Ханчжоу, Западное озеро: рай на земле
West Lake charges no admission, has no fences, and is open 24 hours — almost unique among China’s top-rated scenic areas. But precisely because it’s free, many visitors wander aimlessly. Here’s how to focus your time.
The starting point of Bai Causeway and the setting of the Legend of the White Snake. The name “Lingering Snow” refers to winter when snow half-melts on the bridge — but the lake view is beautiful in any season. Before 7 AM, you’ll practically have it to yourself.
A 2.8 km causeway crossing the lake, lined with willows on both sides. Walk or cycle. Most beautiful in spring with peach blossoms and green willows, but rewarding in any season.
Rebuilt tower, but the underground palace ruins are authentic. Climbing the tower gives one of the best panoramic views of the lake. ¥40 entry. Come at sunset — “Leifeng Pagoda in the Evening Glow” is one of the classic Ten Scenes of West Lake.
Reached by boat (¥55 including island entry). The three stone pagodas are West Lake’s icon — they’re on the back of the ¥1 banknote. During Mid-Autumn Festival, candles inside the pagodas create reflections that look like multiple moons on the water.
The most authentic Longjing tea comes from the village right next to the lake. Take a bus to Longjing Village, sit at any tea farmer’s house, ¥20–50 per cup, and spend an afternoon overlooking tea terraces. Spring (around Qingming Festival) is new tea season — prices peak but so does freshness.
Feilai Peak carvings are Buddhist sculptures from the Five Dynasties to Song Dynasty — older and finer than most visitors expect. Lingyin Temple is one of China’s most active Buddhist temples. Feilai Peak ¥45; Lingyin Temple an additional ¥30.
Evening walks along Bai or Su Causeway are lovely. The musical fountain plays at 7 PM and 8 PM nightly (free, at Lakeside Park 3). Or take a hand-rowed boat at night (~¥150/hour) — much quieter than daytime.
- Tickets: West Lake itself is free; individual attractions charge separately (Leifeng Pagoda ¥40, Three Pools ¥55, etc.)
- Transport: Metro Line 1, Longxiangqiao Station — walk out and you’re at the lakeside
- Bikes: Public bikes are free for the first hour — scan with Alipay
- Duration: Half a day for highlights, 1.5 days for a deeper visit
- Best seasons: March–April (spring blossoms), September–October (osmanthus fragrance), after winter snow (the real “Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge”)