Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. Of all the beautiful places I’ve seen, West Lake in Hangzhou is special. It’s not just pretty water and hills. It’s easy to visit and full of nice spots. Let me show you why so many people fall for it.
Introduction
West Lake is famous in China. It is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of China’s most celebrated scenic spots with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Once a natural lagoon, it was gradually shaped into its current form through centuries of landscaping by emperors, poets, and scholars. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it embodies the perfect harmony between nature and human artistry.
Covering about 6.5 square kilometers, West Lake is surrounded by gentle hills on three sides and the city on the fourth. Its beauty is subtle yet endlessly captivating, changing with the seasons: spring blossoms and green willows, summer lotus blooms, autumn’s golden leaves, and winter’s snow-covered serenity. Each scene feels like a painting brought to life.
Tickets & Opening Hours
One of the best things about West Lake? It’s free to visit. You can walk, cycle, or boat around it without paying an entry fee. However:
Boat rides：
45–150 RMB ($6–$21 USD), depending on the type (small rowing boat, large ferry, or battery-powered sightseeing boat) or route.
West Lake Cruise Payment Methods：
You can pay with cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay—easy for everyone.
West Lake Cruise Operating Hours：
from 8 am to 5 pm. In peak seasons (spring/autumn), they might start a bit earlier and end later.
Paid attractions around the lake (optional), it will be introduced in detail later.
Leifeng Pagoda: ~40 RMB ($5.50 USD)
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (by boat): ~55 RMB ($7.50 USD)
Yue Fei Temple: ~25 RMB ($3.50 USD)
Guo’s Garden: ~20 RMB ($3 USD)
Main Scenic Areas & Attractions
Broken Bridge (断桥)
It is a free attraction, it is famous in Chinese folklore, especially in the Legend of the White Snake. In winter, when snow melts unevenly, the bridge appears “broken.” It’s a great starting point for your West Lake hike.
Tickets & Payment: Free. No payment needed.
Tips: Visit at sunrise for quiet photos—the golden light enhances the lake views. Cross the bridge and walk the shore. Even without snow, its charm shines.
Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)
A historic tower offering panoramic views of the lake. The current structure is a modern reconstruction (2002) of a 10th-century original. It’s tied to the Legend of the White Snake, making it both scenic and story-rich.
Tickets & Payment: 40 RMB. Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are all accepted at the ticket booth.
Tips: Arrive at 8 am when it opens to beat crowds. Climb to the top for sunrise photos—clear days provide the best vistas. Afterward, stroll the nearby lakeside path.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月)
Seen on the back of the Chinese 1 RMB note, this spot is best reached by boat. At night during the Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns are placed in the towers, creating magical reflections.
Tickets & Payment: 55 – 70 RMB (includes boat ride and island entry). Pay at piers via cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
Tips: Take the boat ride to enjoy lake views en route. Wander the island’s gardens and pavilions. Dusk is ideal for photos with the pagodas—their reflection shines best then.
Su Causeway (苏堤)
A tree-lined path built during the Song Dynasty, perfect for walking or cycling. In spring, peach blossoms and willows make it postcard-perfect.
Tickets & Payment: Free to enter. Bike rentals cost 20 – 30 RMB/hour (pay with cash or mobile).
Tips: Walk or bike—spring (peach blossoms) and autumn (osmanthus scent) are lovely. Stop at the six bridges for lake views. Early morning or late afternoon avoids crowds.
Yue Wang Temple
A historic site honoring Song Dynasty hero Yue Fei, with gardens and traditional architecture on the lake’s northern bank.
Tickets & Payment: 25 RMB. Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are accepted.
Tips: Read info boards to learn Yue Fei’s story. Explore the peaceful gardens after the main halls. It’s less crowded, so take time to reflect on the history.
Transportation – How to Get There & Around
From Hangzhou City Center
By Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Longxiangqiao or Fengqi Road stations, then walk 10–15 minutes.
By Bus: Multiple bus routes (7, 27, 118, Y2) go to different lake points.
By Taxi/Didi: $3–$8 USD depending on distance.
Getting Around West Lake
Walk: Best for short sections.
Bicycle: Rent from public bike stations or hotels (~2–5 RMB/hour).
Boat: Perfect for seeing island attractions and getting unique lake views.
Experience & Activities
🚣Boat Cruise: Try the small wooden rowing boats for a quieter, more authentic feel.
🚴Cycling the Perimeter: About 15 km — takes 2–3 hours with stops.
🌄Sunrise & Sunset Viewing: Morning light at Broken Bridge, sunset from Leifeng Pagoda or Orioles Singing in the Willows Park.
🌃Night View: Evening boat rides are less crowded and the city lights reflect beautifully.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
1、Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour group crowds.
2、Wear comfortable walking shoes — the lake’s perimeter is large.
3、Bring water and sunscreen in summer; an umbrella in spring and autumn.
4、Respect cultural sites: temples and pagodas may require modest clothing.
5、Watch out for e-bikes when walking near roads.
Accommodation
Hangzhou West Lake Hotel
Just 1.5km from West Lake, this 20-year-old hotel mixes traditional Chinese style with modern ease. Its lobby has elegant wooden furniture and West Lake paintings, welcoming guests warmly.
Rooms are spacious, with large windows showing greenery or lake glimpses. They offer free Wi-Fi, AC, a flat-screen TV, and 24/7 hot water. The on-site restaurant serves local hits like West Lake vinegar fish. Staff help with tours and taxis.
Accommodation Cost: ~600 RMB（~83 USD）/night (standard double room).
Lakeside Boutique Hotel
2km from the lake, this charming boutique hotel offers personalized service with fewer rooms. Its decor blends modern minimalism and Chinese elements like calligraphy and porcelain.
Rooms are well-designed, with comfy beds, quality bedding, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Some have small balconies. A small garden with flowers and a fountain provides relaxation. Daily breakfast has Chinese and Western options. Nearby are restaurants and shops.
Accommodation Cost: ~800 RMB（~111 USD）/night (deluxe room).
Green Tree Inn (West Lake Branch)
2.5km from West Lake, this budget-friendly chain hotel ensures clean, functional stays. Rooms are compact but tidy, with beds, desks, TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms.
Staff offer quick check-in/out. A self-service laundry room is available. Close to a bus stop, it’s easy to reach the lake. Nearby are affordable eateries for quick meals.
Accommodation Cost: ~350 RMB（~49 USD）/night (standard single room).
Food Around West Lake
Lou Wai Lou Restaurant (楼外楼) – West Lake’s most famous restaurant, serving Hangzhou classics.
West Lake Vinegar Fish (sweet-and-sour sauce)
Dongpo Pork (braised pork belly)
Longjing Shrimp (stir-fried shrimp with Dragon Well tea leaves)
Hangzhou Snack Street (Hefang Street) – Try Beggar’s Chicken (wrapped in clay and baked) and fried stinky tofu
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.