The 10 Mystical Sites of Hangzhou's West Lake

Surrounded on three sides by undulating hills and on the other, by the beautiful city of Hangzhou, West Lake epitomizes the harmony between man and nature.

In the 13th century, the imperial Academy of Paintings of the Southern Song Dynasty picked ten mystical sites to highlight the seasonal beauty of West Lake and gave each a poetic name. For the past 800 years, visitors have come from around the world to experience the supernatural beauty of this dazzling lake.

The Top Ten Scenes of West Lake:

Spring Dawn at Su Causeway. The causeway itself gives the feeling of walking on water. In spring and summer, the lake shimmers with reflected light and the flowers that line the paths of the causeway bloom large and bright.

Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyan Garden. (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard) People come here for the refreshing fragrance from hundreds of lotus plants and the cool evening breeze. At one point, it was the spot for a winery belonging to a high-ranking official who made the famous Chinese ‘Qu' wine.

Autumn Moon over Calm Lake. This site is the very best vantage point to view the moonlit West Lake, especially on an autumn night when the beautiful reflection of the full, bright moon plays with the rippling water.

Melting Snow on Broken Bridge. (Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge) This traditional arched stone bridge is regarded as the most famous one in the scenic lake area. Viewed from a distance on a snow-melting day, the bridge looks as if one half has been ripped off with the snowy side blending in with the surrounding landscape and water surface. The poetic name is also related to the legend about two lovers, Xu Xian and a white snake (who became a woman), falling madly in love after meeting on the bridge.

Viewing Fish and Lotus at Flowery Harbor. (Viewing Fish at Flower Pond) This park is a sprawling area of about 22 hectares, set against hills in the southwestern part of West Lake and surrounded by water on three sides. The park features a network of crooked bridges decorating a goldfish pond famous for thousands of fish playing with each other to their hearts' content.

Orioles Singing in the Willows. Once an imperial garden, the park known as Orioles Singing in the Willows features weeping willow trees and singing orioles who flutter from branch to branch. The citizens of Hangzhou love to hang out here listening to music or just chatting about life, love and the beauty of West Lake.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. An autumn moon shining full and bright contrasts with three candle-lit miniature stone pagodas on Fairy Island in the middle of the lake. During certain festivals, people flock here to see the lighting of three lanterns in the water which align with the reflection of the moon in a fascinating way.

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds. On the other side of the lake, two mountain peaks face each other. On days when low-lying clouds and fog are present, the peaks seem to pierce through the clouds. The scene reminds one of the beauty of a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill. Nanping Mountain has been revered as the Buddhism Mecca in southeastern China since the 10th century. The place reveals its magic especially at dusk when the huge bell of the Jing Temple peals forceful sounds reverberating across the lake, reminding Buddhists of their religious heritage.

Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda. (Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow) The Pagoda is renowned for the silhouette it casts against the misty hills at sunset, and even more so, in the evening. It is then that the glow of the shrouded pagoda casts its glistening shadow onto the peaceful water and its surroundings. The top of the Pagoda offers panoramic views of beautiful Hangzhou, the most magical city of all.