Hangzhou West Lake: Top Highlihgts & Best Time to Visit
Hangzhou West Lake, also known as Xihu Lake or Xi Lake, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site known for its fantastic pagodas, stunning lake views, fairytale bridges, and lush gardens. Best of all, it's close to the Hangzhou city center, accessible by both metro and taxi. Read on to learn why you need to put this famous destination on your "must-visit" list.
West Lake in Hangzhou
Basic Information About Hangzhou West Lake
Airview of West Lake in Hangzhou
West Lake in Hangzhou is a beautiful combination of nature and culture, with plenty of walking trails, traditional Chinese buildings, and a singing fountain that features a nightly show of music and colorful water dancing.
- West Lake Size: The lake is 6.39 square kilometers, or roughly the size of 890 football fields.
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours to see the main highlights.
- Best Suited For: People interested in natural beauty, Chinese culture, and history. There are plenty of ways to see the park, from a leisurely boat tour to hiking through the paths.
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Tickets: It's free to enter the park, but some of Hangzhou West Lake's attractions are ticketed.
Leifeng Pagoda: 40 RMB
West Lake Boat Trip: 50-70 RMB
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island: 70 RMB -
Opening Hours: The park itself is open all day, but boat rides generally run between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and the pagodas generally open at 8 a.m. and close around 5-6 p.m.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Top Highlights of West Lake and Things to Do
From seeing vibrant flowers to exploring Chinese culture and history, there's no shortage of amazing activities to do at Hangzhou West Lake. Below is a brief overview of what you can find there, and we're happy to put together a personalized itinerary that meets your needs.
West Lake Boat Cruise
Take a boat on West Lake
One of the best and most memorable ways to explore Hangzhou West Lake is by boat. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the shoreline and visits to some of Hangzhou West Lake's most iconic attractions, including the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, which also appears on the 1 RMB banknote. Boat cruises generally take between 1 and 2 hours and are an excellent way for you to get an overview of the park without having to do any hiking.
Leifeng Pagoda
Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou
This five-story pagoda dates back to the Song Dynasty and is one of the lake's most incredible cultural structures. It's also connected to the "Legend of the White Snake," an important piece of Chinese folklore. In addition to stepping back in time to Chinese mythology, you can also climb the pagoda and enjoy sprawling views of the lake. It's a splendid place to take photographs.
Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor
Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, otherwise known as Flower Harbor Park, is a splendid way to view the phenomenal foliage of Hangzhou West Lake and see some of its animal life too. This area is full of small streams teeming with goldfish and carp and is an excellent place to rest and meditate. You can also get some wonderful pictures here too, especially during the spring. You can feed the fish at Red Carp Pond or view them from above at any number of the park's bridges.
Broken Bridge
Visit the Broken Bridge at West Lake
Find yourself in a fairy tale at Broken Bridge, a fantastic place to get photographs of Hangzhou city or the lake. It's a magnificent place to visit at sunset and beautiful during the winter when the bridge appears to be broken into two pieces, giving it its name.
Viewing Lotus Flowers in Summer
Lotus Flowers in West Lake in summer
Summer is an incredible time to see lovely flowers at Hangzhou West Lake, and it's an especially great time to see the lotus flowers gently floating on the top of the lake. They're abundant near Quyuan Fenghe and most impressive in the morning or at sunset.
Best Time to Visit West Lake
Scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou
Hangzhou West Lake is gorgeous any time of year, but there are certain areas to visit during different seasons that will give you a complete appreciation for this area.
- Spring (March to May) is an excellent time to enjoy early blooming flowers, particularly the peonies in Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor or the Su Causeway. You can also see plenty of foliage at the Longjing Tea Plantations.
- During the summer (June to August), the lotus flowers are in bloom, and you can observe different birds in the Xixi Wetlands and Hupao Springs.
- Autumn (September to November) is when the leaves start to change, so you'll enjoy bright orange, yellow, and red leaves on Bai Causeway. It's also a good time to visit the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
- During the winter months (December to February), you'll want to visit the Broken Bridge for exquisite pictures and Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic aerial shots of the lake and city.
How to Explore West Lake
Map of West Lake in Hangzhou
The most popular way to explore Hangzhou West Lake is by cruise. Seeing it from the water allows you to visit some islands and is also the most leisurely way to travel. You can also bike or hike through the scenic area. Our local guide will adjust the route based on the weather and your preferences.
Hiking Route
If you're in the mood to explore the park by foot, we recommend beginning at Lingyin Temple and making your way to Feilai Peak before coming down to Su Causeway. Then, walk to Broken Bridge, and follow the trail to Leifeng Pagoda.
Leisurely Route
This route is great for people with mobility concerns and children. Take a boat trip around West Lake to see the islands and get some great photographs, then head to the Musical Fountain for an evening light and music show. You can also explore some of the area near Viewing Fish Flower Harbor, as it's mostly flat and paved.
Nearby Attractions
There are also plenty of great attractions near Hangzhou West Lake. Lingyin Temple is just a 15-minute car ride from Hangzhou West Lake and dates back to 326 B.C.E. It's a fantastic example of Song Dynasty architecture and is full of impressive statues and carvings from that era.
Xixi National Wetland Park is about a 20-minute drive from the lake and spans 11 square kilometers. It's full of hundreds of plant and animal species, and you can explore it by boat or hike over a series of boardwalks. If you're interested in birdwatching, Xixi National Wetland Park is a great choice. Hefang Street, also known as Qinghefang, is a mere 10-minute walk from the lake and full of stunning teahouses and local food stands. This street is a well-preserved example of Qing and Ming Dynasty architecture and an excellent place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a stroll.
Enjoy Nature and Culture at Hangzhou West Lake
Hangzhou West Lake is a breathtaking and easy-to-get-to destination that combines epic nature and gorgeous views with ancient culture and lore. You'll be so glad that you included it in your vacation itinerary. Visit our contact page, or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started on your personalized itinerary today.
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