West Lake: So, What's the Actual Deal?

[Ms. Cecilia Lowe]

I'm a bit puzzled by why everyone around me seems to be flocking to the West Lake in Hangzhou.

• If you say it's for viewing water, it certainly doesn't offer the same boundless and breath-taking grandeur of an ocean.
• How about enjoying mountains and water? To be honest, I find that its scenery, though charming, isn't so breathtaking as to make you exclaim, "Wow! I've never seen anything like this before!"

So, what exactly does West Lake possess that draws such a throng of people? I'm genuinely bewildered.

[Mr. Nathan Waelchi]

I can't believe someone said West Lake isn't beautiful! Its beauty lies in its unique blend of mountains and water, seamlessly integrated with the city.

[Edith Friesen]

Is it really that beautiful? The colors in this picture look a bit unreal.

[Cathy Gulgowski]

West Lake is genuinely beautiful. Try going early in the morning or at sunset. You'll really feel its beauty when it's less crowded.

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

As a Hangzhou local, I've traveled to many places both domestically and internationally, but my home is still my favorite. I'll always have a deep affection for this land, its creatures, and its food (though insects and spiders are an exception!).

[Garrett VonRueden PhD]

To be honest, as a southerner who grew up surrounded by plenty of mountains and rivers, West Lake doesn't particularly impress me.

[April Corwin]

What makes West Lake stand out is its location right in the heart of the city; that's truly unique.

[Miss Angela Cormier]

Hangzhou doesn't really have much to offer besides West Lake.

[Karen Zulauf]

Xiang Lake is beautiful too, it's just not as famous.

[Marion Barrows]

Perhaps it has a certain unique charm?

[Christina Altenwerth]

The water looks quite 'rich' (not crystal clear). The first time I visited Hangzhou, West Lake just seemed like an ordinary lake to me. The second time, I started to like it. On my third trip last week, I specifically wanted to visit West Lake again before heading back. Afterwards, I felt so comfortable and relaxed—I'm not sure what its magic is.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

I just visited today, and it's truly beautiful no matter how you look at it. It's actually made me think about settling down in Hangzhou.

[Darren Sawayn]

I went today too, and the same thought crossed my mind!

[Velma Thompson]

Try visiting the western part of the lake on a rainy day, and steer clear of the crowded tourist spots.

[Lorena Runolfsson]

It's just breathtakingly beautiful!