Night View of West Lake in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the most beautiful garden city in China. The West Lake is the illustrious drawcard in Hangzhou. Walking on the edge of the West Lake in the early morning gives you much serenity while an evening stroll allows you to enjoy a casino-like wonderland.

Normally the West Lake will be lit up on weekend evenings from Friday through Sunday, a great time to appreciate the beauty of the West Lake when it sparkles. You will have a lot of photography opportunity and at the same time you should prepare for possible crowds and people watch due to a lot of foot traffic.

The best night view of the West Lake starts from Beishan Road ( the northern edge of the West Lake ) through the east side of the lake which is adjacent to the city.

Visiting the West Lake is the highlight on your Hangzhou tour. Now follow me to have a night view of the West Lake. The night view starts from Beishan Road on the northern edge of the West Lake, below the Precious Stone Hill toppled by the spire of Baoshu Pagoda.

Beishan Road is lined with the plane trees, which arch across the street. Some old houses have been revamped and turned into trendy and fashionable bars and cafes.

Standing on Beishan Road, you have a good angle to grab a photo of the stone arched bridge – romantically known as “Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge”.

Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge at night

Inside the pavilion, local people are having an impromptu singing, a great fun to relax and unwind.

Inside the pavilion by the bridge, local people have impromptu singing each night just for a fun.

Standing on the top of the lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge, you will see Baoshu Pagoda atop the Precious Stone Hill above Beishan Road with its reflection on the water.

Baoshu Pagoda atop the Precious Stone Hill with its reflection on the water

The buildings on the east side of the lake with their reflections on the water.

The night of the West Lake kindles a kind of romance.

At 7:30 pm, I see the musical water fountains by the east shoreline of the lake. There over 400 small fountains in the musical fountains system with nozzles sending beautiful patterns of water which are choreographed to music. Each water musical fountains show takes about 15 minutes with over 14 songs or music. Musical Fountains in Hangzhou attracts large crowds each night.