Cart

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Subtotal: $0.00

West Lake

Introducing West Lake
Among the world’s best rated lakes, Hangzhou’s wondrous West lake cannot be rivaled. The real attraction of Hangzhou West Lake, however, lies not on the surface, but in its abundant wealth of legend, myth, and enigma accumulated over various dynasties. Due to Hangzhou West Lake's historical and cultural significance, Hangzhou West Lake was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. UNESCO quotes that: Hangzhou West Lake is an outstanding example of a cultural landscape that displays with great clarity the ideals of Chinese landscape aesthetics, as expounded by writers and scholars in the Tang and Song Dynasties. The landscape of Hangzhou West Lake has had a profound impact on the design of gardens, not only in China, but further afield, where lakes and causeways have imitated the harmony and beauty of Hangzhou West Lake. The key components of Hangzhou West Lake still allow it to inspire people to project feelings onto the landscape. The visual parameters of this vast landscape garden are clearly defined, rising to the ridges of the surrounding hills as viewed from Hangzhou.

West Lake Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Xihu 西湖
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History and Culture, Nature
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free, Sightseeing Car: ¥40
• Address: West Lake Scenic, Xihu District, Hangzhou

What to expect at West Lake

Throughout China, there is no other lake which has caught the imagination of so many poets, scholars, painters, sculptors, calligraphers and even emperors over so long a time. Blessed with enchanting natural scenery and an enduring cultural legacy immortalized by a multitude of poems, calligraphy masterpieces, paintings and sculptures, Hangzhou West Lake’s boundless charm is not only a visual spectacle, but also an experience felt by the heart.

To depict Hangzhou West Lake's surreal beauty, Su Dongpo wrote in his poetry:

The shimmering ripples delight the eye on sunny days.
The Dim hills present a rare view in rainy haze.
West Lake compares to Xi Zi at her best.
She is gorgeous richly clothed or plainly dressed.

This poetry does full justice to Hangzhou West Lake’s beauty. Resplendent with temples, museums, islands, villas, tea houses, memorial halls, pools, arched bridges, pagodas, monasteries, and casual walkways lined with classic willow trees, the culture-laden Hangzhou West Lake, a consummate performer, is destined to bewitch, mesmerize and overwhelm each visitor taking in its beauty.

The legendary origin of this beloved lake, has various versions. One of the most famous sayings holds that a dazzling pearl fell from heaven and morphed into an instantaneous paradise in Hangzhou. Geologists, however, put forward a less romantic view. They state that Hangzhou West Lake was once a lagoon near the mouth of the Qiantang River. What we see today is the action of lasting dredging efforts over the past millennium.

There are many classic tales of love and woe set at Hangzhou West Lake, among which Lady Snake White and Liangshanbo and Zhuyingtai stand out as the two most famous.

Ten Scenes of West Lake
There are many beautiful landscapes in the lake area, and the following are the most famous Top Ten Scenes.

• Dawn at the Su Causeway in Spring
• Lotus Swaying in the Breeze
• Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn
• Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge in Winter
• Orioles Singing in the Willows
• Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond
• Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset
• Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds
• Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill
• Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon

How to get to West Lake

By Metro
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao. Then walk to the lake.

By Bus
• Take bus 4, 31, 51, 52, 87, 314, 315, 334 or 822 to Sudi Station.
• Take bus 7, 27, 51, 52 or 118 to Yuemiao Station.
• Take bus 27 or 87 to Shuangfeng Station.

Additional travel advice on West Lake
• Visiting the lake is free of charge. Some of the attractions in the scenic area charge admission fee.
• The West Lake Musical Fountain is to the east of the lake. Fountain shows open at 19:00 and 20:00, and each show lasts for around 15 minutes. Please be there in advance and take care of your belongings as there will be many tourists during the show time.

Grid  List 

Set Descending Direction
  1. Tour Highlights
    • Cruise West Lake, so beautiful that it was recreated as Beijing's Summer Palace by Qing Emperor Qian Long
    • Admire Six Harmonies Pagoda, an iconic building of Hangzhou for a commanding view of Qiantang River
    • Visit Linying Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in China with numerous pagodas and Buddhist grottoes
    • Stroll along Qinghefang Ancient Street, the only well persevered antique historic street in Hangzhou
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Hangzhou
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Hangzhou
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Hangzhou
    • West Lake Cruise
    • Visit Six Harmonies Pagoda
    • Lunch on your own
    • Visit Lingyin Temple
    • Stroll along Qinghefang Ancient Street
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Hangzhou

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $288 $158 $128 $108 $98 $88 $78 $70 $68 $66


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More

Grid  List 

Set Descending Direction