Tiger Running Spring is one of the three best-known West Lake springs.  It lies on the west side of Hupao Lu near Hangzhou Zoo, about six kilometres from Hangzhou city, at the foot of the Daci (Great Compassion) Hill that stretches between West Lake and the Qiantang River. 

Legend has it that when the Great Master Xing Kong visited Hangzhou, he bemoaned the lack of fresh water available, and quickly made plans to leave. Suddenly a god appeared before him and told him not to worry about the water as two tigers had been dispatched to deliver some. The next day, two tigers appeared as promised and the spring water flowed. The tigers were running, hence the name.

Seeping out of the hardly soluble quartzose sandstone, its water is pure, clear, sweet and cold. 'Tea leaves from Dragon Well plus water from Tiger Running Spring', this is considered to be the best by the local people as far as the brewing of tea is concerned. 

Since it has a greater surface tension than ordinary underground water, Tiger Running Spring water, when poured into a cup, can rise 3mm over its brim without overflowing. When lightly placed on the water surface, a nickel coin will remain floating. Scientific tests have established that regular drinking of water from this spring is good for health.