West Lake
UNESCO World Heritage landscape — the soul of Hangzhou and one of China's most beautiful places
- Time needed
- 2-4 hours
- Rating
- AAA · UNESCO World Heritage
Overview
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.
Plan your visit
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.
Nearby
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Hangzhou
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- Free cancellation up to 8 days
- No charge until your guide confirms