West Lake in Hangzhou

Mia

2022-04-27

West Lake introduction

West Lake is a freshwater lake located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is surrounded by mountains and has numerous temples, pagodas, and gardens around its shores. It covers an area of about 6.5 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of around 40 meters.

West Lake has a rich history and has been an important cultural and political center in China for over a thousand years. It is famous for its natural scenery, particularly the "Ten Scenes of West Lake," which are ten picturesque views around the lake that have been celebrated in Chinese literature and art for centuries. These scenes include the "Broken Bridge in Snow," "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon," and "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow."

The lake has also been a source of inspiration for many poets and writers throughout Chinese history, and it continues to be a popular subject in contemporary Chinese art and literature. Today, West Lake is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy its scenic beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities.

West Lake attractions

There are many attractions to see and experience in the West Lake Scenic Area. Here are some of the top attractions you can visit:

1. Ten Scenes of West Lake: These are ten picturesque views around the lake that have been celebrated in Chinese literature and art for centuries. They include the "Broken Bridge in Snow," "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon," and "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow."

2. Lingyin Temple: This is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in China. It was first built in 326 AD and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It is located at the foot of Lingyin Mountain and features many historic buildings and ancient Buddhist statues.

3. Leifeng Pagoda: This pagoda is located on the south bank of the lake and was first built in 975 AD. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction with panoramic views of the lake.

4. Su Causeway: This is a causeway that stretches across the lake and is surrounded by trees and flowers. It was built in the 11th century and is a popular place for walking, cycling, and enjoying the scenic views of the lake.

5. Yue Fei Temple: This is a temple dedicated to the famous Chinese general Yue Fei, who lived during the Song Dynasty. It features many ancient artifacts and cultural relics related to Yue Fei's life and military campaigns.

6. Xihu Longjing Tea Plantation: This is a tea plantation located on the west side of the lake. It is famous for producing Longjing tea, which is a type of green tea that is highly prized in China.

Unusual things to do at West Lake

West Lake offers a wide variety of activities and things to do for visitors. Here is a list for things to do at West Lake beyond a tourist sightseeing:

1. Take a boat ride: One of the best ways to enjoy the lake's scenery is by taking a boat ride. There are several types of boats available for hire, including traditional Chinese-style boats and modern electric boats.

2. Go cycling or walking: The lake is surrounded by scenic paths and walkways, making it a great place for cycling or walking. Bike rentals are easy to find in the area.

4. Watch a performance: West Lake is also known for its traditional Chinese performances, such as the show of "Enduring Memory of Hangzhou", which features music, dance, and colorful costumes, with the beautiful West Lake Scenery as backdrop. Book tickets of Enduring Memories of Hangzhou.

5. Taste the local cuisine at restaurants in the scenic area: Try local specialties such as "West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy" and "Dongpo Pork", which are both famous Hangzhou dishes. Popular restaurants include Louwailou, randma's Kitchen, Green Tea Restaurant, Zhiweiguan, Fangshan Restaurant.

6. Visit a museum or art gallery: West Lake has several museums and art galleries that showcase Chinese art and culture. The China National Silk Museum and Zhejiang Museum of Natural History are both located near the lake and offer a fascinating insight into China's history and culture.