West Lake is Hangzhou’s defining landscape: water, wooded hills, gardens and centuries of cultural meaning.
A cultural landscape
UNESCO inscribed the West Lake Cultural Landscape in 2011. Its significance comes from the relationship between the lake, surrounding hills and designed features, and their influence on Chinese landscape aesthetics.
The lake landscape has evolved through natural processes and generations of human management.
Find your own route
Walk a lakeside stretch, cross a causeway, or take a boat to experience the water from another perspective. Highlights include Quyuan Garden, Leifeng Pagoda, Solitary Hill and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
The traditional Ten Scenes describe particular views and seasons, rather than ten identical attractions to tick off. Allow time to enjoy the changing light and quieter paths.
Before you visit
Many shore paths are freely accessible, while boats, some attractions and organised experiences have separate charges. Confirm current tickets and operating hours with the operator. Plan a shorter walk in summer heat and carry water.
