The West Lake, located in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, is one of the best-known and most beautiful lakes in China. Centuries later, Marco Polo called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in the world. Hills embrace the lake on three sides; the city properly lies to the east. Ancient Chinese people praised the West Lake area as a land of intoxicating beauty.
Something needs to know
Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt these 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake.With 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 favorite 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.
Due to its prominent historical and cultural status among Chinese scenic resorts, West Lake was elected as a National Key Scenic Resort in 1982, one of Ten Scenic Resorts in 1985 and national 5A tourist resort in 2006.
Why so attractive
The West Lake is a like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast land of China, reputed for beautiful scenery, a multitude of historical sites, brilliant cultural relics, and a profusion of native products. Legend has it that the West Lake was a heavenly jewel fallen to earth.
The Lake is not only famous for its picturesque landscape, it is also associated with many scholars, national heroes and revolutionary martyrs, thus embracing many aspects of Chinese culture. In addition, many ancient buildings, stone caves and engraved tablets in surrounding areas are among the most cherished national treasures of China, with significant artistic value.
Ten Scenes of the West Lake
Traditionally, there are ten best-known scenic spots on the West Lake, each remembered by a four-character epithet. Collectively, they are known as the "Ten Scenes of the West Lake" Each is marked with the epithet written in the calligraphy of the Emperor Qianlong . They are:
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Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring
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Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer
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Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn
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Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter
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Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset
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Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds
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Orioles Singing in the Willows
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Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond
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Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon
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Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill
Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring
It's a 2.8 km. long boulevard cutting across the south-north scenic area, and lined with trees and flowering plants. When Spring comes with crimson peach blossoms and green willows; the scenery is all the more charming. Strolling along the boulevard, one feels as if the West Lake were wakening in dawn mist. Young willows were ethereal, spring breeze so caressing, and birds were chirping in unison.
Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon
Fairy Islet, an island at the lake's center, is a wonderful spot to savor its scenic expanse. Amidst this island's intricately designed gardens, ponds and pavilions are the famed "Three Towers Mirroring the Moon".
Attract to you
The beauty of this scenic spot is the moon in the sky, in the water and in the heart of onlookers. The three stone miniature pagodas standing in the lake off the isle are presumably the best place for moon viewing. These pagodas produce many magic views of the moon in the water, making people nostalgic and reminiscent of the woebegone days and happy moments in the past.
Dream time
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the isle and its three miniature pagodas are the best attraction for moon spectators. Erected some seven hundred years ago, these so-called towers are actually three small pagoda-like structures placed in the water at a slight distance from the island. Rumored to control the evil spirits lurking in the water's depths, in mid-August they contain within their hollow structures a reflection of the full moon.
The stone pagodas are 2 meter-high and each with five equally spaced windows. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, lateens are put inside the windows. Their lights shine and water near the pagoda reflect the shiny lights and the moon. Waters move as moon lovers row boats, producing a wavering scene of the moon and the pagodas and the waters. What could be more enjoyable than this moment and scenery? Moon visitors in their boats could feel that they are in paradise or dream.
Other attractions worth to visit
A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note.
Lingyin Temple and Feilaifeng Peak
Near to the lake can be found the Lingyin Temple in its woodland setting near to Feilaifeng Peak .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.
Liuhe Pagoda
Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13 storey high Liuhe Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an impressive view over the river.
The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei
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.
Grand Canal
The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.
China National Silk Museum
Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way all over the world. The China National Silk Museum is the first Chinese national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and is the largest of its kind in the world.
National Tea Museum
A similar museum is dedicated as homage to tea. Located at the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of Chinese tea.
When to visit
Anytime is good for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the West Lake.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".