West Lake is the iconic heart of Hangzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by temples, gardens, and historic neighborhoods. Most hotels and attractions are in this area.

About West Lake (Xihu) Area

West Lake (Xīhú) is the cultural soul of Hangzhou and one of China's most celebrated landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for over a thousand years. Marco Polo described Hangzhou as "the finest and noblest city in the world," and the lake's beauty was central to that reputation.

The lake is encircled by a 15-km promenade passing iconic sites: the Leifeng Pagoda, the Broken Bridge (Duànqiáo), the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and the Su and Bai causeways named after famous Tang and Song Dynasty poets. Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and most important Buddhist monasteries, sits in the hills just west of the lake.

The surrounding Lakeside District (Húbīn) is Hangzhou's premier area, with luxury hotels (Four Seasons, Hyatt), upscale tea houses serving Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea grown on the nearby hills, and the Hefang Historical Street with traditional shops and snacks. Hangzhou is also the headquarters of Alibaba Group, giving it a dynamic tech-economy overlay.

Nearby Landmarks

West Lake Leifeng Pagoda Lingyin Temple Broken Bridge Hefang Street

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $12-18 (80-120 CNY)
Time 45-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (Metro Line 1)

Cost $1 (5 CNY)
Time 60 minutes
Frequency Every 4-7 minutes, 6:10 AM - 11:00 PM

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Metro Line 1 from Xiaoshan Airport station to Longxiangqiao station (West Lake area). Direct service, no transfers needed. About 60 minutes total.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $12-18 (80-120 CNY) 45-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train $1 (5 CNY) 60 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Metro Line 1 runs until about 10:30 PM. After that, taxis are available 24/7 at the airport, costing ¥120-160 ($17-22) to West Lake at night. Didi Chuxing (China's ride-hailing app) works at the airport. The West Lake promenade is open 24 hours and atmospheric at night.

Luggage Tips

Metro Line 1 has luggage space near doors. Hangzhou metro stations have elevators. The walk from Longxiangqiao station to West Lake hotels is about 10 minutes on flat, paved streets. Taxis are more convenient with heavy luggage. Hotels around West Lake typically have vehicle access.

Accessibility

Hangzhou Airport metro station has elevators and wide fare gates. All metro trains have priority spaces. West Lake's main promenade is flat and wheelchair-friendly. The causeways (Su and Bai) are paved. Some temple areas involve stairs. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be requested via Didi.