Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Celebrated poet Su Dongpo himself had a hand in the lake's development,
constructing the Su Causeway ( Sudi) during his tenure as local governor in
the 11th century.
Connected to the northern shores by the Bai Causeway is Gushan Island (
Gushan Dao), the largest island in the lake and the location of the Zhejiang
Provincial Museum Offline map Google map ( Zhejiang Sheng Bowuguan; 25
Gushan Lu; admission free, audioguide ¥10; 8.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun) and
Zhongshan Park Offline map Google map ( Zhongshan Gongyuan).
On the northwest of the lake is the lovely Quyuan Garden Offline map
Google map ( Quyuan Fenghe), a collection of gardens spread out over numer-
ous islets and renowned for their fragrant spring lotus blossoms.
The smaller island in the lake is Xiaoying Island ( Xiaoying Zhou), where
you can look over at Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Offline map Google map
( Santan Yinyue), three small towers in the water on the south side of the is-
land; each has five holes that release shafts of candlelight on the night of the
Mid-Autumn Festival.
Walking around West Lake at night is also gorgeous and very romantic, with
loads of benches and seats facing the still waters.
The best way to get around the lake is by bike. Tourist buses Y1 and Y2
also run around West Lake.
Cruising the West Lake
Cruise boats ( youchuan; incl entry to Three Pools adult/child ¥45/22.50;
7am-4.45pm) shuttle frequently from four points (Hubin Park, Red Carp Pond,
Zhongshan Park and the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei) to the Mid-Lake Pavilion
(Huxin Ting) and Xiaoying Island (Xiaoying Zhou). Trips take 1½ hours and depart
every 20 minutes. Alternatively, hire one of the six-person boats ( xiao chuan; per
person ¥80 or per boat ¥160) rowed by boatmen. Look for them across from the
Overseas Chinese Hotel or along the causeways. Paddle boats (per 30 minutes
¥15, ¥200 deposit) on the Bai Causeway are also available for hire.
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