Top 10 Attractions of West Lake in Hangzhou
Intro:
West Lake isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage site—it’s a living painting where poetry, history, and nature collide. From moonlit pavilions to legendary bridges, here’s your ultimate guide to the Ten Scenes of West Lake, each a masterpiece waiting to steal your heart. Let’s explore!
🌟 The Ten Scenes at a Glance
- Spring Dawn on Su Causeway
- Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard
- Autumn Moon Over Calm Lake
- Melting Snow on Broken Bridge
- Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor
- Orioles Singing in Willow Waves
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
- Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
- Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow
- Evening Bell at Nanping Hill
🗺️ Deep Dive: Stories, Tips & Must-Do’s
1️⃣ Spring Dawn on Su Causeway | 苏堤春晓
Why Visit: Cycle under cherry blossoms on a 1,000-year-old causeway built by poet-governor Su Dongpo!
Highlights:
- Golden Hour: Sunrise paints the lake pink and gold.
- Secret Spot: Mid-causeway benches for uninterrupted views.
📍 Su Causeway, West Lake
2️⃣ Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard | 曲院风荷
Why Visit: A sensory feast of 38 acres of lotus ponds and Song Dynasty wine culture.
Fun Fact: Emperor Kangxi renamed it from “Quyuan Hefeng” to “Quyuan Fenghe” in 1699!
Must-Do: Sip Longjing tea at the lakeside teahouse while watching dragonflies dance.
📍 Northwest West Lake, near Yue Fei Temple
3️⃣ Autumn Moon Over Calm Lake | 平湖秋月
Why Visit: Channel ancient poets under a harvest moon at this Ming-era pavilion.
Pro Tip: Visit during Mid-Autumn Festival for mooncakes and lantern-lit boat rides.
📍 West end of Bai Causeway
4️⃣ Melting Snow on Broken Bridge | 断桥残雪
Why Visit: The iconic bridge from The Legend of the White Snake—where love defied heaven!
Best Time: Winter mornings after snowfall (the “broken” illusion shines!).
Local Hack: Avoid crowds by arriving at dawn.
📍 Northeast West Lake, Bai Causeway’s start
5️⃣ Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor | 花港观鱼
Why Visit: Feed golden carp in a Song Dynasty garden fit for emperors.
Hidden Gem: The Imperial Stele from Qing Emperor Qianlong’s visit.
📍 Southwest West Lake, near Su Causeway
6️⃣ Orioles Singing in Willow Waves | 柳浪闻莺
Why Visit: A 17-hectare willow wonderland once reserved for royalty.
Spring Magic: April brings cherry blossoms and birdsong concerts.
📍 Southeast West Lake, Qingbo Gate
7️⃣ Three Pools Mirroring the Moon | 三潭印月
Why Visit: The 1 RMB coin landmark! Boat to the island for moonlit reflections.
Night Tour: Full moon nights light 33 “moons” (3 pagodas x 5 holes x water + 1 real moon!).
📍 Central West Lake, accessible by boat
8️⃣ Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds | 双峰插云
Why Visit: Mystical vistas of North & South Peaks shrouded in mist.
Photo Tip: Shoot from Lingyin Temple for pagoda-framed peaks.
📍 West Lake’s northwest & southwest
9️⃣ Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow | 雷峰夕照
Why Visit: Sunset turns this White Snake legend tower into liquid gold.
Inside Scoop: Ride the elevator blasting 《千年等一回》 (that viral love ballad!).
📍 Southwest West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda Scenic Area
🔟 Evening Bell at Nanping Hill | 南屏晚钟
Why Visit: Let Jingci Temple’s 1,000-year-old bell cleanse your soul.
Time It Right: Bell rings at 4 PM daily—make a wish as it echoes over the lake.
📍 Southern West Lake, Jingci Temple
🎒 Travel Hacks for the Perfect Trip
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) for blooms; Autumn (Sept-Nov) for golden hues.
- Tickets: Free for most scenes! Paid spots: Leifeng Pagoda (40 RMB), boat rides (50-90 RMB).
- Avoid Crowds: Weekday mornings > weekends.
- Transport: Rent bikes (20 RMB/day) to zip between scenes.
Final Note:
West Lake’s Ten Scenes aren’t just sights—they’re moments frozen in time. Whether you’re tracing poets’ footsteps, chasing lotus-scented breezes, or listening for ancient bells, let Hangzhou’s soul seep into yours.