West Lake

Fast Facts

Location: Located in the west of Hangzhou city in Zhejiang province in eastern China.
Attraction Type: Lake.
Significance: This fresh water lake in China is known for its awesome panoramic beauty. The lake also embraces many aspects of Chinese culture.
Best time to Visit: During Spring.
Visiting Hours: During daytime.
How to Reach: If you are coming down by air, you need to land at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. You can also reach Hangzhou by train from Shanghai.
Nearest Airport: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH).

It is the stunning beauty of the lake that has attracted thousands of tourists from all parts of the world. West Lake or Xi Hu is a famous fresh water lake and one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. Though there are dozens of lakes in the world named 'West Lake', but the term 'West Lake' usually refers to the West Lake of Hangzhou in China. Surrounded by scenic mountains in its three sides, it is not only the picturesque landscape that has attracted thousands of tourists, West Lake also embraces many aspects of Chinese culture as the lake has been associated with many national heroes, scholars and revolutionary martyrs in the country.

Located in the west of Hangzhou city in Zhejiang province in eastern China, West Lake is full of panoramic beauty, cernuous willow trees, blooming peach trees, ancient stone bridges and wonderful temple pagodas. It is only the beauty of West Lake that has fetched the reputation of the place Hangzhou as 'Paradise on Earth'. West Lake was also chosen as 'National Key Scenic Resort' owing to its significant cultural and historical status.
Things to Do

The 5.68 sq. km. lake, with an average depth of just 5 ft, is divided by its three causeways named Su Di, Bai Di, and Yanggong Di. The lake has got 5 distinct sections, the largest part of which is known as the Outer Lake. The hilly peaks, surrounding the lake in its three sides, offer awesome backdrop. The unique-shaped peaks, vibrating springs, tranquil forests and myriad of blossoms can just be the delight for your eyes.

Visit the Island of Little Oceans located to the south of Outer Lake center. It is an amazing man-made island enclosing four small lakes. The view of 'Three Pools Mirroring the Moon' can just be breathtaking. You can also visit Solitary Hill Island located between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake. 'Two Peaks Embracing the Sky' is another impressive vista that you cannot afford to give a miss.

Ling Yin Temple is another attraction that one must see while visiting the West Lake. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, Six Harmonies Pagoda, the National Silk Museum, National Tea Museum, Dragon Wall, and Hupao Fountain etc. could be the other popular attractions here.

Accommodation

While visiting West Lake, you will find plenty of hotels in Hangzhou. Various types of hotels are available in the city to suite the needs of the travelers of all types. Some of the hotels in Hangzhou can be listed as below:

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