Heaven on Earth - West Lake Scenic Area (AAAAA)

The West Lake Scenic Area, located in the western part of Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, is among the first batch of national key scenic spots and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. Basic Overview ● Climate & Terrain: Features a subtropical humid climate with landscapes dominated by lakes, mountains, and hills. ● Area: The lake covers 6.38 square kilometers, surrounded by a 35.64-square-kilometer protection zone, totaling 59.04 square kilometers for the entire scenic area. ● Formation: Originally a shallow bay connected to the Qiantang River in ancient times, it gradually became a lagoon as sediment blocked its connection to the sea. ● Water Conservancy History: Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, West Lake has been developed as a crucial water project. Notable efforts include Li Bi's innovative underground piping system in the Tang Dynasty, Su Shi's dredging and creation of the 2.8-kilometer Su Causeway in the Song Dynasty, Yang Mengying's expansion of causeways in the Ming Dynasty, and Li Wei's construction of stone weirs in the Qing Dynasty. Cultural Heritage West Lake boasts profound historical and cultural significance, celebrated in poetry by literati like Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo. Local legends include tales of Ji Gong, Xu Xian, Lady White Snake, and Li Huiniang. Historic sites such as Leifeng Pagoda ruins, Lingyin Temple, Yue Fei's Tomb (Temple), Qing Dynasty Imperial Palace, and Longjing tea fields reflect the area's Buddhist, Taoist, and tea culture traditions. Scenic Layout The lake is divided by Gushan Island, Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, and Yanggong Causeway into five sections: Outer West Lake, Western Inner Lake, Northern Inner Lake, Little South Lake, and Yue Lake. Three artificial islands—Xiaoyingzhou, Mid-Lake Pavilion, and Ruan Gong Islet—along with Leifeng Pagoda on Sunset Hill and Baochu Pagoda on Precious Stone Hill, form the iconic "Two Pagodas, Three Islands, Three Causeways, Five Lakes" structure. Key Attractions ● Ten Scenes of West Lake: Melting Snow at Broken Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Evening Bell at Nanping Hill, Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset Glow, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, and Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake. ● Other Highlights: Includes "New Ten Scenes" and "Three-Time Selected Ten Scenes." Selected Attractions 1. Melting Snow at Broken Bridge: Famous for the love story of Lady White Snake and Xu Xian. In winter, the snow-dusted bridge appears like a jade ribbon across the lake. Best visited at dawn to avoid crowds. 2. Leifeng Pagoda: Steeped in legend as the prison of Lady White Snake, the current pagoda (rebuilt in 2002) offers panoramic views and houses relics from its ancient underground chamber. 3. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: On Xiaoyingzhou Island, three stone pagodas create a magical reflection of 32 "moons" (real + reflections + imagined) when lit on moonlit nights. The Mid-Autumn Festival recreates this spectacle. 4. Spring Dawn at Su Causeway: A 2.8-km causeway built by Su Shi with dredged silt. In spring, peach blossoms and willow trees adorn six arched bridges, ideal for strolls or cycling. 5. Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden: Once a royal winery in the Southern Song Dynasty, now a summer paradise with red lotuses and zigzag bridges. Best enjoyed at sunrise in July-August with a cup of Longjing tea. 6. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake: Named by Emperor Kangxi, this former imperial garden offers serene moonlit views over the lake in autumn. 7. Viewing Fish at Flower Pond: Celebrated by emperors Kangxi and Qianlong for its koi pond. The garden bursts with peonies in spring. 8. Evening Bell at Nanping Hill: Jingci Temple's 108 evening chimes, a tradition since the Five Dynasties, culminate in New Year's Eve bell-ringing. 9. Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds: Beigao and Nangao peaks often shrouded in mist resemble swords piercing clouds. Summit views reveal Hangzhou and the misty West Lake. 10. Orioles Singing in the Willows: A former imperial garden, now a popular spot for morning exercises. March brings willow catkins and birdsong—perfect for lakeside cycling. Transportation ● High-Speed Rail: Arrive at Hangzhou East or Hangzhou Station, then transfer by metro/bus to West Lake. ● Driving: Navigate with caution due to traffic restrictions in the scenic area. Public Transport Within the Area ● Metro + Bus: 12 metro stations around the lake offer bus transfers (e.g., Fengqi Road Station Lines 1/2, Huanglongdong Station Line 3). Express buses (e.g., Route 7 to Lingyin, Route 4 to Leifeng Pagoda) are available. ● Regular Buses: Tourist lines (Y-series) cover key sites; Routes 51/52 circle the lake; WE1314 is a scenic loop. Taxis Designated pick-up/drop-off points apply. During holidays, some areas require transfers via dedicated buses (e.g., to Lingyin at Xixi Road Parking Lot or Xiaoyawu Bus Stop). Driving On major holidays (8 AM–5 PM), license plate restrictions apply ("odd-even" system). The "Lingyin + Nanshan Road" zone requires advance "West Lake Pass" applications (once monthly per vehicle). Park at peripheral lots (e.g., Huanglong Vanke Center) and use shuttles. Other Options ● Sightseeing Bus: Double-decker tours with hop-on/hop-off options. ● Bike Sharing: Available at 8 locations, ideal for short trips. ● Boats: Hop-on ferries (¥70) link 10 sites; cross-lake shuttles (¥15) operate weekends. Recommended One-Day Itinerary ● Morning ○ Start at Melting Snow at Broken Bridge, steeped in romantic legend. Walk along Bai Causeway, enjoying lake and mountain views. ○ Visit Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake for tranquility, then explore Gushan Island's cultural sites like Xiling Seal Art Society. ● Afternoon ○ Pay respects at Yue Fei Temple, then stroll Su Causeway's six scenic bridges. ○ Admire koi and peonies at Viewing Fish at Flower Pond. ● Evening ○ Dine near Su Causeway before night views of illuminated Leifeng Pagoda and the lake.