West lake - water wonderland for centuries

West Lake is a man-made lake, it located in the western suburbs of China, the historic center of Hangzhou. West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou, and is considered one of the most beautiful sights in China.

Chinese: 西湖 Xī Hú (xi is 'west'; hu is 'lake')

Location: southwest of downtown Hangzhou, 180 km southwest of Shanghai

Area: 6.5 square kilometers (2½ square miles)

Highlights: The Ten Scenic Sites of West Lake, boat cruises, biking, scenic walks, Impression West Lake night show

Spring (March to May) is the best season for enjoying West Lake. The green leaves and flower blossoms make the lake more beautiful. Thus March and April is the peak season for West Lake travel.

The Best Places to Enjoy Spring at West Lake:

• Su Causeway: When spring comes, the whole causeway is blanketed by peach blossoms and weeping willow catkins, creating an especially charming scene.
• "Viewing Fish and Lotus Fronds at Flower Pond": This classic sight is at the southern end of Su Causeway. It is one of the most famous sights of West Lake, where many people come every day to see and feed the goldfish in the lake.

Summer (June to August) is the season of lotus flowers. The lotuses in West Lake attract many people.

• "Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard" (a classic West Lake sight) refers to an area by the western shore of West Lake. Every summer, there are hundreds of types of lotus in full bloom, attracting many visitors.

Fall (September to November) is very cool at West Lake. The weather is less rainy, which makes it a good season to appreciate the beautiful moonlight at night. West Lake is a popular place to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival full moon.

The Best Place to Enjoy Fall at West Lake:

• "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" is perhaps the most famous of West Lake's classic sights. Its image is printed on the one yuan bank note. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the moon shines full and bright in the sky, a candle is lit inside each of the three mini pagodas on the water. The light from the pagoda windows and the moon cast their reflections on the water, hence the name.

Winter — "Melting Snow on Broken Bridge"

Winter (December to February) at West Lake is very cold and wet. Snowy weather is seldom seen now, but it's a really good season to enjoy a less crowded West Lake.


Reference: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hangzhou/attraction/west-lake.htm 

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