Looking for a perfect place to quiet the noise in your mind and soothe your soul? Some lakes in this world don’t just reflect the sky — they reflect something deeper, something poetic. West Lake in Hangzhou is one of those places. Calm and graceful, it has a quiet charm that makes time feel slower and the world feel softer. And in the evenings, the lakeside fills with soft energy: people strolling, boats drifting, someone singing karaoke under the trees. It’s peaceful, but alive.
But what should you actually see by West Lake? Good question — it’s vast. So vast, in fact, that people have been curating lists of its most scenic spots for centuries. The most famous is the Ten Scenes of West Lake — a collection of picturesque spots that capture the lake’s changing moods through the seasons. This list dates back to the Song dynasty, in the 12th or 13th century, which says a lot about how deeply people have valued this place.
Of course, we won’t have time to explore all of them today. But I’ll take you to a couple of spots by West Lake that stayed with me. Let’s go.
What to see by Hangzhou West lake:
Check out my full Hangzhou travel story
Wandering Along the West Lake Promenade by the Former Dancing Fountains
For navigation: 杭州西湖音樂噴泉
When we reach Hangzhou West Lake, it’s clear that this peaceful spot still sits right in the heart of a busy city. Crowds move steadily along the street, and between the street and the lakeside—lined with tall, ancient trees—stretches a row of shop stalls offering all kinds of goods. Yet, despite the city’s hum, the calming presence of West Lake in Hangzhou quietly overpowers it all.
Right by the water, tempting snack stalls beckon with refreshing drinks, creamy ice cream, and mouthwatering baked potatoes. I can’t resist grabbing a fancy slushy served in a bamboo cup, topped with velvety matcha ice cream—a sugary indulgence perfectly suited for sipping as we wander along the Hangzhou West Lake promenade.
In the distance, the mountains wear a delicate rainy mist like a soft veil, their outlines dreamy and blurred, while the gently rippling surface of Hangzhou West Lake stretches endlessly before us.
Soon, we arrive at a fenced-off patch where vibrant green leaves ripple on the water’s surface. At first, I thought they were water lilies—but no, they’re lotus leaves, their round pads floating serenely near a picture-perfect gazebo perched on the lake. I think I’ve heard that West Lake in Hangzhou was designed to unveil like an art scroll and I can definitely see that.
Pleasure boats dot the Hangzhou West Lake—some are resting while they wait until they have collected a full group of tourists, others are slicing peacefully through the water in the distance. You can buy tickets right here by the West Lake promenade in Hangzhou. Despite the gloomy weather, the atmosphere buzzes softly. People snap photos, meander along the promenade, or sit quietly soaking in the views. Nearby, a group is engaged in open-air dancing—some kind of couples’ dance—while someone else sings karaoke under the spreading trees.
And here’s something unique: people are feeding nuts and seeds to squirrels darting among the tall, ancient trees lining the shore. I’ve seen birds fed in parks before, but squirrels? That was a first. It’s small everyday life moments like these that make this part of Hangzhou West Lake so captivating.
I’ve never been much of a people-watcher, but observing locals and visitors here is truly fascinating. This corner of Hangzhou West Lake has no grand monuments, but it’s the perfect place to soak up the vibe—the gentle pulse of daily life by the water.
We sit and observe for a while. But soon, it’s time to head back. Don’t worry—there’s plenty more to discover, and we’ll be back tomorrow to explore another must-see attraction by Hangzhou West Lake!
Another Side of West Lake in Hangzhou: The Broken Bridge
For navigation: 杭州西湖風景名勝區-斷橋
First, let’s clear something up: the Broken Bridge isn’t actually broken. It’s a historic structure that blends effortlessly into Hangzhou West Lake’s tranquil scenery. In winter, when snow begins to melt, an optical illusion makes the bridge appear “broken”—hence the name. But since we’re visiting in summer, we don’t get to witness that effect. Still, the bridge’s real fame comes from something far more enchanting: the legendary love story of the White Snake and her mortal lover—a tale so beloved, it’s woven into the very fabric of Hangzhou’s culture.
