West Lake
UNESCO World Heritage landscape — the soul of Hangzhou and one of China's most beautiful places
Highlights — Why we like West Lake
Intro
West Lake is the centrepiece of Hangzhou and one of the most celebrated landscapes in China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lake covers 6.38 square kilometres and is surrounded by hills, temples, pagodas, gardens, and causeways that have inspired Chinese poets, painters, and emperors for over a thousand years. The Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo — who served as governor of Hangzhou — built the Su Causeway that still bears his name, a 2.8-kilometre tree-lined path across the lake.
Best Time to Visit
March-May for spring flowers and tea harvest atmosphere. Late October-November for autumn foliage. Early morning for mist on the water.
Getting There
West Lake is accessible from central Hangzhou on foot or by bike. The lakeside is served by multiple bus routes. Public bike hire stations ring the lake.
Tickets & Entry
- Typical visit
2-4 hours
Local Tips
Cycling around the lake (2 hours at a leisurely pace) is the best way to experience it. Public bikes are available via Hangzhou's bike-share system using WeChat Pay. Boat trips to the mid-lake islands depart from multiple jetties (¥45 for a shared boat). The lake is free to access from the shore.
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