Hangzhou Westlake

One of the reasons I'm coming to Hangzhou apart from is near proximity to Shanghai was because an acquaintance mentioned that she likes Hangzhou most of all cities in China!

The taxi ride from the train station to the hotel wasn't very far - maybe about 10 mins. Along the way, I passed the central town to this view - which is beside the famous Hangzhou westlake (Xī Hú 西湖).

I must admit the view is really breathtaking. It was like stepping into a postcard!

After a quick check in, I rushed out to the lake, which is just opposite the hotel. And the view is even more astounding!

I'm lucky - first to be able to catch the sunset (at the Leifeng pagoda), and secondly because of the good weather (the other evening lake views were not as nice).

The sun sets pretty early here during the winter season - around 5+.

There are many places to visit around this huge 60.04km square lake - with the tourist information recommending the Top Ten Scenes & The New Top Ten Scenes.

Well, with so many places to visit, I've been spending lots of time here around the lake and its beside park - not that I'm complaining as it is really scenic.


But instead of following all the top 20 places, I just take some walks as far as I can go round the lake - which I'm sure I passed those 'must see' places.


I also tried the boat ride across the lake as well for 80 yuan - though I think I might have got cheated (but that's another story).


For those further places from where I'm staying, I took a taxi ride as well - to places like the 'Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge' (though I didn't see any snow despite this winter season) and the ' Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake' (which I saw during the day - so no moon).

But what I did see is some workers in boats cleaning the lake. Now that is huge task! (see the pile behind - that's just one of the many 'finds').

And I also saw how the lake surroundings would look like during its peak autumn period where the trees are in its red leaves. This are the rare trees which still are in autumn mood! Haha.

And yes, I managed to get an ice cream over this part of the lake! Honestly, I was delighted to see the ice cream stall (like a small kid!). The ice cream tasted good and was cold & sweet... except for the price - 10 yuan!

Well maybe this ice cream from the 'mother of westlakes in China' deserves that price. In any case, how often can one eat a cold ice cream at this scenic lake heh? :)

Coming up next: Another beautiful part of Hangzhou - the old town.