West Lake
Template:Short description {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}} Template:Infobox body of water
West Lake, also known as Xihu and by other names, is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China. Situated to the west of Hangzhou's former walled city, the lake has a surface area of Template:Cvt,<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> stretching Template:Cvt from north to south and Template:Cvt from east to west.<ref name=":26">Template:Cite book</ref> In the lake are four causeways, three artificial islands, and Gushan, the only natural island.<ref name=":0" /> Gentle hills surround the lake on its north, west, and south sides,<ref name=":14">Template:Citation</ref> with the Leifeng and Baochu pagodas standing in pair on the south and north banks.<ref name="monuments"/> Several famous temples are nestled in the mountains west of the lake, including Lingyin and Jingci Temples.<ref name="monuments">Template:Harvnb</ref>
A tourist attraction since the Tang dynasty (618–907),<ref name="intro">Template:Harvnb</ref> the lake has influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history for its natural beauty and historic relics.<ref name=":27">Template:Cite book</ref> By the Song dynasty (960–1279), during which the dynastic capital moved to Hangzhou, it had become a cultural landmark and one of the most visited tourist destinations of China.<ref name="intro"/> Introduced to Europeans by Marco Polo, the lake was once a symbol of Chinese urban culture.<ref name="intro"/> It has been featured on Chinese currency, including the one-yuan banknote in the 1979 Bank of China Foreign Exchange Certificate<ref name=":28">Template:Cite web</ref> and the 2005 Renminbi,<ref name=":29">Template:Cite web</ref> as well as in the Chinese passport.<ref name=":30">Template:Cite web</ref> A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, the lake is recognised to have influenced garden designs in China, Japan, and Korea over the centuries as "an idealised fusion between humans and nature."<ref name="whc">Template:Cite web</ref>
The lake, along with the surrounding hills, constitutes the West Lake Scenic Area, which is governed by the Management Committee of Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area, a special administration dedicated to cultural preservation and gardening under the Hangzhou municipal government since 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The first major Chinese tourist attraction to cancel admission fees,<ref name=":20">Template:Cite web</ref> the scenic area is crowded during public holidays.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Over the 2024 National Day holiday, the area received 4.426 million visitors in seven days, a 30.92% rise from the previous year.<ref name=":21">Template:Cite news</ref>
Names
Historically, the lake has been referred to by various names, including Qiantang Lake.<ref name="names">Template:Harvnb</ref> The first description of the waters near Hangzhou was made in the Book of Han finished in 111, which states,<ref name=":7" /> Template:Blockquote This statement about the Wulin River (Template:Lang) is widely interpreted as the first mention of West Lake, while the Wulin Hills (Template:Lang) are believed to be the hills near the Lingyin Temple.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref>
Bai Juyi was among the first to refer to the lake as "West Lake", due to its location to the west of the city.<ref name="intro"/> Su Shi was the first to use the name in official documents, in his request to the Imperial Court for the dredging of the lake in 1090.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> 16th-century Chinese scholars considered the West Lake of Hangzhou to be the most famous among the 35 other lakes with the same name in China.<ref name=":5" /> In English, the name has also been variously translated and romanized as the West Lake,<ref>Template:Citation.</ref> the Western Lake,<ref name=eb9>Template:Citation.</ref> Si-hu,<ref name=eb11>Template:Citation.</ref> Hsi Hu,<ref>Template:Citation.</ref> Xi Hu,<ref name=":27" /> Lake Si,<ref>Template:Citation.</ref> Lake Hsi,<ref>Template:Citation.</ref> Lake Hsi-hu,<ref>Template:Citation.</ref> and Xi Lake.<ref name=":26" /> Due to Su Shi's famous comparison with Xizi, the lake is also sometimes described in Chinese as Xizi Lake.<ref name="intro" />
History
Natural formation and dredging efforts
About 4,400 to 2,500 years ago, as sea levels fell, the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou plain began to emerge, while West Lake was merely a shallow bay. Over time, the Qiantang River gradually deposited sand and rocks outside this bay. About 2,000 years ago, a lagoon was formed. Streams from the surrounding mountains transformed the water into freshwater, but ongoing silt deposits gradually reduced the lake to a swamp.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> In local folklore, when Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC), the first emperor of China, visited Hangzhou, West Lake was still part of the Qiantang River. The giant rock on the north bank of West Lake was said to be where the emperor anchored his fleet. According to Records of the Grand Historian, during his visit in 210 BC, the emperor was halted in Hangzhou by the strong tide of the Qiantang River and had to take a detour westward to reach Shaoxing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the Eastern Han era (25–220), local official Hua Xin ordered the construction of a seawall to completely cut the lake off from the sea.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> In 591, the government seat of Hangzhou, originally on the west shore, was relocated to the newly built walled city east to the lake. With the completion of the Grand Canal, Hangzhou, as its destination, became a transport hub of China.<ref> Template:Cite journal</ref>
| "The lovely Spring breeze has come Back to the Lake of the West. The Spring waters are so clear and Green they might be freshly painted. The clouds of perfume are sweeter Than can be imagined. In the Gentle East wind the petals Fall like grains of rice." |
| —Ouyang Xiu (1007–1072), excerpts from Spring Day on West Lake<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
