West Lake

西湖

The iconic heart of Hangzhou hiking — lakeside trails, hill climbs, and pagoda viewpoints.

West LakeLakesidePublic transport

West Lake is the centerpiece of Hangzhou and the starting point for many of the city's best hikes. The area combines easy lakeside walks with moderate hill climbs, all within reach of public transport. Temple trails, tea fields, and panoramic viewpoints circle the lake on all sides.

Trails in This Area

Panoramic view of West Lake from Hamo Peak summit on Baoshi Mountain, with Baochu Pagoda and the city skyline visible in the distance

Baoshi Mountain & Beishan Road Citywalk

Urban walkWest Lake viewsEasy +9
View of West Lake from Baoshi Mountain in Hangzhou

Baoshi Mountain West Lake View Walk

West Lake viewsShort walkEasy +2
Leifeng Pagoda sunset reflection at Changqiao Park on West Lake, with the pagoda silhouetted against golden sky

Bagua Tian to Changqiao Park via Yuhuangshan

West Lake viewsViewpointHistoric sites +8
The Dreaming of the Tiger stone sculpture group at Hupao Spring, reflected in the pool in front of it

Hupao Spring and Guiren Pavilion Walk

Hupao Springthird spring under heavenGuiren Pavilion +7
Osmanthus flowers on a branch at Manjuelong, Hangzhou

Manjuelong Osmanthus Ridge Walk

osmanthusManjuelongTen Scenes of New West Lake +7
View across West Lake from the Bai Causeway with Broken Bridge in the foreground

West Lake Classic Loop

West Lake viewsUrban walkFamily-friendly +6
Sunset view of West Lake from Jiuyao Mountain with the heart-shaped route traced in the landscape

West Lake Heart Trail

Long distanceRidge walkWest Lake views +6
West Lake west shore panorama with reed-boardwalk wetland and the Jihong Bridge at Yuhu Bay

West Lake West Shore Hidden Trail

Urban walkWest Lake viewsEasy +7
Panoramic view of Wushan cityscape and West Lake hills from the Jianghuihuiguan Pavilion viewing platform

Wushan to Bagua Tian via Fenghuangshan and Yuhuangshan

City viewsHistoric sitesForest trail +7