Travelogue: Getting to know Hangzhou’s famous West Lake

Eulogized by literati, admired by emperors and romanticized by lovers, China’s West Lake has captivated and charmed people for centuries. The mesmerizing hills topped with majestic pagodas, the willow-lined waters on which vessels dreamily drift, the footpaths lined with benches perfect for meditating… Everything comes together to produce picture-perfect scenery, and each vantage point offers a view as breathtaking as it is unique.

Situated in the eastern city of Hangzhou, West Lake is one of China’s most-loved tourist destinations. With its pristine environment and internationally celebrated reputation, West Lake is said to epitomize synchronicity between nature and humans, and generations of Chinese people have contributed to maintaining this delicate harmony. The designs of the lake’s parks have also served as the inspiration for gardens all over China as well as some in other countries, such as Japan and South Korea.

Eulogized by literati, admired by emperors and romanticized by lovers, China’s West Lake has captivated and charmed people for centuries. The mesmerizing hills topped with majestic pagodas, the willow-lined waters on which vessels dreamily drift, the footpaths lined with benches perfect for meditating… Everything comes together to produce picture-perfect scenery, and each vantage point offers a view as breathtaking as it is unique.

Situated in the eastern city of Hangzhou, West Lake is one of China’s most-loved tourist destinations. With its pristine environment and internationally celebrated reputation, West Lake is said to epitomize synchronicity between nature and humans, and generations of Chinese people have contributed to maintaining this delicate harmony. The designs of the lake’s parks have also served as the inspiration for gardens all over China as well as some in other countries, such as Japan and South Korea.

In 2011, West Lake was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as the body of water and its surrounding hills boast not only natural beauty but also important historical relics, such as Jingci and Lingyin, two prominent Buddhist temples.

Many West Lake visitors also stop by Su Xiaoxiao’s tomb. According to legend, she was a fifth-century courtesan who waited endlessly for her lover to return, and ultimately died of grief. Some say that at night, clinking can be heard near her burial site – apparently the sound of the bells on her dress.

The story of White Snake is set around West Lake, with Leifeng Pagoda being the place where the snake spirit was imprisoned after trying to rescue her lover. Discovering stories such as these highlights the mystery of old Chinese legends and eras that have gone by.

Although Hangzhou China today is a buzzing and energetic metropolis, the pace of life around West Lake remains decidedly slow and serene. Families stroll across the bridges, snap pictures of the surroundings, and sit in awe admiring a scene that has captivated so many generations. The dreamy panoramas are a source of great calm, and any visitor lucky enough to see West Lake in person is sure to bring a piece of tranquility home with them.

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Country: China
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