West Lake (Xihu)

Surrounded by hills on three sides while Hangzhou city itself is on the eastern shore, West Lake, also called Xihu, is the pride of Hangzhou with intoxicating beauty. There are 10 famous distinctive scenic spots, e.g. Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring, Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer, Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter, that make the West Lake a charming fairyland with endless interest.

West Lake is also a favorite place to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city. After work or on weekends, city-dwellers come to meet along the shores of West Lake to stroll or "eat some tea," (an expression the Chinese use for drinking a cup of tea full of Dragonwell tea leaves). If you do come, spring is the best time to visit Hangzhou. Flowers and blossoming fruit trees will be abundant, lining the lake and causeways while filling the air with sweetness and romance.