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
Gushan Lu; admission free, audioguide ¥10; 8.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun)
and
On the northwest of the lake is the lovely
Quyuan Garden
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( 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
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( 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.