Before the Tang dynasty (618–907), West Lake was a shallow body of water,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> but continuous dredging efforts prevented it from becoming a swamp.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> During the Jianzhong period (780–783) of the Tang dynasty, local official Li Bi diverted waterTemplate:What? into Hangzhou via an underground pipes, creating six ponds to secure the city's water supply. In 822, Bai Juyi dredged West Lake and used the silt to build a long causeway between Qiantang and Yuhang Gates, which was named in his memory. Under the Wuyue Kingdom (907–932), with Hangzhou being the capital, King Qian Liu ordered annual dredging of West Lake with soldiers to maintain water quality for water supply. In the Song dynasty, Su Shi (1037–1101) ordered the construction of the Su Causeway from dredged silt in 1089. He designated an area of the lake with three stone pagodas to prevent water chestnut planting and reduce silting, which may mark the origin of the "Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon."<ref name=":1">Template:Harvnb</ref> By 1275, military patrols were appointed to maintain and police the lake, where littering of any rubbish or planting additional lotuses or water-chestnuts were forbidden.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite book</ref>
From literary tradition to tourism
Literary works by renowned literati contributed to the fame of Hangzhou's West Lake among Chinese intellectuals.<ref name="intro" /> Especially, the lake became associated with the two greatest poets of Middle-Period China, Bai Juyi and Su Shi.<ref name=":8" />Template:Rp Su Xiaoxiao, a famous courtesan and poet of Southern Qi (479–502), was buried upon West Lake. Her life and poetry have inspired later poets, including Li He and Wen Tingyun. Over time, local history became intertwined with the natural beauty. For example, Bai Juyi celebrates Su Xiaoxiao's beauty and her connection to the enchanting scenery of the lake in one of his poem. When Su Shi (1037–1101) famously compared West Lake to Xizi, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, the lake also became known as the Xizi Lake:<ref name="intro" />
During the period of Wuyue Kingdom (907–978), numerous temples, pagodas, shrines, and grottoes were built or expanded around the lake, including Lingyin, Zhaoqing, Jingci, Li’an, Liutong, and Taoguang temples, as well as the Baochu, Liuhe, Leifeng, and White pagodas, due to the devotion of its rulers to Buddhism.<ref name=":10" /> Since the 12th and 13th centuries, these temples, frequently visited by Japanese monks, played a significant role in circulating cultural images of the lake across East Asia, as these visitors returned to their home countries.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Wars and conflicts in northern China during the Song dynasty—including invasions by the Khitan, Jurchen, and Mongols—triggered significant migration southward to the new capital, leading to urbanisation and economic prosperity. With city walls blocking much of the natural scenery, West Lake became a favoured destination for urban residents seeking respite from the demands of city life and political turmoil.<ref name="intro" /> Since 1129, the capital of the Song dynasty was relocated to Hangzhou, after the country lost its northern territories to the Jurchen. The imperial examination held every three years filled Hangzhou with educated individuals, who often enjoyed the lake's beauty and consulted fortune-tellers at lakeside temples. Visiting West Lake inspired poems that reflected on their experiences and memories of the scenery.<ref name="writing">Template:Harvnb</ref>
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By the late Song dynasty, West Lake had evolved into a significant hub where tourism emerged. While pilgrimage and contemplative retreat had previously been the main motives for travel, sightseeing gained wide acceptance as an activity focused on enjoyment and the appreciation of natural beauty, roughly at the same time as in western Europe.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Aesthetic appreciation of landscapes became a popular business, with diverse entertainment options which involved standardised routes and viewing orders made available to cater to various preferences and budgets. Tour guides, seasonal markets and specialty shops emerged.<ref name="intro" /> The notion of Ten Scenes of West Lake was invented.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite journal</ref> Boating on the lake was a popular pastime, with records noting hundreds of intricately carved, elegantly decorated boats gliding gracefully over the water.<ref name="intro" />
Shortly after the Mongol conquest of China, West Lake remained socially vibrant. The official records show that in 1309, the city received more than 1,200 foreign visitors within half a year, many from Turkestan and Europe. West Lake was dredged and renamed the “Pond of Freeing Captive Animals” under Kublai Khan, while parts of the lake area were gradually cultivated into farmland. Among the visitors was Marco Polo, who describes the lake in his book,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Blockquote
Mongol rule and fall of tourism
The booming tourism led to different interpretations. The lake was regarded as a literary tradition, a symbol of the state and a part of local history and knowledge, but for some, a symbol of extravagance and luxury.<ref name="writing"/> One of the most famous portrayal comes from Lin Sheng, who penned a poem as a satirical commentary on how people were engrossed in their indulgence in Hangzhou's pleasures, rather than making efforts to reclaim the lost northern capital:<ref name="epilogue">Template:Harvnb</ref>Template:Verse translation In 1142, Yue Fei, a hawkish Chinese general known for his determined efforts to reclaim northern China, was executed by the dovish emperor and his chief councillor.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":9">Template:Cite book</ref> Yue's death marked the end of attempts to recapture the north, as the emperor prioritised peace despite the Song army's successes.<ref name=":9" /> Yue Fei remained widely admired among Chinese people and was widely celebrated as a national hero.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In 1162, his wrongful execution was acknowledged, and his remains were moved to a tomb by West Lake. Since 1221, a nearby temple has been repurposed in his memory.<ref name="monuments" />
The Mongol-led Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) saw the decline of tourism at West Lake.<ref name="epilogue" /> Government support for maintaining the lake diminished, as Mongol rulers placed their political and economic focus on northern China rather than the south.<ref name="epilogue" /> The Mongol rulers, as well as local residents, blamed the lavish life upon the lake for the fall of Song. Therefore, the lake was abandoned.<ref name="epilogue" /><ref name="dredging">Template:Harvnb</ref> When the Ming dynasty replaced Mongol rule, Hangzhou gradually regained its prosperity by the mid-15th century. However, the lake experienced droughts in 1442 and 1456, causing it to dry up temporarily.<ref name=":3" />
