West Lake (Xi Hu)
West Lake Scenic Area is a famous national scenic area in Hangzhou. The whole scenic area is centered at the West Lake with mountains on three sides. Therefore, the areas along the banks are infused with greenery.
West Lake covers an area of 60 square kilometers with a water area of 5.68 square kilometers. Over 90 historical sites and scenic spots act as a colorful garland beautifying the whole area.
West Lake resembles a natural picture that tells people of an appealing story. No matter one who is live here or just pass by; they are all attracted by this peerless beauty.
Su Causeway and Bai Causeway divide the West Lake into five parts, Wai Lake, Li Lake, Yue Lake, Xili Lake and the Xiaonan Lake. The Bai Causeway goes from Solitary Hill (Gu Shan) to Duan Qiao. The Su Causeway traverses the West Lake from south to north. Built at the bequest of Su Dongpo who was a famous poet of the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127).
Ten Spots of West Lake appeared in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). They are Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Lotus Stirred by Breeze in Quyuan Garden, Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, Melting Snow Scene on the Duan Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, Leifeng Pagoda Silhouette against the Sunset, Doubles Peaks Kissing the Sky, Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Every one has its own distinctive feature. In addition, as a whole, they represented the distillates of West Lake during the ancient times.
The new Ten Spots of West Lake were decided via public appraisal in 1985. No matter if thee new or the old, the bewitching sites of West Lake show tourists a great charm all year round.
| Admission Fee: | Free |
Solitary Hill (Gu Shan)Solitary Hill is the largest island in West Lake. It occupies an area of 20 hectares with a height of 38 meters. Now over thirty scenic spots can be found here.
Picturesque sceneries are the distinctive feature of Solitary Hill. Of all, snow provides the most enchanting scene on the Solitary Hill. After snow, the bright, reflected sunlight seem soft and warm. If boating on the lake after snow, the hill with a 'silver' cover will be sure to remind you of a sparkling and limpid jade building.
The hill is abundant in plum blossoms. A famous Northern Song hermit, Lin Bu once lived in seclusion here. He did not marry. Through all his life, his beloved plum trees and cranes were accompanied him. Hence he is famous for having a 'plum' wife and 'crane' children.
Zhongshan Park, located in the center of the Solitary Hill, is built on the site of an imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). In memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the name was changed to Zhongshan Park in 1927.
One can get there by public bus No. 7.
Admission Fee: CNY 5
Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30
The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is easy to get to, and is located at the foot of Qixia Hill, near West Lake.
From its name, we know that the mausoleum, built in memory of a famous national hero, Yue Fei (1103 - 1142). Yue Fei was the chief general of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279) during the battle against the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234). However, a few treacherous court officials persecuted him to his death. After 21 years, Emperor Song Xiaozong (reigning from 1162 to 1189) ordered the exoneration of Yue Fei from the unwarranted crime and had his remains interred here.
In front of the Mausoleum stands a gate. Going through the gate and along a corridor, you will see the Mausoleum of Yue Fei at the center flanked by the tomb of his son, Yue Yun to the left. In front of the tomb gate, four iron figures kneel with hands behind their backs. Those figures are the statues of Qin Hui, Qin's wife, Zhang Jun, etc. It was them they who betrayed Yue Fei and caused his death.
| Admission Fee: | CNY 25 |
| Bus Route: | 7, 15, 27, 28 |