West Lake Park

Introducing West Lake Park
West Lake Park is a popular destination nestled in the northwest of Quanzhou city. West Lake Park is adjacent to the scenic Qingyuan Mountain. Encompassing 100 hectares, the park features Fujian Province’s largest artificial lake, a sprawling body of water covering 82.28 hectares. The remaining 17.72 hectares are dedicated to lush, thoughtfully planned gardens, creating a harmonious balance between land and water.

The park’s layout is cleverly designed with four distinct islands dotting the lake’s surface, connected by three elegantly arching bridges and three extended causeways. This thoughtful arrangement offers visitors diverse perspectives and opportunities for exploration across the three distinct water areas. The architectural details throughout the park pay homage to the unique cultural heritage of the Minnan region of Southern Fujian, adding a touch of local charm.

Beyond its structural beauty, West Lake Park thrives with life. Colorful floral displays abound, while the waters teem with fish and shrimp, attracting graceful egrets. This vibrant ecosystem adds another layer of tranquility to the park’s atmosphere. By blending the natural beauty of lake and mountain, West Lake Park embodies the essence of a classically styled lakeside garden, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Quanzhou’s urban landscape.

West Lake Park Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Xī Hú Gōng Yuán 西湖公园
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Nature
• Opening Hours: 6:00 – 21:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: West Lake Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at West Lake Park
Hangzhou’s West Lake is undeniably iconic and steeped in history and poetic acclaim. However, if you find yourself in Quanzhou, there’s no need to travel all the way to Hangzhou for a taste of lakeside tranquility and beauty. Quanzhou’s own West Lake Park is a true gem, offering a readily accessible and captivating experience right within the city.

The Three Bridges
The park is renowned for its three stone bridges: the Single-Arch Bridge (modeled after the Jade Belt Bridge in Wujiang, Jiangxi Province), the 5-Arch Bridge (modeled after the Five-Pavilion Bridge in Yangzhou), and the magnificent 21-Arch Bridge (modeled after the Seventeen-Arch Bridge in Beijing’s Summer Palace). Dominating the landscape, the 21-Arch Bridge is the most breathtaking of the three. From afar, it resembles a colossal white dragon lying across the turquoise water, the precise arrangement of its twenty-one arches echoing the structure of a dragon’s spine. When the wind whispers through its arches and ripples spread across the water’s surface, the picturesque scene stirs to life, shimmering and dancing in the reflected light.

The Citong Pavilion
The Citong Pavilion, named after Quanzhou City’s official flower, the Tiger’s Claw (Erythrina variegata), is a magnificent five-story structure. Standing 34.75 meters (114 ft) tall and covering 4,037 square meters, the pavilion features a granite base for the first two levels, supporting the upper three stories crafted from wood. This design evokes Quanzhou’s historical Kuixing Tower of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), imbuing the pavilion with classical elegance. The top floor offers breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can admire West Lake Park, the architectural grandeur of the Quanzhou Museum and the Quanzhou Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship, and even see the renowned East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple and the entirety of Qingyuan Mountain in the distance, creating a truly inspiring and refreshing experience.

How to Get to West Lake Park
• By Bus: Take bus 21, 27 to Xihujie zhongduan (West Lake Street Mid Road) Station.