Revitalisation in Late Imperial China
Since the mid-Ming era, renewed dredging projects rekindled public interest in West Lake. As Hangzhou developed as a publishing centre, the production of geographic texts stimulated tourism, which in turn further fuelled the publishing industry.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite journal</ref> In 1508, Hangzhou governor Yang Mengying led a major dredging effort, repairing the Su and Bai Causeways and creating the Yanggong Causeway in his memory. This restoration returned the lake's appearance to its Tang dynasty splendour. Further construction works in 1576, 1607-1611 and 1621 built the Mid-Lake Pavilion and the Lesser Yingzhou Islet.<ref name=":15">Template:Harvnb</ref> The period of time saw the publication of a series of books on local history and culture which depicted West Lake, inspiring Japanese gardens such as the Kyū Shiba Rikyū Garden.<ref name=":15" />
The Manchu conquered Hangzhou in 1645, which led to the construction of residences alongside the lake.<ref name=":3" /> During the High Qing era (1683–1799), emperors frequented southern China, to symbolise their control.<ref name=":3" /> Due to the visits by the Qing emperors, the lake was fully dredged and renovated.<ref name=":10" /> In 1689, a temporary imperial palace was built on Gushan.<ref name=":10" /> In 1722, Zhejiang governor Li Wei was ordered to dredge the lake.<ref name=":3" /> In 1809, Ruan Gong Islet was built with silted soil, which was named after Ruan Yuan, then governor of Zhejiang.<ref name=":15" />
The emperors revived and standardised the notion of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. The Kangxi Emperor inscribed titles for these scenes, which were later carved into stelae beneath ten pavilions. The Qianlong Emperor composed poems during his visits, which were then inscribed on the reverse side of Kangxi's stelae. He further inscribed the Eight Scenes of Dragon Well in the surrounding hills. In Beijing, imperial gardens, including the Garden of Delighted Spring and the Old Summer Palace, were designed to imitate the landscape designs of West Lake.<ref name=":3" />
After the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864) destroyed various buildings beside the lake, West Lake revived as major Qing military leaders, magnates, and ranking officials, such as Peng Yulin built their villas upon the lake, which later became their memorial temples and shrines that were later maintained by a dedicated division of local government.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite journal</ref> In 1864, the West Lake Dredging Bureau was established, to manage the dredging of the lake.<ref name=":10" />
Modern era
Following the 1911 revolution that ended the Qing dynasty, the Manchu quarter of the city was demolished, including both its separate fortifications and the section of the city wall that separated it from the lakefront. Qing imperial properties around West Lake were also nationalised.<ref name=":3" /><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Land in the Manchu quarter was sold at auction to establish a New Business District and the lakefront renovated as a string of public parks, integrating West Lake into the new heart of the city.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> The former imperial palace on Gushan was converted into Zhongshan Park, named for Sun Yat-sen.<ref name=":3" /> The buildings associated with former Qing officials and generals were renamed after Ming loyalists, as with the Shrine of Former Martyrs.<ref name=":16" /> The railway link between Hangzhou and Shanghai, completed in 1909, stimulated local tourism.<ref name=":16" />
A great number of lakeside villas and garden were built, and further tombs were forbidden to be built around the lake.<ref name=":10" /> The visitors to the lake included notable literati, such as Rabindranath Tagore and Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, as well as the couple of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling spent their honeymoon by the lake.<ref name=":3" /> In 1922, the Chinese Communist Party held the Hangzhou Plenum here, initiating the first collaboration with Nationalists.<ref name=":3" /> In 1928, the National Academy of Art was founded on Gushan Island.<ref name=":3" />
From 6 June to 20 October 1929, the West Lake Exposition was held.<ref name=":210">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Rp The exposition showcased Chinese merchandise and cultureTemplate:Mdashparticularly those of Hangzhou and JiangnanTemplate:Mdashto a global audience.<ref name=":210" />Template:Rp The event included patriotic education and the dissemination of political messages through its Revolutionary Memorial Hall, Revolutionary Memorial Tower, and Revolutionary Memorial Hall Library.<ref name=":210" />Template:Rp
In March 1937, Zhou Enlai and Chiang Kai-shek held a secret meeting at Yanxia Cave near the lake to negotiate a coalition against Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War.<ref name=":3" />
The Japanese seized Hangzhou in December 1937.<ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Under Japanese rule, deforestation of the mountains surrounding West Lake led to rapid silting of the lake from soil erosion, due to a lack of maintenance.<ref name=":16" /> A Japanese shrine was built by the lake in October 1939, intended as a site for celebrations of the Japanese mid-autumn festival to familiarise the city's Chinese citizens with Shintoism.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> With the Japanese surrender in 1945, tourism at West Lake flourished once again, although the city itself faced severe economic challenges due to hyperinflation.<ref name=":3" />
The Communists took Hangzhou shortly after the Nationalist retreat from the city to preserve West Lake's cultural relics in 1949. In the 1950s, major hydrological works, along with other construction projects, took place, to exemplify socialist achievements.<ref name=":2">Template:Harvnb</ref> Hangzhou Botanical Garden and a flower garden was opened on the lake's west shore. The parks of Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond and Orioles Singing in the Willows were constructed. Lingyin Temple, Jingci Temple, Yue-Wang Temple, Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, Mid-Lake Pavilion and other spots were renovated.
