West Lake destination photograph
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Zhejiang · Lakes & landscapes

Hangzhou

杭州

A lake that has shaped the way China imagines a landscape.

West Lake · 2023-12-20Photograph & licence

The landscape

Look a little closer.

West Lake’s cultural landscape brings together water, causeways, islands, pagodas and the surrounding hills. UNESCO describes its influence on garden design across China and beyond.

UNESCO heritage background

Heritage information reviewed 2026-10-28. This source does not establish current admission or tour availability.

A way to experience it

Give it your attention.

Choose a lakeside section and enjoy how the view changes. Treat a tea or temple visit as a separate choice, with its location and access checked first.

Before you go

Choose the shore or hill you actually want to visit. Recheck local transport, venue access and weather before making a timed plan.

A little further afield.

Lake light. Garden rooms. Mountains that change the way you look.

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