The Legend of the White Snake (白蛇传) is one of China's most beloved and enduring folktales, part of the country's Four Great Folktales. This timeless story follows Bai Suzhen, a kind-hearted white snake spirit who transforms into a woman and falls in love with Xu Xian, a mortal man. Their romance is tested by misunderstandings, societal norms, and the intervention of the monk Fahai, who seeks to separate them.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hangzhou's West Lake and other iconic locations, the tale weaves themes of love, sacrifice, and the eternal conflict between the mortal and the supernatural. Today, you can step into this legendary love story with eight themed travel routes in Hangzhou. From historic landmarks to modern interpretations, these routes bring the legend to life in unforgettable ways.
1. Love Across the West Lake
Board a traditional hand-rowed boat on West Lake and immerse yourself in its tranquil beauty. Pass by the historic site of the ancient Fengle Tower near the old Yongjin Gate, marvel at the majestic Leifeng Pagoda—an iconic symbol of the legend—and stop at the island of Xiaoyingzhou to capture stunning views of both Leifeng Pagoda and the famous “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.”
Locations:
Hubin Second Park Pier: Within the Second Park of West Lake Scenic Area
Old Yongjin Gate: Nanshan Road
Leifeng Pagoda: No. 15, Nanshan Road
Xiaoyingzhou: West Lake waters
2. Waiting a Thousand Years for One Encounter
Retrace the steps of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xia's legendary romance. Visit Yuhuang Mountain, where Bai Suzhen descended to the mortal world, and the Broken Bridge (Duanqiao), where the couple first met. Explore the West Lake's Xiling Seal Art Society, where the epic duel between Bai Suzhen and Fahai was filmed for the TV series. Finally, stop by Hu Qingyu Tang, the pharmacy where Xu Xian studied medicine.
Locations:
Yuhuang Mountain: Yuhuang Mountain Park, West Lake Scenic Area
Hu Qingyu Tang Pharmacy: No. 95, Dajing Lane
Broken Bridge: Intersection of Beishan Street and Bai Causeway
Gushan Park: No. 3, Gushan North Road
Xiling Seal Art Society: No. 31, Gushan Road
3. Dreaming of a Floating Life
The 2024 animated film White Snake: Afloat brought new attention to Hangzhou's hidden gems. Visit Hefang Street, the location of Bao An Tang pharmacy in the film. Stroll through Liulangwenying Park, where Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing practiced swordplay beneath the willows, and picture Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian drifting across the lotus-filled waters at Quyuan Fenghe.
Locations:
Datong Lane: Shangcheng District
Qinghefang Historical Street: No. 180, Hefang Street
Liulangwenying: No. 87, Nanshan Road
Quyuan Fenghe (Curved Yard and Lotus Pool): No. 89, Beishan Street
4. Symbols of the Sacred Snake
Archaeological discoveries have revealed snake patterns on pottery and ceremonial vessels from the Liangzhu culture, suggesting that snakes were once revered as sacred symbols or tribal totems. At the Liangzhu Museum, view these ancient artifacts before walking the snake-shaped "Heartbeat Path" at Yuhu Park, where modern art and industrial design meet.
Locations:
Pingyao Old Street: No. 14, Waiyao Street, Yuhang District
China National Archives of Publications and Culture: No. 1, Wenrun Road, Pingyao Town, Yuhang District
Liangzhu Museum: No. 1, Meilizhou Road, Liangzhu Subdistrict, Yuhang District
Yuhu Park: Intersection of Hangxing Road and Liangyun Road
5. The Path of Love Poems
In the Peking Opera The Legend of the White Snake: A Stroll by the Lake, Xu Xian sings the lines: "My humble home lies outside Qingbo Gate, west of the small bridge near King Qian's Temple." Starting from King Qian's Temple, near Xu Xia's home, you can walk to the now-viral "Path of Love Poems," a winding, snake-shaped walkway weaving through the woods. It is said that the design of this unique pathway was inspired by The Legend of the White Snake.
Locations:
Qianwang Temple: No. 11, Nanshan Road
Changqiao Park: Nanshan Road
White Snake Crossing Bridge: No. 89, Wansongling Road
Wansong Academy: No. 81, Wansongling Road
6. Blessings of the White Snake
Visit the Amphibian and Reptile Pavilion at Hangzhou Zoo to see white snakes and other fascinating creatures. At Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park, learn about the symbolic significance of snakes in Chinese zodiac culture. Stroll along the Qiantang River, a backdrop for the dragon boat race in White Snake: Floating Life, and hike through Jiuxi Shibajian, where Xu Xian is said to have gathered medicinal herbs.
Locations:
Hangzhou Zoo: No. 40, Hupao Road
Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park: No. 16, Zhijiang Road
Jiuxi Yan Shu (Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies): Longjing Village, near Jiuxi Road
7. Dancing with the Legend
Enjoy a live performance of The Legend of the White Snake at Hangzhou Songcheng, then explore Zhejiang's Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, where you can see artifacts and participate in themed activities like block printing. Finally, visit Yichuang Town, where the White Snake animated series was created, and stop by Lingshan Scenic Area for a cosplay performance inspired by the legend.
Locations:
Hangzhou Songcheng: No. 148, Zhijiang Road, Xihu District
Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum: Zhijiang Cultural Center, Zhuantang Subdistrict, Xihu District
Yichuang Town Phoenix Creative International: No. 1, Chuangyi Road, Xihu District
Lingshan Scenic Area: Shuangpu Town, Xihu District
8. Crafting the Legend
The Legend of the White Snake preserves many traditional Chinese crafts, such as oil-paper umbrellas, folding fans, and silk textiles. Stroll along the Grand Canal at Gongchen Bridge, then visit the Handicraft Live Museum, the China Umbrella Museum, the China Fan Museum, and the Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum to experience Hangzhou’s classical artistry.
Locations:
Gongchen Bridge: Near Qiaonong Street, Gongshu District
Handicraft Live Museum: No. 10-1, Qiaonong Street, Gongshu District
China Fan Museum: No. 450, Xiaohe Road, Gongshu District
China Umbrella Museum: No. 336, Xiaohe Road, Gongshu District
Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum: No. 334, Xiaohe Road, Gongshu District
Whether you're a fan of the Legend of the White Snake or simply looking to explore Hangzhou's rich cultural heritage, these eight themed routes provide an unforgettable journey through history, art, and the timeless romance of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian. Let the legend come alive as you walk in their footsteps and discover the magic of Hangzhou.