Beyond Shanghai
Hangzhou and West Lake: the back story
The back story
About Hangzhou and West Lake: the back story
The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, the lake and the hills around three of its sides, has inspired poets and painters since the 9th century. UNESCO inscribed it in 2011 for its temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, causeways and islands.
The lake
Walk the causeways and the lakeshore between the temples and pagodas.
Eating
Jin Sha, at the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, holds one MICHELIN star in the 2026 guide.
West Lake has influenced garden design across China, Japan and Korea (UNESCO).
Getting there
High-speed trains run from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou; book on 12306.
Our advice: stay overnight to see the lake at dawn.
Why it's on our list
- The lake
- Eating
- Getting there
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Hangzhou and West Lake: the back story before you go.