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Since 1953, Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party Mao Zedong stayed periodically at West Lake every year until his death in 1976.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> To ensure his safety, the local government forcibly relocated residents suspected of connections with the Nationalists to labour camps. Shops near the lake were acquired by the state, and undercover security personnel were stationed at over 100 shops in the area. The tombs of notable figures—including Wu Song, Fang La, Yu Qian, Zhang Cangshui, Su Manshu, Su Xiaoxiao, and the Stuart family—as well as the temples of Yue Fei and Wen Tianxiang, were damaged or destroyed.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), Liutong Temple and another temple were destroyed. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai ordered the closure of the Lingyin Temple to prevent it from being damaged, but repairs were later made to many scenic sites, due to the visits by the exiled Cambodian prince Norodom Sihanouk in 1971 and the American president Richard Nixon in 1972.<ref name=":3" />
After 1976, tourism to the lake revitalised. In 1983, the Hangzhou government refurbished temples and pavilions upon the lake. They also expanded Galloping Tiger Spring and established Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer Park. The new site Exploring Plum Blossoms at Ling Peak was introduced, complemented by cultural events at Huanglong Cave and Ruan Gong Islet. In 1984, local media and societies held public vote to select the new "Ten Scenes" of the lake. In 1985, a pump at Zhakou to draw 300,000 cubic meters of water daily, were built to refresh the water in the lake. A sewage interception project, completed in 1981, installed over 17 kilometres of buried tunnels and 10 pumping stations. In 2000, the West Lake exposition was relaunched, drawing 1.4 million visitors. In 2002, Leifeng Pagoda was rebuilt where it collapsed in 1924.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During the 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit and the 2023 Asian Games, West Lake State Guest House was where General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping met with foreign guests, such as Barack Obama<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Narendra Modi.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
General layout
The layout of West Lake features "one hill, two pagodas, three islets, four causeways and five lakes." Among them, ten classic scenic places are collectively known as the "Ten Scenes of West Lake".
Gushan
Gushan (Template:Lang), literally "Orphan" or "Solitary Island", is the only natural island on West Lake. Connected to the northern shore by Xiling Bridge and Bai Causeway, Gushan and Bai Causeway separate the North Inner Lake from the Outer West Lake. In local folklore, the island is grouped with the Broken Bridge and the Long Bridge as the "Three Oddities of West Lake": the Broken Bridge is not broken, Solitary Island is not solitary, and the Long Bridge is not long. During the Qing dynasty, Gushan became part of a detached palace for emperors visiting Hangzhou. Wenlan Pavilion, the royal library on the island, housed a valuable collection of literary works and rare texts. After the 1911 revolution, the palace grounds were transformed into Zhongshan Park to honor Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the revolution. The Wenlan Pavilion and other former palace buildings were incorporated into the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, while a new building next to the Pavilion was completed in 1912 to host the Zhejiang Library.Template:Citation needed
Two pagodas
Leifeng Pagoda (Template:Lang), originally built in 975, is located on Sunset Hill. According to local tales, it plays a central role in the legend of the White Snake. Leifeng Pagoda was rebuilt in 2002 after the original structure collapsed in 1924, and it remains a popular tourist spot with stunning views of the lake.<ref name="monuments" />
Baochu Pagoda (Template:Lang, built in 963, stands on Precious Stone Hill. Unlike the more elaborate Leifeng Pagoda, Baochu is a slender, simple structure believed to have been built to pray for the safe return of a local official.<ref name="monuments" />
Three islets
There are three artificial islets on West Lake: Lesser Yingzhou Islet, Mid-Lake Pavilion, and Ruan Gong Islet. Each was constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties by dredging lake sediment.
- Lesser Yingzhou Islet (Template:Lang, also known as Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, is especially famous for the small stone pagodas that rise from the water around it. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, these pagodas are lit, creating a scene called "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon", which has become one of the "Ten Scenes of West Lake."
- Mid-Lake or Lake-Heart Pavilion (Template:Lang), the smallest of the three, is a pavilion surrounded by the Outer West Lake. It is renowned for Zhang Dai's essay on watching the snow from the pavilion.
- Ruan Gong Islet (Template:Lang), constructed in 1800, is named after Ruan Yuan, who was the Governor of Zhejiang at the time. Currently, the islet is not open to visitors, as it serves as a natural reserve.
Four causeways
Three major causeways divide West Lake into five sections, which include:<ref name="elements">Template:Harvnb</ref>
- Bai Causeway (Template:Lang) – Originally called the White Sand Causeway, it was naturally formed before the Tang dynasty (618–907) and reinforced between 766 and 779. The causeway collapsed during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) and was rebuilt in 1589. By the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), the causeway became known as the Bai Causeway in memory of Bai Juyi and by analogy with the Su Causeway.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su Causeway (Template:Lang) – Built in 1089 under the direction of Su Shi during his term as prefect, this causeway, along with six bridges to allow ferry passages, connects Quyuan on the north shore to Huagang on the south shore. It separates the Inner Lake from the outer West Lake.
- Yanggong Causeway (Template:Lang) – Constructed in 1508 by local official Yang Mengying (Template:Lang) to mitigate flooding, this causeway features six bridges that facilitate ferry access between the Inner Lake and the Outer Lake.
Additionally, Zhaogong Causeway (Template:Lang), also known as the Jinsha Causeway,<ref name=":17">Template:Harvnb</ref> was built in 1242, connecting Quyuan to the Su Causeway. It was named after Zhao Yuchou (Template:Lang), then prefect of Lin'an.
