The West Lake Landscape, a World Cultural Heritage Site, dominates the psyche of the locals and visitors. Walking along the 15-km perimeter of the lake is a delightful rewind. If not strong legs, choose any of the sections for a leisure stroll; or you may easily rent a bike since the area around the lake is very bike-friendly. The lake shoreline is full of well-maintained paths and gardens which are all free including the lake itself.
The West Lake presents its different picturesque views under different time of a day, different weathers and different seasons. Even in a smog ( not heavily smoggy – around P.M 120), the West Lake still looks mesmerizing like a traditional water and mountain scroll of Chinese painting.
The popular tourist West Lake does attracts domestic tourists who come in droves. A bit annoyed by the noisy huge crowds? Well, just mingle with the crowds and people-watch. Many local people do all kinds of impromptu activities like singing, dancing, playing chess, flying kites, taichi, calligraphy with water brushes, etc.
On your Hangzhou tour, walking along the water edge gives you a picture of classic beauty of China and a better understanding of its people.
Now follow me to have a West Lake walking tour in smog.
A close-up view of the rowing boats by the water edge
On the lake edge in the largest island in the West Lake, boatmen are waiting for business.
The withered yellow lotuses on the Inner West Lake with the Baoshu Hill and Baidi Causeway on the background, a late autumn view of the lake.
Walking and biking along the Baidi Causeway.
It is a leisure and contemplative walk on the Baidi Causeway lined with waving willow trees.
Walking on the lake edge, appreciating the hazy West Lake.
Two foreign visitors are cycling on the Baidi Causeway, a great way of traveling the lake.
Flying a paper ring kite.
More pleasure boats waiting on the water edge and cruising on the lake.
The legendary so-called Broken Bridge, an arched bridge connecting the Baidi Causeway with the shore.
A close-up view of the Baishan Hill and Baishu Pagoda in a late autumn hue.
The images and views of the West Lake will linger in your mind for ever
Add On:
Walk around West Lake in early morning Hangzhou
Tip: Hassle-free Hangzhou Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Hangzhou Guided Tours:
Hangzhou Tour
Hangzhou 4-Day Tour Package
Hangzhou 3-Day Tour Package
Hangzhou Private Tour
Hangzhou Theme Tour
Hangzhou Side Trips
Hangzhou Car Rental with Driver
Further Readings
Top 10 Attractions in Hangzhou
Top 10 Photography Spots in Hangzhou
Night View of West Lake in Hangzhou
The Best hiking trail in Hangzhou
The best time to visit Hangzhou
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Hangzhou Airport Arrival Hall
How to Visit Feilai Peak Grottoes in Hangzhou
Where to stay in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Bicycle Hire
Wushan Night Market in Hangzhou
Pedestrian Streets in Hangzhou
Hangzhou’s Best Bars & Nightclubs
Best Way to Visit Hangzhou from Shanghai
How to Visit Grand Canal Hangzhou
How to Visit Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society
How to Visit Liuhe Pagoda
Hangzhou Tea Plantation
How to Visit Leifeng Pagoda
How to visit Hupao Spring (Tiger Spring) Hangzhou
How to Visit Yellow Dragon Cave in Hangzhou
The Best Place to View Sunrise over West Lake Hangzhou
Any question, just drop a line.