One-Day Tour: Cultural Heritage of West Lake and Night Charm of Grand Canal in Hangzhou

 

After breakfast, drive to West Lake, historically known as Wulin Water, Qian Water, Qiantang Lake, Mingsheng Lake, and Golden Ox Lake. Named for its location west of Hangzhou, the lake boasts a rich cultural legacy: poets like Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo wrote timeless verses here, while myths of Jigong, Xu Xian, the White Snake, and Li Huiniang endure. Historical sites like Leifeng Pagoda ruins, Lingyin Temple, Yue Fei’s Tomb, Qing Dynasty Imperial Palace, and Longjing Tea Village reflect its Buddhist, Taoist, and tea-zen traditions.

The Ten Scenes of West Lake are widely known among visitors, including: Remnant Snow on the Broken Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Evening Bell at Nanping Hill, Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Lotus in Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, and Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn. For example, Remnant Snow on the Broken Bridge reveals a poetic scene: when snow melts on the bridge in late winter, leftover snow lingers at the bridge bases, making it appear "broken" from afar—an elegant contrast to the lake and mountains. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon earns its name from moonlit nights, where light through the stone pagodas creates illusory moons, blurring the line between real and reflected light.

Built in 971 AD by King Qian Chu of Wuyue, Leifeng pagoda took 6 years to complete (977 AD). Legends claim it was either built for his consort Huang’s childbirth or to enshrine Buddha’s sarira. Immortalized by the  Legend of the White Snake, it symbolizes tragic love, inspiring literature from Feng Menglong’s  Stories to Warn the World to modern operas. The pagoda’s ruins and reconstructed structure blend Tang-Song architecture with archaeological exhibits.

As one of China’s top 10 Zen Buddhist temples, Lingyin Temple (328 AD) hosts regular rituals—sutra chanting, meditation, and Buddhist ceremonies—drawing pilgrims and visitors. Its ancient halls, surrounded by Feilai Peak’s grottoes, house statues of Sakyamuni and Jigong (the Mad Monk), with intricate woodcarvings and stone reliefs.

 

Tip: West Lake’s vastness makes a full-day City Walk ideal for deep exploration.

Wander Qinghefang street for lunch, sampling Hangzhou classics: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Dongpo Braised Pork, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar’s Chicken, Hangzhou Sanxian (mixed seafood soup)

 

Explore Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world’s longest ancient canal (1,794 km), built in 486 BC and expanded through the Sui, Yuan, and Ming-Qing dynasties. Admire its engineering marvel—parallel to the Great Wall and Karez wells—still in use today. Visit historical wharves and museums showcasing its role in trade and culture.

In the evening, you can experience the Hangzhou Grand Canal Night Cruise. Depart from Wulinmen Wharf, passing West Lake Cultural Square, Zhaohui Bridge, Royal Wharf, Fuyicang Granary, and Xiangji Temple, ending at Gongchen Bridge ("First Ancient Bridge of Jiangnan"). Enjoy Roger Narboni’s light design, transforming the canal into a "Jiangnan ink wash painting"—a wonderful display of water town charm.