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Leifeng Pagoda reflected in West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, with the multi-tiered golden-brick pagoda rising above green summer foliage and lotus leaves on the calm water surface of the lake in soft afternoon light

West Lake Guide: Hangzhou UNESCO Lake, Sights & Plan

West Lake in Hangzhou: UNESCO Cultural Landscape since 2011, 6.4 sq km, 15 km perimeter, free entry, ten classic scenes, Leifeng Pagoda.

By Daniel Park, Itineraries & Cities Editor 12 min read

West Lake (西湖, Xīhú) is a 6.4 sq km freshwater lake in central Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. The lake and its surrounding hills have been celebrated in Chinese poetry, painting, and literature for over 1,000 years, since the Tang dynasty. UNESCO listed West Lake as a Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site in 2011, recognizing the integration of the natural lake, the historic gardens, the temples, the causeways, and the pagodas.

The lake is free to enter, and visitors can walk or bike the 15 km perimeter path at no cost. The famous “Ten Scenes of West Lake” date to the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) and remain the standard way to experience the lake. Hangzhou itself was the capital of the Southern Song dynasty and the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, the world’s longest artificial waterway. Most travelers combine the lake with Shanghai and Suzhou via the China classic 2-week route, which puts Hangzhou between the two cities by HSR.

How to plan your visit

Half-day plan (express)

  • 7:00 AM - Start at Su Causeway south entrance
  • 8:30 AM - Walk the Su Causeway (2.8 km, 30-40 min)
  • 9:30 AM - Continue to Leifeng Pagoda (¥40, 1-1.5 hours)
  • 11:00 AM - End at Hubin pedestrian street for lunch

1-day plan (the standard visit)

  • 7:00-10:00 AM - Su Causeway + Bai Causeway + West Lake walking
  • 10:00-12:00 PM - Leifeng Pagoda + Flower Harbor Park
  • 12:00-1:30 PM - Lunch at Hubin pedestrian street
  • 1:30-4:00 PM - Boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
  • 4:00-6:00 PM - Bike or walk the northern perimeter
  • 6:00-9:00 PM - Dinner + sunset at the lake
  • Day 1 - West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Hubin sunset
  • Day 2 - Lingyin Temple + Flying Peak + Longjing tea plantation

3-day plan (the full Hangzhou)

Add Day 3 for the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal boat ride, Hefang Ancient Street, and the National Silk Museum (free). For a tighter version with exact hour-by-hour sequencing, see our Hangzhou 3-day itinerary.

Tickets, booking, and payment

ItemPriceNotes
West Lake entryFreeThe lake, causeways, and public parks
Su Causeway / Bai CausewayFreeWalking and cycling
Leifeng Pagoda¥40Elevator available
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon¥55-70 (boat ticket)Boat ride required
Official tour boat¥55Yuefei Temple or Hubin dock
Rowboat¥150/hourUp to 6 people
Lingyin Temple¥75Plus ¥30 incense fee
Flying Peak¥45 (included with temple)330+ Buddhist carvings
Longjing tea villageFreeTastings ¥30-80
Impression West Lake show¥260-38060 min, evening
Public bike-share¥1.5/30 minAlipay unlock

How to book:

  • At the site - most attractions sell tickets at the gate. Same-day tickets are usually available; advance booking is not required for most.
  • Trip.com - sells package tickets for boat rides, Lingyin Temple, and Impression West Lake. Useful for non-Mandarin speakers.
  • Alipay - Hangzhou public bike-share, boat tickets, and Lingyin Temple tickets available via mini-program.
  • Hotel concierge - most Hangzhou hotels book Impression West Lake tickets and Lingyin Temple tickets at no extra charge.

Free entry: West Lake itself, the causeways, the public parks, the Longjing tea village public areas, and most temples’ exterior grounds.

Closures: Lingyin Temple is closed on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month. Leifeng Pagoda closes for 1 day in late January for maintenance. The Impression West Lake show is closed in heavy rain; tickets are refundable.

Getting there and around

By HSR (most common): Hangzhou has 3 HSR stations. Hangzhou East (杭州东) is the largest, with trains every 10-20 min from Shanghai (50-60 min, ¥73-117), Beijing (4.5-6 hours, ¥430-580), and most major Chinese cities. Hangzhou Station is in the city center, 2 km from West Lake; Hangzhou West is the newest, 15 km west.

By air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is 27 km east of the city. Direct flights from Beijing (2h 15m), Shanghai (45 min), Guangzhou (2h), Shenzhen (2h), and 30+ international routes. Airport to West Lake: 45 min by taxi (¥100-120), 60 min by airport shuttle (¥20).

