Hangzhou · Selected attraction
West Lake
West Lake is Hangzhou's defining cultural landscape, shaped by causeways, islands, bridges, pavilions and distant hills.
Why it matters
West Lake
West Lake is not a single sight but a cultural landscape of water, causeways, islands, temples, pagodas and accumulated stories. Its long evolution shaped an influential ideal of Chinese landscape design and earned World Heritage status in 2011.
← Back to the city guideWhat to notice
- 01Causeways and islands shaping the lake
- 02Borrowed views of hills, pagodas and water
- 03Layers of poetry, painting and folklore
Hangzhou · West Lake
Plan a private visit
Tell us what you want to see. We can combine a private car, local guide and ticket support into one tailored journey.
Include this in my journey