Hangzhou West Lake: Complete Visitor Guide (2025)

West Lake (西湖) has inspired Chinese poets and painters for over a thousand years. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents classical Chinese landscape aesthetics—serene waters, misty mountains, elegant bridges, and historic pagodas.

One hour from Shanghai, it's one of China's most beautiful destinations.

Quick Facts

Info	Details
Location	Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
From Shanghai	1 hour by high-speed rail
Entry	Free (lake and surrounding area)
Size	6.5 km² lake surface
UNESCO status	World Heritage Site (2011)
Best time	Spring and autumn

Getting to Hangzhou

From Shanghai

High-speed rail (best option):

• Shanghai Hongqiao → Hangzhou East
• Time: 45-60 minutes
• Cost: ¥73-93 (second class)
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes

Tip: Book round-trip in advance on busy weekends.

From Hangzhou Station to West Lake

From Hangzhou East Station (杭州东站):

• Metro Line 1 → Longxiangqiao (25 min)
• Taxi: ¥40-60, 20-30 minutes

From Hangzhou Station (杭州站):

• Walk 15-20 minutes to lake
• Closest station to West Lake

The Ten Scenes of West Lake

Classical Chinese aesthetics identified "Ten Scenes" around the lake. Some remain famous viewpoints:

1. Broken Bridge (断桥)

Most famous view:

• Northern part of lake
• Legend of the White Snake story
• Beautiful at sunrise
• Crowded but essential
• Free

2. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月)

Iconic island:

• Reached by boat only
• Three stone pagodas in water
• Featured on ¥1 bill
• ¥55 for boat + entry
• 1-2 hours

3. Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)

Reconstructed pagoda with views:

• South shore of lake
• Sunset viewing spot
• Modern reconstruction
• ¥40 entry
• Elevator available
• 1 hour

4. Su Causeway (苏堤)

Tree-lined walking path:

• Crosses the lake north-south
• 2.8 km long
• Six bridges
• Beautiful in all seasons
• Free
• 1-2 hours to walk

5. Bai Causeway (白堤)

Shorter causeway:

• Connects Broken Bridge to Solitary Hill
• 1 km long
• Lotus flowers in summer
• Free
• 30-45 minutes

Top Things to Do

Boat Ride on the Lake

Options:

Type	Price	Duration	Notes
Manual rowboat	¥150/boat	1-1.5 hours	Fits 4-6 people, most traditional
Electric boat	¥45/person	1 hour	Fixed route
Large ferry	¥45-55/person	1 hour	Includes island stop
Shared paddle boat	¥80/boat	1 hour	Self-drive, fun

Recommendation: Manual rowboat for small groups—worth the experience.

Walk the Causeways

Free and beautiful:

• Su Causeway: 2.8 km, longer but more scenic
• Bai Causeway: 1 km, connects to island

Both are flat, easy walks with lake views on both sides.

Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)

One of China's largest Buddhist temples:

• 1,700+ year history
• Multiple halls and statues
• Feilai Feng rock carvings
• Peaceful atmosphere
• ¥75 total (site entry + temple)
• Half day needed
• 30-minute taxi from lake

Longjing Tea Village (龙井村)

Famous for Dragon Well green tea:

• Tea plantations on hillsides
• Tea houses and tastings
• Beautiful scenery
• Can buy authentic tea
• 30 minutes from lake center

Rent a Bike

Best way to circle the lake:

• 10-15 km around the lake
• Flat, easy cycling
• Shared bikes available (Hello, Meituan)
• 2-3 hours for full circuit
• Many scenic stops

Sample Itineraries

Full Day from Shanghai

Time	Activity
7:00 AM	Train from Shanghai Hongqiao
8:00 AM	Arrive Hangzhou East, metro to lake
9:00 AM	Broken Bridge + Bai Causeway
10:30 AM	Boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
12:30 PM	Lunch near Hefang Street
2:00 PM	Walk Su Causeway
4:00 PM	Leifeng Pagoda (sunset views)
6:00 PM	Dinner near lake
7:30 PM	Train back to Shanghai
8:30 PM	Arrive Shanghai

