West Lake: Suitable for both light and heavy makeup: Suitable for both light and heavy makeup

Author: Zeng Xiaohua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: In early spring, orioles fly and grasses grow lushly. The Su and Bai Causeways are lined with peach and willow trees on both banks. On either side are shimmering waters and scattered boats, with distant mountains shrouded in mist, their green hues mingling with emerald. Walking on the causeway, you will be amazed by the scenery before your eyes, lost in its beauty. The beauty of West Lake is not confined to spring; in summer, lotuses stretch to the sky in brilliant blue; in autumn nights, the Moon-reflecting Ponds are bathed in moonlight; and after winter snows, red plum blossoms lean gracefully against bare branches. There are orioles singing among misty willows, pavilions veiled in drizzle—no matter when you visit, you will experience its extraordinary charm.
West Lake, Hangzhou, is a national-level scenic area where the beautiful lake scenery, exquisite mountains, and rich cultural heritage blend harmoniously. Centered around the picturesque West Lake, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and cradled by emerald waters, covering an area of 60 square kilometers, with 5.68 square kilometers of water surface. The lakeside is embraced by lush greenery, with verdant mountains, painted bridges, misty willows, and trees veiled in clouds. Among the winding mountains, there are beautiful springs and deep streams. With over 90 parks and scenic spots, each unique, there are the "Three Autumns with Fragrant Osmanthus," "Smoky Willows on Six Bridges," "Nine Miles of Cloud-Pine Forest," and "Ten Miles of Lotus Blossoms," as well as the renowned "Ten Scenes of West Lake." In recent years, more than ten new scenic spots have been added, creating a colorful floral wreath around the lake, each season offering its own beauty and each weather bringing its own emotion.
The "Ten Scenes of West Lake" were formed during the Southern Song Dynasty and are primarily located around the lake. Some are even on the water: "Morning Mist on Su Causeway," "Orchids in the Wind at Curved Garden," "Autumn Moon over Flat Lake," "Remnants of Snow on Broken Bridge," "Orioles Singing among Willows," "Watching Fish at Flower Harbor," "Sunset at Leifeng Pagoda," "Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds," "Evening Bell at Nanping Hill," and "Moon Reflections in Three Ponds." Each scene has its own unique charm, and together they represent the essence of ancient West Lake, making them a favorite topic for locals and visitors alike.
The "New Ten Scenes of West Lake" were determined in 1985 after extensive participation from Hangzhou residents and people from all over the country, followed by careful deliberation by an expert selection committee. They are: "Cloud Shelter Bamboo Path," "Full Ridge Osmanthus Rain," "Tiger Running Dream Spring," "Dragon Well Tea Quest," "Nine Creeks Misty Trees," "Wu Hill Wind and Cloud," "Ruan Dong Ringing," "Yellow Dragon Emerald Spire," "Jade Emperor Flying Clouds," and "Jade Stone Flowing Mist." Other scenic spots include "Baochu's Lofty Beauty," "Old Moon over Long Bridge," "Sentimental Ancient Pagodas," "Lakeside Green Corridor," "Blooming Flower Gardens," "Golden Sand Scenery," "Nine Miles of Cloud-Pine Forest," "Plum Valley Tea Scenery," "West Mountain Collection," "Prince's Wild," "Botanical Kingdom," "Zhongshan Site," and "Lingyin Buddhist Kingdom."
West Lake not only boasts the beauty of its landscape and deep valleys but also holds a wealth of cultural relics, historical sites, and captivating legends. Nature, culture, history, and art are seamlessly intertwined. The lake is dotted with historical sites, including 5 national key cultural relics protection units, 35 provincial-level units, and 25 municipal-level units, along with 39 other protected sites and various thematic museums, all adding to its charm. It is a renowned historical and cultural tourist destination in China.
"Unable to leave Hangzhou behind, half of my reluctance is for this lake"—West Lake is a poem, a natural painting, and a beautiful, moving story. Whether for those who have lived there for years or for travelers passing by, its unparalleled beauty leaves everyone spellbound.