Introducing West Lake
West Lake, located to the west of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is one of the first national key scenic spots in mainland China and one of the top ten scenic spots in China.
West Lake's beauty lies in its shimmering waters in clear skies and its hazy, misty beauty in rainy, snowy, sunny, or cloudy weather. The lake is renowned for the beautiful scenery of the Su Causeway and the Bai Causeway, which traverse the lake, dividing it into five parts: the West Inner Lake, the Small South Lake, the Yue Lake, the Outer Lake, and the Inner Lake.
Baidi Causeway, formerly known as Baisha Causeway, connects Gushan to Duanqiao. Sudi Causeway, built by Su Dongpo, stretches north and south across West Lake. Six stone arch bridges dot the causeway. Every morning, as mist rises from the lake, the beautiful scenery of "Six Bridges and Smoke-covered Willows" appears, one of the Ten Scenic Spots of Qiantang.
Climate and best time to travel
West Lake has four distinct seasons: in spring, hundreds of flowers bloom; in summer, lotus flowers reflect the sun; in autumn, the lake is covered with autumn moon; in winter, the Broken Bridge is covered with snow.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake: Su Causeway in Spring Dawn, Winding Courtyard with Lotus, Calm Lake in Autumn Moon, Broken Bridge in Snow, Willow Waves and Singing Orioles, Fish Watching at Flower Harbor, Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, Evening Bells of Nanping, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
Recommended play time: half a day
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
All day
Most Popular FAQs for West Lake
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
West Lake has been celebrated for over a thousand years as the symbol of Hangzhou’s beauty. It inspired countless poets, painters, and scholars since the Tang and Song dynasties. The lake’s landscapes reflect classical Chinese aesthetics—combining natural beauty with human artistry. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its cultural and historical significance.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Central Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- By metro: Take Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station or Fengqi Road Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes.
- By bus: Multiple city buses stop near West Lake scenic areas.
- By taxi: Easily accessible from anywhere in downtown Hangzhou.
- By walking: Many visitors explore the area on foot from nearby hotels or Wushan Square.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- West Lake itself is open 24 hours and free to enter.
- Some attractions like Leifeng Pagoda and museums open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and scenic beauty.
- Early morning and evening are ideal for fewer crowds and serene views.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- The lake area is free to visit.
- Tickets are required for certain attractions:
- Leifeng Pagoda: ~40 RMB
- Lingyin Temple: ~45 RMB + 30 RMB temple entry
- Boat rides: ~55–120 RMB depending on the route
- Tickets can be bought onsite or online through Chinese travel apps like Alipay, WeChat, or Trip.com.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is not required for general visits, but recommended for popular activities such as the “Impression West Lake” night show, especially on weekends and holidays.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- Half day: Walk or cycle around key viewpoints.
- Full day: Include temples, pagodas, gardens, and a boat ride.
- Two days: Explore all main sites and enjoy a relaxed lakeside stay.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Leifeng Pagoda
- Broken Bridge
- Su Causeway and Bai Causeway
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (on the 1 RMB banknote)
- Lingyin Temple
- Guo’s Villa and Flower Harbor Park
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours are available in Chinese and English at main entrances.
- Audio guides (Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean) can be rented at some attractions or accessed via mobile apps.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic lake views.
- Broken Bridge for winter and early morning photos.
- Su Causeway for sunrise and misty scenery.
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon for sunset reflections.
- Guo’s Villa for classical garden compositions.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Morning: Start at Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Solitary Hill → Xiling Bridge.
- Afternoon: Visit Leifeng Pagoda → take a boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
- Evening: Watch Impression West Lake show or enjoy lakeside dining.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Yes, the “Impression West Lake” light and music show is a major highlight (performed over the water, 7:30–9:00 PM).
- Lakeside paths and bridges are softly illuminated at night for strolls.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Usually crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Visit early morning on weekdays for peaceful views.
- Winter months are generally quieter.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Clean public restrooms throughout the park.
- Many cafes, tea houses, and restaurants along the lakeshore.
- Water fountains and shaded benches available in scenic spots.
- Souvenir and snack stalls near main entrances and pagodas.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Yes, most paths are flat and wheelchair accessible. Boats and main viewpoints have ramps and rest areas, making it friendly for all ages.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. International credit cards may not work at small vendors, so carrying some cash (RMB) is advisable.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Lou Wai Lou — famous for authentic Hangzhou cuisine like West Lake Vinegar Fish.
- Zhiwei Guan — traditional snacks and dim sum.
- Grandma’s Home — popular casual local restaurant chain.
- Starbucks and local tea houses for lakeside relaxation.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Lingyin Temple area offers vegetarian Buddhist meals.
- Several restaurants near West Lake provide vegetarian and halal menus upon request.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Shangri-La Hangzhou — luxury stay with lake views.
- West Lake State Guesthouse — elegant and historic.
- Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou — near main lake area.
- Budget hostels and boutique hotels around Nanshan Road.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Lingyin Temple
- China National Tea Museum
- Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Village
- Wuzhen Water Town (1-hour drive)
- Xixi Wetland Park
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Local green tea (Longjing Tea)
- Silk products and fans
- West Lake postcards and art prints
- Handcrafted umbrellas and jewelry boxes
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Hangzhou Metro for city attractions and high-speed railway connections.
- Taxi or ride-hailing apps (Didi) for quick transfers.
- Train from Hangzhou East Station to nearby cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, or Nanjing.