By bus: Long-distance buses from Shanghai (2 hours, ¥50-70), Suzhou (3 hours, ¥80-100), Nanjing (4 hours, ¥120-150). Not recommended - HSR is faster and more comfortable.

Inside Hangzhou: The city has a clean, modern subway (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Line 1 runs along West Lake’s eastern shore; Longxiangqiao (龙翔桥) station is the central access. Taxi is reliable. Didi (China’s Uber) works through Alipay. Public bike-share is excellent and the most fun way to see the lake.

What to bring

  • Passport - required for hotel check-in, ticket purchase, and security checks.
  • Comfortable walking shoes - the perimeter is 15 km. Biking is the most popular option.
  • Sun protection - UV index reaches 9-10 in summer. Hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, light long-sleeve shirt.
  • Light rain jacket - Hangzhou is famous for spring drizzle. ¥10 disposable ponchos are sold at most convenience stores.
  • Water bottle (1L) - drink 2-3L per day in summer. Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is ¥3-5.
  • Cash ¥200-500 - small vendors and tea houses may be cash-only. Most larger venues accept Alipay.
  • Power bank - 3-5 hours of photo-taking drains a phone.
  • Camera with zoom - the best West Lake photos are taken from a distance (Leifeng Pagoda from across the lake, Three Pools from the boat). A 50-200mm zoom is useful.
  • Umbrella - Hangzhou averages 150 rainy days per year. Compact umbrella in your bag year-round.

The 5 photo spots that matter

  1. Leifeng Pagoda from across the lake - the iconic view, with the multi-tiered pagoda reflected in the calm water. Best at sunset (“Sunset Glow at Leifeng Pagoda” is one of the ten classic scenes). Photographers arrive 30 min before sunset.
  2. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月) - 3 small stone pagodas on the lake, used on the ¥1 RMB note. Best from the boat or from the southeastern shore. Best 2:00-4:00 PM or at night during Mid-Autumn Festival when lanterns are lit inside the pagodas.
  3. Broken Bridge (断桥) - the most-photographed bridge in Hangzhou, famous for the “Lingering Snow” scene in winter. Best in early morning or after a snowfall. Located at the eastern end of the Bai Causeway.
  4. Su Causeway in spring - 2.8 km of willow and peach trees along the causeway, with the lake on one side. Best in late March-April during the cherry and peach blossom season. Photographers shoot from one of the 6 bridges along the causeway.
  5. Hubin No. 1 Park at night - the view from the eastern shore, with the lit pagodas and the music fountain (8:00 PM and 9:00 PM shows, free). Best 30 min after sunset.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Going on a weekend. West Lake receives 600,000+ visitors per day on Saturdays and Sundays. The path is crowded, the boat lines are 1-2 hours, and the photo spots are impossible. Visit on a weekday if possible.
  • Trying to see all 10 scenes in one visit. Each scene is best at a specific time of day. Pick 3-4 scenes per visit based on the season and time of day.
  • Skipping the boat ride. The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon scene is only visible from the boat. The lake surface looks completely different from the water.
  • Skipping Lingyin Temple. The temple is 1,700 years old, the most important Buddhist temple in Jiangnan, and a short taxi ride from West Lake. Do not miss it — our Lingyin Temple and Flying Peak guide covers the 1,000-year camphor trees, the 330+ stone carvings, and the incense fee that isn’t included in the ticket.
  • Bargaining aggressively at the Longjing tea village. Tea prices are set by quality (¥200-800 per 100g for first-flush). The first price quoted is usually fair. For the actual tea-buying process — which village to drive to, how to read first-flush vs second-flush, and what the farmer-direct markup looks like — see our Longjing tea experience guide.
  • Missing the local food. Hangzhou cuisine is one of China’s 8 great traditions. Try Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡). Hubin pedestrian street has hundreds of restaurants.
  • Wearing heels. The causeway paths and the Lingyin Temple grounds are cobblestone and uneven. Closed walking shoes are best.
  • Booking a tour bus for “West Lake + Lingyin + Longjing” in one day. The 1-day bus tour covers 3-4 sites in 8 hours, with 90% of the time on the bus. The lake and the temple each deserve a full day.

