The West Lake, lying to the west of Hangzhou, is the most beautiful lake in China .

Once a small bay at the mouth of the Qiantang River, it was separated from the sea by river sediment to became a lake. The lake with its islands covers approximately six square kilometers. The charming Solitary Island (Gushan) rises above the water in the north part of the lake, which is bordered by hills on three sides. The Su Causeway runs roughly north and south and the Bai Causeway east and west. The lake has several segments called the Inner Lake, the Outer Lake, Yue Lake, West Inner Lake, and Small South Lake. There are three islands in the Outer Lake: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Santan Yinyue), Mid-Lake Pavilion (Huxinting), and Lord Ruan's Mound (Ruangongdun).

Dozens' of historical sites are scattered about some fifty-square-kilometer scenic area around the lake. The wooded hills encircling the lake are studded with pavilions, towers, pagodas, and caves. Springs, steams, and pools are scattered among peaks, rocks, caves, and gullies. The 'ten scenic beauties' of West Lake are generally thought to be as follows: Spring Dawn at the Su Causeway, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, Autumn Moon on Calm Lake, Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda, Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill, Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, and Melting Snow at Broken Bridge.