Outdoor & fun

West Lake

4.5 · 7,571 reviews·A top pick in Hangzhou
West LakeTakashishin · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the iconic freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China. Visitors can stroll along shaded causeways, cycle through lush gardens, or take a traditional boat ride to admire the lake's famous reflections of pagodas and temples. The area is dotted with historic landmarks like Su Causeway and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, making it a serene escape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.

Don't miss

  • Stroll or bike along the Su Causeway, a tree-lined path connecting the lake's north and south shores.
  • Visit the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, three small stone pagodas in the lake that create a picturesque scene.
  • Take a traditional wooden boat ride to experience the lake's tranquil beauty from the water.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit West Lake

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Hangzhou

Planning your trip to Hangzhou? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Hangzhou itinerary.