Weekend Trip (Recommended)

Day 1:

• Arrive, check into hotel
• Afternoon: West Lake boat ride
• Evening: Walk along lake, dinner

Day 2:

• Morning: Lingyin Temple
• Afternoon: Longjing Tea Village
• Evening: Train back or stay another night

Quick Half Day

Time	Activity
10:00 AM	Arrive Hangzhou
10:30 AM	Broken Bridge area
11:30 AM	Boat ride (1 hour)
1:00 PM	Lunch
2:30 PM	Su Causeway walk
4:30 PM	Train back

Rushed but doable.

Best Times to Visit

Seasons

Spring (March-May):

• Cherry blossoms
• Peach blossoms along causeways
• Perfect weather
• Can be crowded

Summer (June-August):

• Lotus flowers blooming
• Hot and humid
• Afternoon thunderstorms
• Early morning best

Autumn (September-November):

• Best weather
• Osmanthus flowers (fragrant)
• Clear skies
• Peak season

Winter (December-February):

• Cold but beautiful
• Fewer crowds
• Snow scenes rare but magical
• Many trees bare

Time of Day

• Sunrise: Magical at Broken Bridge
• Morning: Cooler, fewer crowds
• Afternoon: Peak crowds, hot in summer
• Sunset: Beautiful from Leifeng Pagoda
• Night: Lake illuminated, romantic

Practical Information

Entrance Fees

Free:

• West Lake itself
• All causeways
• Most lakeside areas
• Parks around lake

Paid attractions:

• Leifeng Pagoda: ¥40
• Three Pools island boat: ¥55
• Lingyin Temple area: ¥75
• Various museums: ¥10-20

Getting Around

On foot: Lake perimeter is ~10-15 km Bike: Best option for full exploration Boat: Essential experience Electric sightseeing cars: Run along lakeside (¥10-40) Taxi/Didi: For reaching outer attractions

Where to Eat

Near the lake:

• Hefang Street (河坊街): Tourist food street
• Lakeside restaurants: Views, higher prices
• Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼): Historic restaurant, West Lake fish

Hangzhou specialties:

• West Lake vinegar fish (西湖醋鱼)
• Dongpo pork (东坡肉)
• Longjing shrimp (龙井虾仁)
• Beggar's chicken (叫化童鸡)

Where to Stay

If staying overnight:

• Hotels around lake: Walking distance to everything
• Shangri-La, Four Seasons: Luxury options
• Many mid-range hotels near metro

Recommendation: Stay one night to see lake at dawn/dusk.

Tips for Best Experience

Avoid Crowds

• Visit on weekdays
• Arrive early (before 8 AM)
• Avoid Chinese holidays
• Less popular areas (north/west shore)
• Sunset time less crowded than midday

Photography

• Sunrise at Broken Bridge
• Sunset at Leifeng Pagoda
• Three Pools with reflection
• Lotus flowers (July-August)
• Su Causeway in spring

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection
• Water
• Camera
• Cash for boats/small vendors
• Bike-ready clothing if cycling

Is It Worth the Day Trip?

Yes, definitely if:

• You appreciate natural beauty
• You're interested in Chinese aesthetics
• You have a day free from Shanghai
• You want a break from urban intensity

Consider staying overnight if:

• You want to see sunrise/sunset
• You want to visit Lingyin Temple
• You prefer a relaxed pace
• You're interested in tea culture

Maybe skip if:

• You only have a few hours
• Gardens/nature don't interest you
• Weather is bad (foggy is okay—mist is traditional!)

Budget for Day Trip

Item	Cost
Train (round trip)	¥150-190
Boat ride	¥45-150
Leifeng Pagoda	¥40
Lunch	¥40-80
Transport in Hangzhou	¥30-50
Snacks/drinks	¥20-30
Total	¥325-540 (~$45-75)

Entry to the lake itself is free—very reasonable day out.

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