play time: about 1 day

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

West Lake in Hangzhou is famous for its stunning landscape and cultural heritage, having inspired poets, artists, and scholars for centuries. The Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake represent the area’s historical and cultural richness, showcasing beautiful views and ancient landmarks. The lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its harmonious integration of nature and human artistry.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

West Lake is located in the city center of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is easily accessible by public transport, with metro lines and buses connecting the lake to various parts of the city. You can also take a taxi or walk to the lake if you're staying nearby in the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

West Lake is open year-round, and the best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild. The lake is accessible at all times, though early mornings and late afternoons offer the most peaceful experience, avoiding the midday crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to West Lake itself is free, but some of the individual scenic spots and temples around the lake require a ticket. For example, Leifeng Pagoda and Lingyin Temple charge admission. Tickets can be bought on-site or online through the official tourism website of Hangzhou.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular attractions like Leifeng Pagoda and Lingyin Temple, it's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). Booking 1-2 days in advance is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on how many spots you visit and how much time you spend at each. A full day is ideal if you want to experience the lake’s beauty at a leisurely pace.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include:

• Leifeng Pagoda, offering panoramic views of West Lake
• Lingyin Temple, a historical Buddhist temple
• Su Causeway, perfect for a walk in spring
• Broken Bridge, a picturesque and iconic spot
• Longjing Tea Village, where you can taste famous green tea

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at many of the key scenic spots around West Lake, with guides typically speaking Mandarin and sometimes English. Audio guides are also available at popular sites like Leifeng Pagoda and Lingyin Temple, generally in Mandarin and English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints include:

• Leifeng Pagoda, for stunning views over the entire lake
• Broken Bridge, particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset
• Su Causeway, which offers lovely vistas, especially during the spring

These spots offer some of the best photography opportunities.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended route would start from the southern part of the lake, near the Leifeng Pagoda, and then loop around through the scenic spots like Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Lingyin Temple. If time permits, end the day with a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the view from the water.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are available, with some scenic spots like Leifeng Pagoda offering nighttime views of the lake. Additionally, there are light shows held occasionally, especially during the summer months, which illuminate the landscape in a beautiful way.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

West Lake can be crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings and late afternoons, particularly during weekdays or in the off-peak seasons (winter or late autumn).

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are toilets, food stalls, and rest areas scattered around the lake, especially near popular attractions like Leifeng Pagoda and Lingyin Temple. There are also souvenir shops and cafes where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

West Lake is generally accessible, with paved paths and walkways suitable for elderly and disabled visitors. Some areas, like Su Causeway and Broken Bridge, may require some walking, but there are also boat rides available, offering an alternative way to explore the lake.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are the most common form of payment around West Lake. Credit cards are accepted at some larger establishments but may not be accepted at smaller stalls or boat rides.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are various restaurants and cafes along the lake, offering both Chinese and Western cuisine. Some famous spots include the restaurants near Lingyin Temple, serving traditional Hangzhou dishes like West Lake fish and Longjing tea-flavored food.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available, especially in the restaurants near Lingyin Temple. Halal food options are somewhat limited but can be found in specific areas of Hangzhou catering to the Muslim community.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Several hotels are located near West Lake, ranging from budget to luxury options. The Hyatt Regency and West Lake State Guesthouse are luxurious choices, while there are also boutique hotels and hostels offering more affordable stays.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include:

• Lingyin Temple
• Longjing Tea Village
• Hefang Street for local shopping and dining
• China National Silk Museum

These can all be easily combined in a day trip around Hangzhou.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are many souvenir shops around West Lake. Typical souvenirs include West Lake tea, silk products, Nianhua (painted New Year pictures), and traditional handicrafts like bamboo fans and paper cuttings.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting West Lake, you can take a taxi, bus, or metro to other parts of Hangzhou. Renting a bike is also a popular way to explore the city further. For day trips outside Hangzhou, high-speed trains and buses to nearby cities are available from the central station.