West Lake - Candid tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

West Lake
in Hangzhou

China travel tips
you can trust

Why West Lake in Hangzhou
is special

West Lake's serene beauty has been extolled for over a thousand years.

West Lake
tips and insights

Lesser Yingzhou island
is West Lake's
leading attraction

This small isle has the conversation piece distinction of having its own lake, which in turn has its own island.

There's much to enjoy, including scenic gardens, picturesque pagodas, zigzag bridges, and willowed shorelines.

Best times to come

A quick guide:

Most beautiful time to visit

It's during the spring when the pink peach blossoms bloom.

Choice periods of the day

They are early morning and later afternoon when the sun's low angled rays accentuate the trees, bridges and pavilions.

Evenings

They are special, too, when the calm West Lake reflects the full moon.

Tour boats

They take you around the lake and to Lesser Yinzhou island. Two causeways take you to two of the other islands in West Lake.

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