Five lakes
The current lake, roughly oval in shape, was dredged during past dynasties and spans 3.3 km from north to south, 2.8 km from east to west, with a shoreline circumference of 15 km and a total water area of 5.6 square kilometres. Divided by Gushan Hill, the Su Causeway, and the Bai Causeway, it consists of five distinct water bodies interconnected by bridge arches.<ref name="elements" /><ref name=":17" />
- The Main Lake is bordered by Hubin Road to the east, Su Causeway to the west, Nanshan Road to the south, and Bai Causeway to the north.<ref name=":17" />
- The West Inner Lake lies west of the Su Causeway.<ref name=":17" />
- The North Inner Lake, also known as the Back Lake or the Inner Lake, extends from Duanqiao Bridge in the east to Xiling Bridge in the west, Gushan Hill to the south, and Beishan Street to the north.<ref name=":17" />
- Yuehu Lake is located south of Yue Fei's Temple, west of the Su Causeway, and south of the Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden. Sources from the Republic of China era identify it as lying north of the Inner Lake, separated by the Zhaogong Causeway. This lake is likely named after Yue Fei's Tomb, though earlier documentation is unavailable.<ref name=":17" />
- Lesser South Lake lies north of Nanshan Road, west of the Su Causeway, and south of the Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond sight. Republican-era records describe it as situated west of Yinbo Bridge and south of Guanyu Pavilion.<ref name=":17" />
Ten scenes
Traditionally, there are ten classic scenic spots on West Lake, each remembered by a four-character epithet. Collectively, they are known as the Ten Scenes of West Lake, of which the rating dates back to the Song dynasty. Each is marked by a stele with an epithet written in the calligraphy of the Qianlong Emperor.<ref name=":02">Template:Cite journal</ref> The ten scenes include:<ref name=":42">Template:Cite web</ref>
| English translation<ref name=":42" /> | Simplified Chinese name | Traditional Chinese name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Dawn at Su Causeway | 苏堤春晓 | 蘇堤春曉 | Views of the lake from the centre of the Su Causeway<ref name=":5">Template:Cite report</ref> |
| Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden | Template:Lang | Template:Lang | Views of gardens with lotus at north end of the Su Causeway during the summer<ref name=":5" /> |
| Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Lang | Views from the northeast of the main lake toward the three islands, with hills to the west, south, and east sides of West Lake<ref name=":5" /> | |
| Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Lang | Template:Lang | View toward the Broken Bridge at the eastern end of Bai Causeway, extending westward beyond.<ref name=":5" /> |
| Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow | Template:Lang | Leifeng Pagoda, or the Leifeng Hill where the pagoda stands,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in the sunset | |
| Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon | Template:Lang | Three small stone pagodas near the artificial island of Lesser Yingzhou, with lanterns that reflect on the lake's surface alongside the moonlight | |
| Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Lang | Template:Lang | Originally a royal garden of the Song dynasty, a park filled with willows swaying with the wind and singing birds |
| Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Lang | Template:Lang | On rainy or misty days, parts of the South and North Peaks seem to emerge and disappear within the clouds, with their tops still visible above the mist |
| Viewing Fish at Flower Pond<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Lang | Template:Lang | Views of ponds with goldfish in a floral garden between the Small South Lake and Inner West Lake in the west.<ref name=":5" /> |
| Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill | Template:Lang | Template:Lang | The sound of bells at the Jingci Temple at the Nanping Hill. |
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Spring Dawn at Su Causeway
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Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden
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Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake
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Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge
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Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow
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Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon
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Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves
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Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
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Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond
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Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill
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Architecture
Temples and monasteries
Buddhism's roots around West Lake extend back to the 4th century with the establishment of Lingyin Temple and Tianzhu Temple. During the Five Dynasties period (907–960), the Wuyue rulers, who were devoted Buddhists, initiated extensive temple construction in the region. Notable temples from this period include Jingci Temple on Nanping Hill, Yunqi Temple in Fan Village, and Shangtianzhu Temple on Tianzhu Hill. In addition to these temples, pagodas such as Liuhe, Leifeng, and Baochu were erected, along with intricate stone Buddhist carvings in Yanxia Cave, Shiwu Cave, and on Feilaifeng Peak. During the Song Dynasty, Lingyin Temple and Jingci Temple gained recognition as two of the "Five Mountains and Ten Temples." Across the West Lake Scenic Area, there are 30 Buddhist sites officially designated as protected heritage sites.<ref name="monuments" /> The Baopu Taoist Monastery, rebuilt in the 17th century, enshrines Ge Hong, a prominent Taoist scholar, alchemist, and medical scientist, who conducted Taoist practices and alchemical experiments on Geling Ridge near West Lake.<ref name="monuments" />
Tombs and memorial halls
Yue Fei's Tomb and Temple serve as a memorial to Yue Fei, a legendary figure in Chinese history known for his loyalty and filial piety. Built in 1163, the tomb honours Yue Fei as a national hero and epitomises the Confucian values that have deeply influenced Chinese society for centuries.<ref name="monuments" /> Tomb of Su Xiao Xiao is located near the Xiling Bridge on West Lake's north bank.
Pavilions and monuments
Wenlan Pavilion, built in 1784 and rebuilt in 1880, was the only one that exists library among the four libraries commissioned by the Qing imperial family for the collection of The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries.<ref name="monuments" />
Gardens and parks
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The northeastern shore of West Lake features Hubin Park, a series of six connected parks along the lakefront, surrounded by upscale shopping centers and hotels. At Park No. 3, visitors can enjoy a musical fountain with free performances every evening. To the northwest, Hangzhou Flower Nursery and Hangzhou Botanical Garden showcase a diverse array of flowers and plants. In the southwest, Taiziwan Park and Huagang Park draw visitors in spring with colorful tulips and seasonal blossoms. On the southeastern shore, Liulangwenying Park and Changqiao Park offer scenic views and spaces for relaxation.
