West Lake, Hangzhou, located in the western area of Hangzhou City’s historic centre, is one of the most beautiful sights in China. Embraced by mountains on three sides and emerald hills that are covered with lush forests, rocks, gullies and streams, the beauty of this natural water wonderland is enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and classical Chinese architectural features.

“Ripping water shimmering on sunny day; Misty mountains shrouded the rain; Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi; West Lake is always alluring.” so says Su Dongpo, the famous Song Dynasty poet, who compared the lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. No doubt about the spectacular scenery which inspired these poetic sentiments at all. Really, the beauty of West Lake lies in the different facades it presents during the change of seasons, of different times of the day, and of different weathers. Nuances of light and shadows interact to create moods and feelings of the place which can can only be described as intoxicating.

“Paradise in heaven, and Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth” indeed. More pictures of the most beautiful lake in China, and also some more pictures of my trip to Jiangnan (Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing and Shanghai Massage).