West Lake is spanned by Bai Causeway (白堤) and Su Causeway (苏堤), which resemble two flowing ribbons.

 

With weeping willow trees and dazzling peach blossoms, Bai Causeway’s beauty reaches its pinnacle during early spring. This one-kilometer-long embankment was named after Bai Juyi, a renowned poet and governor of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In days gone by, spring outings on horseback were a highlight on the calendar of local elites. The intoxicating scenery here has always been inspiring. Nowadays, people from all over the world stroll around to soak up the beauty, which time fails to despoil.

A stone’s throw away from Shangri-la Hotel is the 2.8km-long Su Causeway, which spreads out on a north-south axis and is dotted with six arched bridges. The millennium-old boulevard was the result of thousands of laborers’ painstaking dredging efforts. Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, epitomizes the prime charm of this causeway. Through the rest of the year, one can still derive much pleasure by biking or hiking along this picturesque “gallery”.

 

There are nine icons dispersed haphazardly along the northern bank of West Lake, from the most famous to the lesser-known. They are: Yue Fei’s Temple and Tomb (岳庙，岳坟),Precious Stone Hill (宝石山), Baochu Pagoda (保俶塔), Yellow Dragon Cave(黄龙洞), Zhejiang Library (浙江图书馆), Baopu Taoist Temple (抱朴道院), Ge Hill (葛岭) and Purple Cloud Cave (紫云洞). For western friends, the story of Yue Fei (岳飞), a patriotic military general living in the Southern Song Dynasty, is more appealing than the tomb and memorial hall set up in his honor. Yellow Dragon Cave, which nestles at the foot of Precious Stone Hill topped by the Baochu Pagoda, radiates with rustic flavor.

For those seeking contemplation, it is a most ideal site. With exuberant trees, it is a perfect summer resort. Filled with assorted activities including dancing, singing and Yue opera performance (越剧) all year around, it shines as a hub of activities. Not far from Yellow Dragon Cave is Zhejiang Library (浙江图书馆), the fourth largest library in China. Among its collection of 4.7 million books, the block-printed editions dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and rare hand-copied books are invaluable treasures. Baopu Taoist Temple (抱朴道院) is the only one of its kind in Zhejiang province. Though paling in comparison to the touristy Lingyin Monastery, it is still a good place to sample Taoism undisturbed. 

To the west of West Lake, the main attractions including Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), Peaking Flying from Afar (飞来峰), Three Temples at Tianzhu (天竺三寺), Hangzhou Botanical Garden (杭州植物园), Visiting Lingfeng for Spring Mume Blossoms (灵峰探梅) and Jade Spring (玉泉) might beckon for those wanting to savor enticing natural scenery and the allure of Buddhism.

Lingyin Temple, a 1700-year-old prestigious pilgrimage destination, offers an authentic glimpse into the mysterious divine world of Buddhism. Opposite sits Peak Flying from Afar, where you can see over 340 life-size and vivid stone statues. Hangzhou Botanic Garden is famous for mume blossoms during winter, fluorescent colored carps all year around and chrysanthemum exhibitions held each autumn. 

 

 

The south bank of West Lake is strewn with a network of sights. Among which, Pagoda of Six Harmonies (六和塔), Song Dynasty Town (宋城), Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies, Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, Westlake International Golf & Country Club (西湖高尔夫俱乐部) sparkle as super stars.

Pagoda of Six Harmonies, a statuesque and ancient pagoda, is striking in appearance and rich in history. Ascending the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the mighty Qiantang River and the sprawling high rises gracing its southern bank. Qiantang River divides Hangzhou both physically and culturally. It is a transitional area where history meets modernity. Thanks to the formidable Qiantang, the Tidal Bore occurring during the eighth lunar month,  has gained international attention. Song Dynasty Town is a giant artificial theme park. “Give me one day, I will give you one thousand years”, so exclaims this newly rising star. Entering it, you will can rub shoulders with Chinese in traditional clothes, marvel at quaint buildings, as well as enjoy Romance of Song Dynasty.

 

 To those nature lovers, Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies and Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi with its unspoiled environment and fresh air, are just heaven on earth. Encompassing 186 hectares (460 acres), Westlake International Golf and Country Club has two international-standard 18-hole golf courses, a two-way driving range, a golf clubhouse and hundreds of villas nestled under the canopy of trees. It serves as a strong testament to the exquisite lifestyle dominating Hangzhou and serves to illustrate that the lakes, teas, temples and museums are not all the story of this city. 

 

 

 
Nanshan Road (南山路) 

Once the hub shared by poets and artists, today Nanshan Road features many aged architectures, bars, art galleries, clubs and cafes. It is the best place to drink coffee and wine with some friends. It is also an arts and cultural corridor which is represented by the China Academy of Arts and Pan Tianshou Memorial Buildings. 
 
Beishan Road (北山路)

The 3000m-long Beishan Road is extremely rich in culture and history. In spirit, it fuses East and West. 

 

The magnificent cultural performances of Impression West Lake (印象西湖), Night of West Lake (西湖之夜), and Romance of Song Dynasty (宋城千古情) are absolute must-sees! If budget and time allow for only one show, then choose Impression West Lake.