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Around West Lake, several historic private gardens have been preserved. Liu Villa, on the northwest shore, was originally a private Qing-dynasty garden reflecting classic Chinese landscape design. Today, it serves as the West Lake State Guest House, a luxury hotel known for hosting important events and guests. Wang Villa, on the southwestern corner of the lake, was also built during the Qing dynasty and has since been restored as part of Xizi Hotel. Jiang Villa, on the eastern shore near the Lakeside area, now operates as the Lakeside Tea House. Guo Villa, located on the northwestern shore at the foot of Gushan near Qixia Ridge, is one of Hangzhou's best-preserved Qing-dynasty gardens and is open to the public as a government-run park.
Modern architecture
West Lake is home to many Western-style residences constructed during the Republic of China era (1911–1949). On Gushan, notable sites include the Memorial Pavilion to Sun Yat-sen, the former residences of Du Yuesheng and Chiang Kai-shek, as well as Yiyunji Lu Villa. Along Beishan Road, significant landmarks feature the Former Residence of Chiang Ching-kuo and various villas such as Run Lu, Ru Lu, Xing Lu, and Baoqing, in addition to notable hotels like Hangzhou Hotel, Xinxin Hotel, and Qiushui Villa. The eastern shore also hosts historic structures including Shihan Jingshe Villa, Long Bridge Villa, Guo Villa, and the former residence of Huang Fu. Modern architecture complements these historical sites, with buildings such as the West Lake Museum and a range of luxury hotels like the Grand Hyatt Hangzhou, upscale shopping centers, such as the Hubin Yintai in77 complex.
Hydrology
With a catchment area spanning 21.22 square kilometers, the lake supports an annual runoff and storage volume of about 14 million cubic meters each. The lake draws around 120 million cubic meters of water annually from the Qiantang River. Natural inflows come from the Jinsha, Longhong, Qishan (also known as Huiyin), and Changqiao streams. The lake's water level is maintained at a consistent Yellow Sea reference level of 7.15 meters, fluctuating by only ±0.05 meters. Seasonal water levels range from a high of 7.70 meters to a low of 6.92 meters, with a variation of approximately 50 centimeters. With a storage capacity of about 14.3 million cubic meters, the lake averages 2.27 meters in depth, reaching a maximum of 5 meters and a minimum of less than 1 meter. Average annual precipitation directly over the lake amounts to 5.63 million cubic meters, while the lake's water system has a scour coefficient of 1.49. During dry seasons, when the reservoir gate is closed, the flow rate drops to zero, and even during the flood season, it rarely exceeds 0.05 m/s.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref>
Located on the southeastern edge of China's hilly regions and the northern boundary of the subtropical zone, West Lake receives an annual solar radiation of 100–110 kcal/cm2 and enjoys 1,800–2,100 sunshine hours per year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Due to Hangzhou's mild climate, West Lake seldom freezes during winter. The last complete freezing of the lake occurred in January 1977, when the city experienced extreme cold, with temperatures plunging to a record low of −8.6 °C. Partial and temporary freezing, however, is observed almost annually, contingent on weather conditions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Flora
West Lake is surrounded by rich and varied vegetation. Within the nominated area, there are 1,369 species of spermatophytes from 739 genera in 184 families, including 28 gymnosperm species from 19 genera in 7 families and 1,273 angiosperm species from 675 genera in 150 families. Additionally, there are 68 species of pteridophytes from 45 genera in 27 families.<ref name=":23">Template:Harvnb</ref>
Seasonal flowers
The four main seasonal flowers of the West Lake landscape—peach blossoms, lotus flowers, osmanthus, and plum blossoms—are closely connected to Hangzhou's cultural heritage such as the Ten Scenes of West Lake. These plants embody the concept of integrating seasonal beauty into the landscape design of these scenic areas.<ref name=":24">Template:Harvnb</ref>
- Peach trees and willows line the shores and causeways, adding colour to the lake during spring and early summer. On the Su and Bai Causeways, one willow are typically intercropped with one peach, a pattern designed by Su Shi in the 11th century.<ref name=":24" />
- Lotus flowers are grown in 14 designated areas covering around 20 hectares, primarily found in the North Inner Lake and Yuehu Lake.<ref name=":24" />
- Osmanthus trees are widely planted throughout the gardens along the banks of the lake, with Manjuelong and the Hangzhou Botanical Garden being the most notable spots for their dense plantings and fragrant blooms in autumn.<ref name=":24" />
- The plum blossom, which represents steadfastness and purity in Chinese culture, are grown in Lingfeng Hill, Gushan Hill, and the Xixi Stream.<ref name=":24" />
Longjing tea
The Longjing Tea Plantation is nestled in the hills to the west of West Lake and is renowned for producing Longjing tea, a variety that thrives due to the unique geographical conditions of the area. The tea plants are cultivated on the slopes of these hills, arranged on curved or open terraces near brooks in neatly organised plots. This region benefits from a monsoonal humid climate typical of the northern subtropical zone, characterised by distinct seasons, adequate rainfall, and year-round moisture. The plantation's micro-climate, influenced by its location between the Qiantang River to the north and the Jiuxi Streams to the south, creates a foggy and misty environment ideal for tea growth, especially in spring. The surrounding hills, such as Tianzhu Hill and Beigao Peak, protect the area from cold winds, while the valley leading to the Qiantang River draws in humid air, maintaining a warm, wet climate.<ref name=":24" />
Ancient trees
The area around West Lake also features numerous ancient and rare trees, many associated with historic temples and monasteries such as Lingyin Temple and Tianzhu Temple, as well as Wushan and Gushan Hills. Among these, 125 trees from 22 species are over 300 years old, serving as living records of the region's ecological history.<ref name=":23" />
Economy
According to the Hangzhou Statistical Bureau, in 2017, the West Lake Scenic Area recorded a gross regional product of 112.11 billion yuan (approximately 16.70 billion US dollars). The services sector contributed around 90% of this figure, while manufacturing accounted for roughly 10%, and agriculture contributed less than 0.1%. The GDP per capita for the region was 136,330 yuan (approximately 20,302 US dollars).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Tourism
Recognised as a National Key Scenic Resort in 1982 and designated a national AAAAA tourist destination in 2006, the West Lake Scenic Area is one of China's most popular tourist attractions and a significant cultural landmark.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2002, the municipal government removed the park walls, allowing free access to most areas around the lake. This made West Lake the first major tourist destination to eliminate admission fees, with the aim of boosting the sales of nearby restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.<ref name=":20" />
Despite most scenic spots around the lake being free, the non-free scenic spots within the scenic area include Hangzhou Zoo, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Mulan Mountain Tea Garden, Feilai Peak Scenic Area (with Lingyin Temple inside), Guo Villa, Yue Fei Temple, Yellow Dragon Cave, Liuhe Pagoda Park, Galloping Tiger Park, Bamboo-Lined Path at Yunqi, City God Pavilion, Wansong Academy, Children's Park, the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan and the Leifeng Pagoda.
