West Lake(Xi hu)

An old Chinese saying declares the beauty of Suzhou and Hangzhou: “There is a paradise in heaven, Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth." Centuries later, Marco Polo called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in the world. This charm is most evident in the West Lake (also known as Xihu) area which effectively functions as the center of Hangzhou. The lake is surrounded by hills on three sides while Hangzhou city itself is on the eastern shore. Ancient Chinese people praised the area around West Lake as a land of intoxicating beauty. Su Shi, a poet in the Song Dynasty, compared West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.

Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. The cultural landscape of the lake initiated in the 9th Century, took shape in the 13th Century and had been thrived since the 18th Century. For about ten centuries, it has always been the spiritual home of Chinese culture elites, the paradise for all strata of Chinese people and a well-known lake in China with the longest history and biggest influence. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List on June, 24, 2011, by the committee of the 35th World Heritage Conference in Paris. 

An Island in West LakeWith an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as ‘intoxicating’.

Twist Bridge on the Lake

Lotus Pool, a Great Delight to the Eye

A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans, that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.

Near to the lake can be found the Temple of Soul’s Retreat (Lingyin Temple) in its woodland setting near to Peak Flown From Afar (Fei Lai Feng). Legend has it that this limestone peak flew from India where it had formed part of a holy mountain. These are of particular interest to Buddhists and those who have a love of sculpture and art. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a monument to the patriot who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of his archrival Qin Hui, the Song prime minister. These buildings like others in the vicinity of the lake such as the slender Six Harmonies Pagoda add to the calm and beauty of their surroundings.

To understand better about the beauty of the West Lake, visitors should know about the “Ten Scenes of the West Lake" (also 10 Scenic Spots in Xihu), are ten best-known scenic spots of or next to the West Lake. They are: Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring, Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer, Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter, Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset, Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, and Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill. These ten distinctive scenes make the West Lake a charming fairyland with endless interest. 

West Lake is the pride of Hangzhou, and a favorite spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city, After work or on weekends, city-dwellers leave their concrete, noise pollution, and hectic schedules behind to meet along the shores of West Lake to stroll or “eat some tea," (an expression the Chinese use for drinking a cup of tea full of Dragonwell tea leaves). Don’t miss the chance to visit this charming place and find out why the locals have treasured it so much for so long. If you do come, spring is the best time to visit Hangzhou. Flowers and blossoming fruit trees will be abundant, lining the lake and causeways while filling the air with sweetness and romance.