West Lake

1. Overview
West Lake lies in western Hangzhou, surrounded by hills on three sides, with a surface area of about 6.38 square kilometers. It is a national 5A scenic area and was added to the World Heritage List in 2011. The beauty of West Lake changes with the seasons—sunny, rainy, misty, and moonlit views each have their own charm. Famous sights include "Spring Dawn at Su Causeway" and "Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge," part of the classic "Ten Scenes of West Lake." The core area is free to enter. Strolling along the lake, you can experience the classic layout of "one lake, two causeways, and three islands."

2. Getting There
High-speed rail: Arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station (Chengzhan), then take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station. Exit C and walk 5–10 minutes to reach the Hubin lakefront of West Lake; the whole trip takes about 20 minutes. From Xiaoshan Airport, take the airport express to Wulin Square, then transfer to Metro Line 1 to West Lake, taking about 50 minutes.
Driving tips: On weekends and public holidays from September to November, an odd-even license plate restriction applies in the West Lake Scenic Area (odd plates on odd dates, even plates on even dates). For Lingyin and Nanshan Road areas, you must apply in advance for a "West Lake Pass," limited to once per vehicle per month. We recommend parking at park-and-ride lots such as Huanglong Sports Center or Hangzhou Chengxi Leisure Park (¥20/day) and taking a shuttle bus into the scenic area.


3. Highlights
Natural scenery: West Lake is beautiful year-round. In spring, Su Causeway blooms with peach blossoms and willows; on summer nights, lotus fragrance drifts from Quyuan Garden; in autumn and winter, withered lotuses, sycamore-lined paths, and red maples paint the landscape. Before 7 am, morning mist shrouds Broken Bridge, and at dusk, Leifeng Pagoda overlooks the golden lake—both are prime times for photos.
Cultural heritage: West Lake is not only a natural wonder but also a model cultural landscape. "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon," dating back to the Song Dynasty, carries the romantic legend of "33 moons." On Mid-Autumn night, moonlight, lantern light, and water reflections combine so that the three pagodas cast 32 moons on the lake; add the one in your heart, and you get exactly 33.
Local food: Zhiweiguan xiaolongbao, West Lake vinegar fish, and Longjing shrimp are must-try Hangzhou dishes. Locals often visit time-honored brands like Xinfeng Snacks (shrimp xiaolongbao + beef vermicelli soup, about ¥20), Kuiyuanguan (Pian Er Chuan noodles), and Hangzhou Restaurant (beggar's chicken and Sister Song's fish soup).