Each year, the scenic area receive more than 30 million visitors.<ref name=":25">Template:Cite journal</ref> During public holidays, West Lake is one of the most crowded scenic spots in China.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the 2024 National Day holiday, the area recorded 4.426 million visitors over seven days, representing a 30.92% increase compared to the previous year.<ref name=":21" /> Following the free-access policy, the income of the scenic area increased substantially, from 29.4 billion yuan in 2002 to 400.5 billion yuan in 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This strategic move contributed to the area's economic resilience during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing dependence on admission fees as a primary source of income.<ref name=":20" />
Agriculture
Historically, the lake needs to strike a balance between aquaculture and irrigation. By the 6th century, West Lake became an irrigation source, supported by a network of canals aiding rice cultivation. From the 7th century, it provided local residents with fish, aquatic animals (e.g., snails, crabs), and both wild and cultivated plants (e.g., water chestnuts, wild rice shoots), which inspired local cuisine. Absence of intensive management from the government, as seen in the Yuan and Republican era, often led to extensive aquaculture of the lake, while periodic dredging to maintain its irrigation function also temporarily affected habitats and reduced plant food sources. In the 1980s, the annual fish yield peaked at approximately 400 tons but was later reduced to around 250 tons due to regulatory measures aimed at improving water quality.<ref name=":25" />
The Longjing Tea Plantation, situated in the hills west of West Lake, has been a cornerstone of Chinese tea culture for centuries.<ref name=":24" /> Longjing tea, a renowned variety of Chinese green tea, is produced from fresh, non-fermented leaves native to West Lake area.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Before the anti-corruption movement led by Xi Jinping in 2014, Longjing tea was highly valued and often gifted, at times even surpassing the price of gold.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2019, the core West Lake production area yielded 502.35 tons, generating a revenue of 3.22 billion yuan (approximately 465.57 million US dollars).<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Gastronomy
Zhejiang cuisine, one of the eight traditional cuisines of China,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> is renowned for its light, mild flavours with a hint of sweetness.<ref name=":19">Template:Cite web</ref> Thanks to its geographical location, which provides access to an abundance of seasonal ingredients, Hangzhou's branch of Zhejiang cuisine is divided into two main types: lake cuisine and city cuisine.<ref name=":19" /> Historically, these types catered to distinguished officials and the broader population, respectively. Lake cuisine emphasises fish, shrimp, and vegetables, while city cuisine uses more commonly available local meats.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Signature dishes made from West Lake's freshwater fish and lotus root include West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy and Beggar's Chicken.<ref name=":19" /> However, despite its rich tradition, Hangzhou's local cuisine faces declining popularity among younger generations. This is attributed to limited options that effectively balance price and taste, earning the city a reputation as a "food desert."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Culture
Garden designs
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A human-made landscape,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> West Lake exemplifies Chinese landscape aesthetics, symbolising harmony between humans and nature as well as the projection of human emotions onto natural scenery. The poetic names create framed views of scenery to be seen from specific locations.<ref name=":18">Template:Cite journal</ref> West Lake landscape embodies six key elements inspired by Chinese literature:<ref name=":14" />
- Natural hills and waters;
- A spatial arrangement with hills on three sides and the city on the fourth;
- A layout featuring two causeways and three isles;
- The tradition of poetic names for scenic spots;
- Historic monuments and sites;
- Distinctive flora.
