West Lake (Xi Hu)

West Lake (Xi Hu) is the green heart of Hangzhou and one of China's most beloved scenic spots. This freshwater lake, ringed by willow-lined causeways, arched bridges, pagodas and tea hills, has inspired Chinese poets and painters for over a thousand years and is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. Best of all for travellers: the lakeside park is completely free and open around the clock.

Why visit West Lake

West Lake is not a single attraction but a whole landscape of classic "ten scenes," each capturing the lake in a different mood — spring dawn on the Su Causeway, the autumn moon over the calm lake, lingering snow on the Broken Bridge. You can spend a relaxed half-day or a full day here, walking the causeways, renting a bike, sipping Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea, or simply watching the light change over the water.

What to see around the lake

• Leifeng Pagoda — a rebuilt pagoda on the south shore with elevators and sweeping lake views (entry about ¥40).
• Su Causeway & Bai Causeway — tree-lined walking dykes built by the poet-governors Su Dongpo and Bai Juyi; the best way to cross the lake on foot or by bike.
• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon — three small stone pagodas standing in the water off Lesser Yingzhou island, the scene printed on the ¥1 note.
• Lingyin Temple — one of China's most important Buddhist temples, a short ride west of the lake.

Boat rides on the lake

Walking the shore is free, but the classic experience is to take a boat out to the island. Public sightseeing boats run roughly 8:00–17:00; the leisure boat is about ¥55 and the larger painted pleasure boat about ¥70 per person, with the island admission included. Last boats to the island leave around 16:00, so head out earlier in the afternoon.

Best time to visit

West Lake is beautiful year-round. Late March to early May brings willow green and blossoms; autumn (October–November) offers crisp clear days and the famous moon views. Summer is hot, humid and busy, but the lotus blooms are spectacular. Early mornings are quietest — arrive before the tour groups to have the causeways almost to yourself.

Getting there and getting around

Hangzhou is about one hour by high-speed train from Shanghai, so West Lake is an easy day trip or overnight. From Hangzhou East Railway Station, take metro Line 1 toward the city centre and transfer toward the lake, or use a ride-hailing app. Around the lake, walking and shared bikes are the most pleasant options; electric sightseeing carts circle the shore for a small fee.

Nearby: tea hills and temples

West Lake rewards a slower pace. Just west of the water, the hills of Longjing (Dragon Well) village are terraced with the tea bushes that produce Hangzhou's famous green tea — you can walk among the rows and stop at a farmhouse for a freshly brewed cup. A short ride further sits Lingyin Temple, set against forested cliffs carved with hundreds of Buddhist grottoes, one of the oldest and most atmospheric temples in southern China. Together with the lake itself, these make Hangzhou an easy two-day stop on any eastern China itinerary.

Practical tips

Bring comfortable shoes — the full shoreline loop is about 15 km, far more than most people expect to walk. Carry a payment app linked to a card, since boat tickets, bikes and tea houses rarely take cash. In summer, an umbrella doubles for sun and the frequent afternoon showers. Finally, don't try to "see everything" in one visit: West Lake is best enjoyed slowly, choosing one or two causeways and a single boat ride rather than racing around the entire shore.