The West Lake
The West Lake is a famous attraction located in the center of Hangzhou, widely known for its landscapes and cultural heritage. The West Lake Cultural Landscape was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. It has influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea for centuries and displays an exceptional testament to cultural tradition. landscape creating a series of views that reflect the idealized fusion between man and nature. The Hangzhou West Lake Cultural Landscape, comprising The West Lake and the hills surrounding its three sides, has inspired famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century. It includes numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens and ornamental trees, as well as causeways and artificial islands.
History of The West Lake
The West Lake is surrounded on three sides by cloud-covered hills and on the fourth by the city of Hangzhou. Its beauty has been celebrated by writers and artists since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). To beautify it, its islands, causeways and the lower slopes of its hills have been improved by adding numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens and ornamental trees that blend into the cultivated landscape. Since the Southern Song Dynasty, ten scenic spots with poetic names have been identified that embody idealized, classical landscapes that manifest the perfect fusion between man and nature. West Lake is an outstanding example of a cultural landscape that clearly displays the ideals of Chinese landscape aesthetics as expounded by writers and scholars of the Tang and Song dynasties. The West Lake landscape had a profound impact on garden design not only in China but in other countries.
There are a number of traditional bridges and pagodas around the lake. The causeway is a 2.8 kilometer path, composed of six stone bridges and several land bridges that cross the western part of the lake, it is very famous. The causeway, which dates back to the Song Dynasty, offers a spectacular view in spring when numerous peach blossoms bloom along the path. In the western half of the lake there is a scenic lotus pool and a fish pond, they are also the popular attractions among visitors.
Things to Do at The West Lake
One of the best ways to appreciate the picturesque views of West Lake is to walk or bike. Spending a few hours strolling over bridges and along the beautiful lake is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in Hangzhou. Of course, the other popular way to navigate West Lake is by boat. A cruise on the Lake takes tourists to the most picturesque places. A more popular destination for the cruise is Three Pools Reflecting the Moon, the largest island in West Lake, whose image adorns the back of the 1 RMB note.
We also highly recommend the West Lake Impression nighttime show, a large-scale interpretation of an ancient legend with stunning lighting, beautiful choreography, and the enchanting landscape of West Lake as a backdrop. A West Lake trip is a relaxing and unforgettable experience from the bustling city of Hangzhou that will provide many opportunities for tourists to have a chance to appreciate the spectacular views.