Hangzhou West lake White snake legend
The Legend of the White Snake tells of Bai Suzhen, a white snake spirit who transforms into a beautiful woman. She meets the kind human scholar Xu Xian on a rainy day at the Broken Bridge on West Lake in Hangzhou, where their love story begins with a shared umbrella. They fall deeply in love and marry.
But their happiness is short-lived. Fa Hai, a strict Buddhist monk, sees their union as unnatural. He tricks Xu Xian into forcing Bai Suzhen to reveal her true snake form, which causes Xu Xian to die of shock. Bai Suzhen bravely sets off to find a magical herb and succeeds in reviving him. However, Fa Hai continues his relentless pursuit and ultimately imprisons her beneath the Leifeng Pagoda on the shores of Hangzhou West Lake.
The area along Hangzhou West Lake leading up to the bridge is filled with people, yet it doesn’t feel overly busy. The calm, blue water and tall trees with peeling bark create a soothing, almost dreamlike backdrop. The best spot to take in the Broken Bridge at West Lake in Hangzhou is actually from a distance, where you can see its full shape. The stone bridge arches upwards gently in the middle, and there’s a circular opening just above the water—probably to let boats pass underneath. Due to its popularity it is dotted with people.
And this iconic bridge also leads us seamlessly into the next attraction to see by Hangzhou West Lake…
Hangzhou West Lake Bai Causeway
Do you want to walk across West Lake? Wait—what?
Yes, in Hangzhou West Lake, there are actually two scenic causeways—elevated paths that stretch right across the water. Today, we’re taking a leisurely stroll along the shorter one, Bai Causeway, which is about one kilometer long. Don’t let its size fool you—it’s still one of the most beautiful Hangzhou West Lake attractions. It feels like a peaceful park floating on the water.
A path stretches ahead, set on a narrow strip of land lined with tall weeping willow trees. Their delicate branches sway in the breeze and dangle gracefully on both sides. Along the water’s edge, benches offer quiet spots to sit and gaze at the boats gliding in the distance. In the soft, moody light of evening, the boats look like dark silhouettes drifting through a painting.
We wander right up to the edge, where the water is thick with lotus leaves—lush and wild, like a floating jungle. Beneath the surface, tiny fish dart between the leaves. We pause for a while, then keep walking.
Compared to the promenade we visited yesterday, this part of West Lake in Hangzhou doesn’t have many food stalls, but partway through I spot a line of locals queuing up for some flatbread-like snacks sprinkled with seasoning. Let’s give it a try! I have no idea what it’s called, but it’s delicious—crispy on the edges with a savory flavor. I nibble on it happily as we continue walking all the way to the end of Hangzhou West Lake Bai Causeway, and then slowly make our way back
It was a fun outing and after this, we headed to the nearby night market.
But if the legend of the White Snake intrigued you, there’s still one more West Lake attraction worth checking out—the Leifeng Pagoda. Now, full disclosure—I didn’t have the energy to visit it myself (the walking definitely adds up!), but my travel buddy went and came back absolutely hyped.
Hangzhou West Lake Leifeng Pagoda
For navigation: 雷峰塔
Pagodas are ancient religious structures, often built centuries ago—and typically admired from the outside. But the Leifeng Pagoda by Hangzhou West Lake offers something different: you can actually go inside and climb to the top for sweeping panoramic views over West Lake in Hangzhou and the city skyline beyond.
This unique access may have something to do with the fact that the original structure, first built in 975 AD, collapsed in the early 20th century. What stands today is a faithful reconstruction completed in 2002. Still, the five-story tower is a stunning sight—blending traditional design, modern engineering, and a touch of folklore. According to legend, this is where the White Snake was imprisoned beneath the pagoda.
Thoughts?
Hangzhou West Lake was just as calm and poetic as I imagined—a place that lives up to all the verses and praise. If you’re wondering what to see by West Lake in Hangzhou, I would say just get to the lake and start walking. The scenery, stories, and soft rhythm of life will meet you along the way.
PS: if you’re actively planning a trip to China you may also be interested to take a peek into my China travel planning tips as well.
