Overview:

: West Lake, located in Hangzhou, China, is a freshwater lake and a popular tourist destination. The lake has a history of more than 1,200 years, and is commonly referred to as the "Paradise on Earth". Its scenic beauty and cultural significance make this region world-famous. West Lake is surrounded by many hills, and is linked by numerous causeways and arched stone bridges. The lake also houses numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, and other attractions, such as the Six Harmonies Pagoda, which was built in 970 AD, and the Lingyin Temple, which dates back to the 4th century. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: West Lake in Hangzhou is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible landscapes featuring calming waters, graceful willow trees, and lush parkland. 2. Su Causeway: West Lake is most famously connected to the city center by the iconic Su Causeway, a bridge made up of three islands and seven stone-arch bridges. 3. Leifeng Pagoda: On the southern shore of West Lake stands the magnificent Leifeng Pagoda, a five-story tall monastery built in the Qiandao Lake area. 4. Hangzhou Zoo: One of the most popular attractions for visitors to West Lake is the Hangzhou Zoo, located near the lake’s north shore. This zoological garden features over 3,000 animals representing 139 species. 5. Lingyin Temple: The largest and most well-known of the many temples of West Lake is the Lingyin Temple, dating back to the 4th century AD. This beautiful complex is now known for its picturesque gardens and ancient architectural structures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

West Lake, or Xī Hú, is a freshwater lake located within Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province of China and is a historically renowned lake. It has been ranked among the top four scenic spots in China since the 10th century. The lake first arose when the Qiantang River was blocked by the construction of the Leifeng Pagoda in AD 202. Since its formation, West Lake has been closely linked to Hangzhou's cultural and historical heritage. Ancient legend says two dragons sent by Heaven helped to create the lake. The lake was thought to be a representation of the many beauties life had to offer. During the Southern Song dynasty, emperor Xuanzong had the lake split in two and the segmented parts were named as the Outer Lake and Inner Lake. He also ordered the construction of The Baidi, which is the 5-story, 40-meter tall pagoda located in the middle of the lake, designed to battle erratic weather conditions. During the Ming Dynasty, West Lake flourished artistically and culturally. Artists from all over the world came to live and work at the lake. This encouraged entrepreneurs to capitalize on the booming creativity and charm of the landscaping, leading to the emergence of tourism as an industry. During this period, West Lake gained the title of “Heaven on Earth”. It has since become a revered cultural monument and tourist destination in China. In modern times, West Lake has been designated a National Cultural Relic site and a National Scenic Spot. The lake area is accessible to visitors 24 hours a day. The surrounding parks, temples, monuments, museums, and gardens attract residents and tourists alike. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. West Lake in Hangzhou is one of China's most famous cultural sites, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. 2. It has a history of more than 1,800 years, many of its landmarks and gardens having been built since the 9th century AD. 3. Its beauty has been praised over the centuries, with a saying about it “above there is heaven and below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou”, referring to the lake’s beauty as divine. 4. West Lake is home to many temples, pagodas, and gardens dating back centuries. In the 12th century the Emperor of the Song Dynasty visited a temple on the lake which was powerful enough to evoke emotion in him that he stopped to look back in awe on his way out, leading to the name of the Ten Views of West Lake (or ‘viewing West Lake in awe’). 5. It is also home to the Chinese Su Embroidery Art Museum, which holds the world largest collection of Chinese embroidery. 6. Ancient Chinese culture has been deeply influence by the lake and its surroundings. A famous Chinese opera play called “Legend of White Snake” is believed to be set here, its plot being based on a well-known local yet tragic love story, and many popular Chinese folk songs also come from this area. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era