The West Lake, Hangzhou
Nestled in the heart of Hangzhou, and one of the main draws to the city, is the majestic West Lake(Xi Hu).
This naturally occurring tourist attraction draws in visitors from both China and overseas to explore its serene landscape and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The West Lake has a history that spans over a thousand years, with tales of poets, emperors, and philosophers who found inspiration in its tranquil waters.
The West Lake has an intoxicating charm and has many hidden spots that can be enjoyed at all times of the day. It hosts many pathways around the lake to be enjoyed on foot or by bike, but do be careful as smaller walkways do not allow bikes and you will have to cycle on the road around the lake for some sections.
That being said, you would be hard-pushed to find more beautiful roads - surrounded as they are by trees and perfectly tarmac-ed - which makes them a cyclist's dream.
We made the mistake of borrowing bikes from our hostel to explore the lake, which did not turn out to be the best idea. We wish we had taken advantage of the many public bike rental stands that are dotted around the place, which allow you to pick up and drop off your bike when it is convenient to do so. This would have allowed us to explore some of the tighter scenic spots, without the nuisance of having to wheel a bike through crowds of pedestrians.
Another great way to see the West Lake is by taking to the water. You can join a boat tour on a larger vessel, or charter a cute gondola to navigate the peaceful waterways.
Walking is of course the best option for exploring but be prepared the West Lake is massive and so it might be hard to explore all of it on foot.
The West Lake is surrounded by picturesque spots, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few must-visit locations:
Broken Bridge (Duanqiao): Don’t let the name fool you; this bridge is perfectly intact! It's renowned for its romantic folklore and is a fantastic spot to start your adventure. There are some amazing bridges at the West Lake, some are busier than others if you are after the perfect Instagram pic!
Leifeng Pagoda: This towering structure offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings. Climbing to the top is a rewarding experience, especially at sunset.
Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard: During summer, this spot is a riot of colour, with lotus flowers blooming in the lake. It’s a dreamy place for a leisurely boat ride. Summer is always super hot in China but when the lotus’ are in bloom it really is a special sight to see.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: As one of the iconic symbols of the West Lake, these small pagodas emerge from the water. They are often lit at night creating a mesmerising reflection on the water. It's pure magic.
The West Lake is beautiful year-round, but as with most places in China, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and vibrant scenery.
It is also the perfect spot to see the sunset and many people flock to the east side of the lake to see the day end over the water.
This is a beautiful area to stay in the city if you want to experience more of a tranquil area than the bustling city streets.
There is not a corner of the West Lake which is not filled with peaceful pagodas, quaint gardens or hidden walkways and yet the lake is barely a stone’s throw from the city centre in many places. It really is no wonder that Hangzhou is one of China's top attractions.
Check out my video here about Hangzhou….
If you need some help planning your itinerary for your Hangzhou (and China) trip then get in touch I can help you!