Solitary Hill Island (Gu Shan) sits in the northwest corner of West Lake.

This 38-metre-high island between the Inner and Outer West Lake connects Baidi Causeway in the east to Xiling Bridge in the west. It is the largest island on the lake and an ideal place to wander and explore. Views over the lake from its banks are spectacular. 

The island is 3.3 kilometres away from Hangzhou proper and is called 'Solitary' because it stands alone in the lake, surrounded as it is by water on all sides. There are a few places of historical interest scattered about the island itself. On the north side of the island is Wenlan Pavilion, the pristine and peaceful Zhongshan Park and the Zhejiang Provincial Museum. To the west of the island and at the top of the small hill is the Xiling Seal Society. The tomb of Qiu Jin, a female revolutionary, is at the foot of the hill. 

Solitary Hill Island is noted for its ingenious layout that combines artificial and natural scenery. Now its tourist area has increased to 20 hectares.