Westlake Hangzhou

Welcome to West Lake, or Xi Hu, a place often described as a 'shining pearl inlaid on the vast land of China'. This massive freshwater lake, covering six and a half square kilometers, is not merely a body of water; it is a…

Our first stop is the 'Broken Bridge,' or Duan Qiao, located on the northern edge of the lake. This stone arched bridge is perhaps the most romantic spot on West Lake, famous for being the setting of 'The Legend of the White…

Stretching nearly three kilometers across the lake is the Su Causeway, a thin strip of land that is a masterpiece of both engineering and landscaping. This causeway was constructed during the Song Dynasty by the revered poet and…

To reach one of the most iconic spots on West Lake, one must take a boat ride to the 'Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island'. This man-made island is the largest in the outer lake and is home to three hollow stone pagodas that…

Rising prominently on the southern shore of the lake is the Leifeng Pagoda, a historical and cultural symbol associated with the 'Legend of the White Snake'. Legend has it that the white snake spirit was imprisoned beneath this…

At the northern end of the Su Causeway lies the 'Winery Yard and Lotus Pool,' also known as Qu Yuan Feng He. This scene has earned its fame since the Song Dynasty, when the area was home to an imperial brewery. …

Our final section brings us to the eastern shore of the lake and the Hubin Pedestrian Street, one of Hangzhou’s 'most vibrant and scenic areas'. This lively waterfront promenade is where the city’s modern vibrancy directly meets…

As we conclude our walk around West Lake, it is easy to see why this place has been a 'high inspiration' for artistic creativity for thousands of years. Whether you were moved by the romance of the Broken Bridge, the historical…