Since the Song dynasty, people imitated the views of West Lake in their private gardens, borrowing one or more features of the lake. Such examples include Kunming Lake and the West Causeway at the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Lower Lake at the Summer Retreat in Rehe, the poetic place names at the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden and Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden in Tokyo, Japan.<ref name=":18" /> Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Japan was inspired by bridges over Hangzhou's West Lake.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1989, Japan-China Friendship Garden, which involves a miniature replica of West Lake, was built inside the Gifu Park in Gifu, Japan, in memory of the city's friendly tie with Hangzhou since 1979.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Fine arts
For centuries, West Lake has also been a prominent theme in East Asian landscape painting,<ref name=":11" /> even though many painters may have never seen the lake in person.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite journal</ref> The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (2011) listed more than 500 paintings and calligraphic works that feature West Lake since the Tang dynasty (618–907),<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> while Japanese paintings of the lake may even outnumber the existing Chinese depictions.<ref name=":12" /> In 1928, the National Academy of Art was founded by the lake as the country's first higher education institution in art.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> As a cultural icon of China, it has been featured on Chinese currency, including the one-yuan banknote in the 1979 Bank of China Foreign Exchange Certificate<ref name=":28" /> and the 2005 Renminbi,<ref name=":29" /> as well as in the Chinese passport.<ref name=":30" />
| Country | Location | Name | Type | Age | Author |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art | View of West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Japanese painting | 1496 | Shūgetsu Tōkan |
| Tokyo National Museum | The Scholar Weng Songnian Collecting Water Shields<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Chinese painting | 17th century | Dou Cishan, Weng Songnian | |
| Ten Views of West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Japanese calligraphy | 1720 | Hosoi Kōtaku | ||
| West Lake in Spring, High Tide at Qiantang<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Japanese painting | 18th century | Ike Taiga | ||
| Umi-Mori Art Museum | A fish selling woman and a hermit in West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Woodblock prints | Qing dynasty | N/A | |
| Edo-Tokyo Museum | The Best Scenic Spot in China, Beautiful Views of West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Printed material | 20th century | N/A | |
| The Museum of the Imperial Collections | Chinese Traditional Arch at West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Oil painting | 20th century | Kojima Torajiro | |
| Taiwan | National Palace Museum | Ten Scenes Around West Lake<ref name=":22">Template:Cite web</ref> | Chinese painting | 13th century | Ye Xiaoyan |
| Ten Scenes from West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Chinese painting | 1750 | Dong Bangda | ||
| Imperially Commissioned Set of Ink Sticks with Images and Poems of Famous West Lake Sites<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Studio implements | 18th century | N/A | ||
| National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts | West Lake, in Hang Jou<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Watercolour | 1948 | Ma Pai-sui | |
| Hong Kong | M+ Museum | West Lake | Photography | 1956 | Xue Zijiang |
| Mao in a private meditation, West Lake | 1954 | Hou Bo | |||
| China mainland | 10 sites around West Lake | The Imperial Stele of Ten Scenes of West Lake<ref name=":32">Template:Cite web</ref> | Chinese calligraphy | 1699-1784 | Kangxi and Qianlong emperors |
| Liaoing Provincial Museum | Ten Scenes of West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Chinese painting | 17th century | Wang Yuanqi | |
| United States | Cleveland Museum of Art | West Lake<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Japense painting | mid-1700s | Ike Taiga |
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | West Lake, Hangzhou <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Chinese sketch | 20th century | Xie Zhiliu | |
| Jinshan Island and West Lake | Japense painting | 1630 | Kanō Sanraku | ||
| National Museum of Asian Art | Scenic Attractions of West Lake | Chinese painting | 14th century | Formerly attributed to Li Song |
Popular culture
West Lake has deeply influenced Chinese literature, inspiring poets and writers for centuries. Works by poets such as Bai Juyi, Su Shi, Xu Zhimo, and Hu Shih celebrate its historic sites and natural beauty. The Ming essayist Zhang Dai also honoured the lake in his writings, including Reminiscence and Dream of Tao'an and Search for West Lake in Dreams. In folklore, West Lake serves as the setting for several popular tales, including The Legend of the White Snake,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":13">Template:Cite book</ref> the stories of Ji Gong,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":13" /> and Butterfly Lovers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":13" />
During the 1920s and 1930s, West Lake was a prominent theme in popular film music. The Cantonese songwriter Lü Wencheng composed the classic Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake and Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon during his 1930s visit, while Tan Peiyun contributed Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves. These compositions are now considered staples of Cantonese music. The 1959 violin concerto Butterfly Lovers, inspired by the Yue Opera adaptation, remains a celebrated piece in Chinese orchestral repertoire. Between 2004 and 2008, Wang Guoping compiled *The West Lake Series*, which includes the extensive Collection of Documents about West Lake (30 volumes) and The Complete Library of West Lake (50 volumes).
The influence of West Lake extends to film and performance. The 2005 Hong Kong film A West Lake Moment, directed by Yim Ho and Yang Zi. Since 2006, the Hangzhou Art Week has been rebranded as the Spring of West Lake Art Festival. In 2007, director Zhang Yimou launched Impression West Lake, a popular and ongoing lakeside performance. Additionally, the West Lake International Documentary Festival, initiated in 2017, has become a significant event in China's film scene.
Toponymy
The following places are named after or associated with West Lake:
- Administrative division: Xihu Subdistrict, Xihu District, Hubin Subdistrict
- Roads: Xihu Avenue, Hubin Road, Hubin Park, West Lake Tunnel
- Schools: West Lake Primary School, Hangzhou West Lake Senior High School, Hangzhou West Lake Vocational High School, Westlake University
- Buildings: West Lake Cultural Plaza, West Lake Cinema, West Lake Museum, West Lake State Guest House, Xizi Hotel
- Lakes: Slender West Lake of Yangzhou, West Lake of Huizhou<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Festivals: West Lake International Documentary Festival, West Lake Day
See also
References
Citations
Sources
Further reading
External links
Template:Commons category Template:Wiktionary Template:Wikivoyage
- Ten Classic Scenes of West Lake in History Template:Webarchive
- XI-HU (THE WEST LAKE), World Lake Database
- 1936 Map of Hangzhou West Lake, Academia Sinica
Template:World Heritage Sites in China Template:Lakes of China Template:Chinese garden styles Template:Authority control