Where to stay

  • Hubin / Wulin area (湖滨/武林) - central, 1-2 km from West Lake. Best for first-time visitors. Budget: Atour, Hanting, 7 Days Inn (¥200-400). Mid-range: JW Marriott Hangzhou, Conrad Hangzhou, Sofitel West Lake (¥700-1,500). Luxury: Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake, Aman Fayun (¥2,500-5,000).
  • West Lake area (西湖景区) - lakeside, walking distance to the causeways and most sites. Mid-range: Hyatt Regency Hangzhou, West Lake State Guest House (¥600-1,200). Luxury: Banyan Tree Hangzhou, Shangri-La Hangzhou (¥1,500-3,000).
  • Lingyin / Longjing area (灵隐/龙井) - quieter, in the hills west of the lake, close to Lingyin Temple and the tea village. Mid-range: Aman Fayun, Banyan Tree Hangzhou (¥1,500-3,500). Boutique: Longjing Mountain Villa, Tea Boutique Hotel (¥600-1,200).
  • Wulin Square area (武林广场) - 3 km from the lake, central business district, good for shopping and dining. Mid-range: Narada Boutique Hotel, Grand Metropark Hotel (¥400-800).

Best season and what to expect

March-May (best for spring): Temperatures 15-25°C, cherry and peach blossoms along the Su Causeway, mild humidity. Crowds are heavy on weekends (400,000+ per day on Saturday at West Lake). The shoulder months of late March and early May are the best windows.

June-August (summer): Hot (28-35°C) and humid. Crowds are heavy (500,000+ per day at the lake). The lotus blooms in the “Lotus in the Breeze at Winding Courtyard” scene are spectacular. Bring 3L of water, a hat, and sunscreen. The Impression West Lake show is best in summer evenings.

September-November (best for autumn): Temperatures 12-22°C, clear skies, Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually September or October) for the famous full moon over the lake. Crowds are extreme during Chinese National Day (Oct 1-7) and the West Lake Festival (early November). Late October and early November are the best windows for autumn colors.

December-February (winter): Cold (0-10°C), possible snow. The “Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge” scene is one of the most famous winter views in China. Crowds are small (50,000-100,000 per day). The lake is quiet and atmospheric. Bring a warm jacket.

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Step by step

  1. Arrive in Hangzhou by HSR from Shanghai or Beijing

    Hangzhou has 3 HSR stations: Hangzhou East (杭州东, the largest), Hangzhou Station (城站, central), and Hangzhou West (杭州西, newer). From Shanghai: 50-60 min, ¥73-117. From Beijing: 4.5-6 hours, ¥430-580. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is 27 km east of the city, with direct flights from most major Chinese cities and 30+ international routes. Airport to West Lake: 45 min by taxi, ¥100-120.

  2. Stay near West Lake or in the city center

    West Lake area (西湖): closest to the lake, walking distance to most sites. Mid-range: West Lake State Guest House, Hyatt Regency Hangzhou (¥600-1,200). Budget: Hanting Express, 7 Days Inn (¥250-400). Hubin / Wulin area (湖滨/武林): central, 1-2 km from the lake, better restaurants and shopping. Mid-range: JW Marriott, Conrad Hangzhou (¥800-1,500). Budget: Atour, Hanting (¥300-500).

  3. Day 1 morning: walk the Su Causeway (苏堤) and Bai Causeway (白堤)

    The Su Causeway is 2.8 km long, the Bai Causeway is 1 km long. Both are historic embankments across the western and northern parts of the lake, lined with willows, peach, and cherry trees. Walk the Su Causeway from south to north (30-40 min), then the Bai Causeway from west to east (15-20 min). The bridges on the causeways give the best classical views. Best 7:00-9:00 AM with morning mist.

  4. Day 1 midday: visit Leifeng Pagoda (¥40, 1-2 hours)

    Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) is on Sunset Hill on the southern shore of the lake. The original pagoda collapsed in 1924; the current one is a 2002 reconstruction. Climb to the top (5 stories, elevator available) for the panoramic view of the lake. The base holds the original pagoda's foundation and a small museum. The "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow" is one of the ten classic scenes. Best 10:00-11:30 AM or 4:00-5:30 PM.

  5. Day 1 afternoon: boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (¥55-70, 1.5-2 hours)

    The Three Pools (三潭印月) are 3 small stone pagodas on the lake, the most iconic image of West Lake (used on the ¥1 RMB note background). Official tour boats from the Yuefei Temple dock or the Hubin dock, ¥55-70 round trip. The island in the middle has a tea house and walking paths. Best 2:00-4:00 PM with afternoon light. Sunset cruise ¥80-120 with traditional boat snacks.

  6. Day 1 evening: walk the lake at sunset, dinner at Hubin pedestrian street

    The Hubin (湖滨) pedestrian street runs along the eastern shore of the lake, 1.5 km long. Free walking, lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Watch the sunset from the "Long Bridge Park" or "Music Fountain" viewpoints. Dinner: try Dongpo Pork (东坡肉, ¥50-80), West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼, ¥80-120), or Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁, ¥120-180). Allow 2-3 hours for the sunset + dinner.

