West Lake

Sight 1

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

三潭印月

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. As one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is located on the south side of an islet at the center of the lake, renowned for its three stone pagodas. Built during the Song Dynasty, the pagodas are hollow inside, with five circular openings arranged across their spherical surfaces. On moonlit nights, visitors boating on the lake can witness the wondrous interplay of "pagoda shadows, moonlight, and rippling water" — hence the name "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon." With its expansive waters and the islet cloaked in lush greenery, this spot offers an exceptional vantage point for panoramic views of West Lake and for admiring the mid-autumn moon. Visitors can take a painted pleasure boat to the islet, stroll along the zigzag Nine-Bend Bridge, and savor the refined elegance of Jiangnan gardens alongside the serene beauty of the lake and hills.

Sight 2

Su Causeway in Spring Dawn

苏堤春晓

Su Causeway at Dawn in Spring. Ranking first among the Ten Scenes of West Lake, the Su Causeway was constructed under the supervision of Su Dongpo, a poet of the Northern Song Dynasty. The long causeway lies across the lake like a ribbon, with its six arched bridges rising and falling in gentle rhythm, while peach trees and willows line both banks in neat rows. On a spring morning, as you stroll along the causeway, a thin mist veils the water, weeping willows sprout fresh green, and peach blossoms bloom in brilliant hues—the distant hills and nearby waters alike are touched with the vitality of the new season, unfolding like a long scroll of ink-wash painting. The causeway offers distinct charms across all four seasons, yet it is the spring dawn that captivates most deeply, making it a classic spot to savor the very spirit of West Lake.

Sight 3

Broken Bridge with Remnant Snow

断桥残雪

Melting Snow at Broken Bridge (Duanqiao Canxue). This is one of the Top Ten Sights of West Lake, located at the eastern end of Bai Causeway. The bridge has an arched form. After a snowfall in winter, the ice and snow on the sunlit side of the bridge melt away while remnants remain on the shaded side. From a distance, the bridge appears broken yet not broken, hence its name. It is also the legendary meeting place of the White Lady and Xu Xian, adding a romantic touch to the snowy scenery. Strolling across the bridge, you can take in the full panorama of West Lake's hills and waters. Especially in the early morning or at dusk, the atmosphere is quietly profound and serene.

Sight 4

Leifeng Pagoda

雷峰塔

Leifeng Pagoda. Located on Sunset Hill at the southern shore of West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda is famed as the legendary site where the White Snake was imprisoned, making it a household name through the tale of *The Legend of the White Snake*. The original pagoda was first built during the Northern Song Dynasty and was reconstructed in the last century. Today, it stands as a pseudo-classical pavilion-style tower with five visible stories and an elevator inside. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake, including Su Causeway and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The pagoda houses the ruins of the ancient structure and cultural relics, while the first floor features woodcarvings depicting the story of the White Snake, blending mythological charm with historical depth. When illuminated at night, the pagoda's silhouette is reflected in the lake, making it an unmissable landmark along the shores of West Lake.

Sight 5

Winding Courtyard and Lotus in Breeze

曲院风荷

Quyuan Fenghe (Windswept Lotuses at Quyuan). Quyuan Fenghe is one of the Top Ten Sights of West Lake, renowned for its summer lotus blooms and Jiangnan-style gardens. The site was originally a winemaking workshop during the Southern Song Dynasty, with courtyards facing the lake. In summer, the fragrance of lotus blossoms mingled with the aroma of brewing wine, giving the spot its name "Windswept Lotuses at Quyuan." Within the scenic area, there are lotus ponds of various sizes, waterside pavilions, and winding bridges that let visitors admire multiple varieties of lotus up close. At the height of summer, dense lotus leaves stretch across the water, white and pink blossoms sway gently in the breeze, and a delicate fragrance drifts on the air—making it an ideal spot for photography and leisurely strolls. With lakes, ancient architecture, and lush greenery complementing one another, the scenery offers its own charm in every season, and is especially captivating at dawn and dusk.

Sight 6

Flower Harbor and Fish Viewing

花港观鱼

Flower Harbor Pond for Viewing Fish. Located southwest of West Lake, Flower Harbor Pond for Viewing Fish is one of the Top Ten Scenes of West Lake, established during the Southern Song Dynasty. The garden features the Red Fish Pond, Peony Garden, and the Flower Harbor waters as its main attractions, where visitors can lean on the railings and enjoy the lively sight of schools of koi fish vying for food. Pavilions, terraces, and corridors are scattered along the pond's edge, complementing the scenic beauty of West Lake's mountains and waters. In spring, peonies bloom in full splendor; in autumn, red maples add subtle accents—each season offers a different charm. Blending the exquisite elegance of Jiangnan-style gardens with the open vistas of natural lake scenery, this is an ideal spot to experience Hangzhou's leisurely pace of life.

Sight 7

Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake

平湖秋月

Pinghu Qiuyue (Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake). As one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, it sits at the western end of Bai Causeway and has been a renowned spot for moon-viewing since ancient times. The location offers a broad vista, with the lake surface as smooth as a mirror. On autumn nights, the bright moon is reflected in the water, creating a poetic tableau of "a golden lake about to dissolve autumn." Pavilions, terraces, and towers stand amid weeping willows, inviting visitors to savor the elegance of Jiangnan garden design. Nearby landmarks include Solitary Hill and Xiling Seal Art Society, making it an ideal place for a lakeside stroll to experience Hangzhou's tranquility and romance.

Sight 8

Orioles Singing in the Willows

柳浪闻莺

Orioles Singing in the Willows. This scenic spot, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, sits on the southeastern shore of the lake. Its name derives from the dense willow groves and the melodious orioles that once filled the area. The park is planted throughout with weeping willows; when a gentle breeze passes, the willow branches ripple like waves, while in spring the orioles sing in sweet, lingering notes, capturing the essence of Jiangnan garden charm. Within the grounds, visitors will find the Wenying Hall, Friendship Garden, and other attractions, all connected to the lakeside promenade, offering distant views of Leifeng Pagoda and Chenghuang Pavilion. This is both a spot where locals come for morning exercise and leisure, and an excellent place to experience the ever-changing beauty of West Lake through the seasons. Admission is free, making it ideal for strolling and photography—especially at dawn or dusk, when light and water blend together in a uniquely poetic scene.