West Lake Park
West Lake Park in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, is a timeless retreat blending natural beauty with cultural richness. Spanning over 45 hectares, this historic park has been a beloved destination since the Tang Dynasty, renowned for its tranquil lakes, classical gardens, and vibrant festivals. With a legacy spanning 1,700 years, it offers visitors a journey through China’s artistic and ecological heritage.
Historical Overview
Tang Dynasty Origins: Founded in 282 AD as a royal garden, the park was later expanded under Emperor Xuanzong.
Song Dynasty Enhancements: Introduced pavilions, bridges, and lotus ponds, earning it the nickname "Pearl of Fuzhou."
Ming-Qing Dynasty Legacy: Preserved as a public park, featuring stone inscriptions by scholars and poets.
Modern Revitalization: 20th-century renovations restored its classical architecture and added recreational facilities.
Structural Layout
The park’s design harmonizes water, greenery, and architecture:Lakes & Bridges: The central lake, divided by the "Five Bridges," offers scenic boat rides.
Pavilions & Temples: The "Kaihua Temple" and "Lianhua Pavilion" showcase traditional Ming-Qing styles.
Gardens & Walkways: Bamboo groves, peony gardens, and willow-lined paths invite leisurely strolls.
Major Attractions
Kaihua Temple: A Buddhist sanctuary with intricate carvings and a 1,000-year-old banyan tree.
Lianhua Pavilion: A two-story wooden structure overlooking the lake, ideal for sunset views.
Stone Inscriptions: Over 100 calligraphic carvings by Tang-Song scholars, including Li Bai and Su Shi.
Botanical Gardens: A seasonal display of cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and chrysanthemums.
Cultural Festivals
Lotus Flower Festival (June–July): Boat tours, photography contests, and traditional tea ceremonies.
Mid-Autumn Lantern Fair (September): Colorful lantern displays, mooncake tastings, and folk performances.
Spring Blossom Festival (March): Peony exhibitions, poetry readings, and calligraphy workshops.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 Hours)
Start at the Main Gate → Stroll along the East Lake Path → Visit Kaihua Temple → Boat Ride on the Central Lake → Explore Lianhua Pavilion.
Highlights: Lotus ponds, temple architecture, and panoramic lake views.
Cultural Depth Route (4–5 Hours)
Begin at the Stone Inscription Garden → Tour the Botanical Gardens → Attend a Tea Ceremony at the Pavilion → Join a Calligraphy Workshop.
Highlights: Historical carvings, seasonal blooms, and hands-on cultural experiences.
All-Day Exploration (Full Day)
Morning: Boat Tour → Temple Visit → Stone Inscription Study.
Afternoon: Botanical Gardens → Picnic by the Lake → Evening Lantern Fair (seasonal).
Highlights: Comprehensive park exploration, including festivals and workshops.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the Fuzhou Tourism App or WeChat (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Free entry; boat rides and special exhibitions require tickets (¥20–50).
Guided Tours: ¥100–200 for 2-hour English/Chinese tours.
Free Admission: Children under 1.2m, seniors over 70, and disabled visitors.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Dongjiekou Station (Exit 3), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 5, 22, 55, or 75 to West Lake Park Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to "Fúzhōu Xīhú Gōngyuán" .
Parking: Limited spots near the Main Gate (¥5/hour); public parking nearby.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Peak Hours: 9 AM–12 PM (weekends). Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon (weekdays).
Quietest Days: Tuesdays–Thursdays (Mondays open).
Weather: Spring/autumn for mild temperatures; summer for lotus blooms.
Essentials:Download the Park App for AR guides and event schedules.
Wear comfortable shoes (10,000+ steps possible).
Bring a water bottle (fountains available; no food in gardens).
Photography allowed (no flash); tripods prohibited.
Prohibited Items: Drones, pets, and large backpacks.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