  7. Day 2 morning: Lingyin Temple (¥75, 2-3 hours)

    Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) is the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in the Jiangnan region, founded in 328 CE. The temple complex has multiple halls, the 1,000-year-old camphor trees, and a stream with carved Buddhist figures. Entry ¥75 + ¥30 incense fee. Allow 2-3 hours. The temple is at the north foot of Flying Peak (飞来峰), a 168m limestone hill with 330+ Buddhist stone carvings. Combine with Flying Peak (¥45, included with temple) for 3-4 hours total.

  8. Day 2 afternoon: Longjing tea plantation (¥0-30, 2-3 hours)

    The Longjing (龙井) tea plantation is 6 km west of West Lake, in the hills. Longjing (Dragon Well) is China's most famous green tea, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Free entry to the public areas of the village; tea house tastings ¥30-80 per session. Walk the village paths, visit a tea museum, and buy tea directly from farmers (¥200-800 per 100g for first-flush Longjing). Best 1:00-4:00 PM.

  9. Day 2 evening: Hefang Ancient Street and optional Impression West Lake show

    Hefang Ancient Street (河坊街) is a 1.5 km restored historic street in central Hangzhou, 3 km from West Lake. Free entry. Vendors sell tea, silk, fans, and traditional snacks. Allow 1-2 hours. Optional: the Impression West Lake outdoor evening show (¥260-380, 60 min) at the lake's western shore. Check the schedule and weather. Pair with dinner at the show venue for a memorable evening.

FAQ

  • Yes - the lake itself, the 15 km perimeter path, the Su Causeway, the Bai Causeway, and the public parks are all free. Paid attractions include: Leifeng Pagoda (¥40), Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island (boat ride required, ¥55-70), Flower Harbor Park (¥0 free to ¥10 sections), and the boat rides on the lake (¥55 for the official large tour boat, ¥150/hour for rowboats). There is no foreigner surcharge.
  • Half a day for the lake's main spots. 1 full day lets you walk or bike the entire 15 km perimeter and add Leifeng Pagoda and the Su Causeway. 2 days lets you add Lingyin Temple (1,700-year-old Buddhist temple at the north foot of Flying Peak) and the Longjing tea plantation in the hills west of the lake. 3 days adds Hefang Ancient Street and Xixi National Wetland Park.
  • March-May for spring blossoms (cherry, peach, magnolia) and mild weather (15-25°C). September-November for autumn colors and Mid-Autumn Festival (when the full moon reflects on the lake - the famous "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" view). Summer (June-August) is hot (28-35°C) and humid but the lotus blooms are spectacular. Winter is cold (0-10°C) and quiet. Avoid Chinese National Day (Oct 1-7) and West Lake Festival (early November).
  • High-speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East Station is the fastest option: 50-60 min, ¥73-117 second class. Trains run every 10-20 min from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. From Hangzhou East Station, taxi to West Lake is 20 min, ¥30-40. Alternatively, the Shanghai-Hangzhou HSR from Shanghai South Station is 60-75 min, ¥73-117. Total door-to-door from central Shanghai to West Lake: 2-2.5 hours.
  • Yes - biking the 15 km perimeter is the most popular way to see the lake. Public bike-share (red bikes) is available at 30+ docking stations around the lake; Alipay or WeChat unlocks for ¥1.5/30 min. Rental bikes from hotels ¥30-50/day. The path is mostly flat and paved. Allow 2-3 hours for the full circuit. Avoid weekends when the path is busy with joggers and other cyclists.
  • The Ten Scenes are a classical set of 10 views of West Lake defined in the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) and revised over centuries. They are: (1) Su Causeway in Spring, (2) Bai Causeway Viewing the Willows, (3) Autumn Moon over Calm Lake, (4) Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow, (5) Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, (6) Lotus in the Breeze at Winding Courtyard, (7) Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge, (8) Orioles Singing in the Willows, (9) Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, (10) Sunset Glow at Leifeng Pagoda. Each is marked with a stone inscription at the viewing point.
  • Yes - the "Impression West Lake" outdoor evening show is directed by Zhang Yimou (the same director as the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony) and is staged on a floating stage on the lake. The show is 60 min, ¥260-380 per ticket. It features opera singers, dancers, and dramatic lighting on the water. Best for visitors with at least 2 days in Hangzhou. Performances are weather-dependent; check the schedule at the official WeChat.
  • Alipay is the most reliable method. The free attractions do not need payment. Paid attractions (Leifeng Pagoda, boat rides) accept cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Foreign credit cards are accepted at most large hotels and the Impression West Lake show ticket office. The Hangzhou public bike-share requires Alipay to unlock. Most lake-side restaurants accept Alipay; small vendors may be cash-only.

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