Exploring the West Lake 西湖

Relaxing Boat Ride at the West Lake 西湖

Relaxing Boat Ride at the West Lake 西湖

Much Chinese literature has been written about the beauty of the West Lake since the time of the emperors. Poets from all ages have been to this legendary lake and have written numerous poems about it. The emperors who live in the cold north of the empire can only imagine how it looks like. So much that numerous replicas of the West Lake have been created in many an imperial garden. Probably the most similar one I have seen is the Summer Palace in Beijing which tries to replicate the West Lake also in terms of breadth. However, the original is still the best and this can be attested to by the thousands of tourists who visit the lake everyday.

Pavillion on the Shores of the West Lake 西湖

Pavillion on the Shores of the West Lake 西湖

West Lake was not originally a lake, but sedimentation in one part of the Qiantang River closed off one part of it and there by forming a lake. Being separated from the river, the waters of the lake are placid and is the perfect place to unwind on a weekend. I wasn’t sure if my friend was as delighted by the lake as I was. I am more of an outdoor person while she was more of a shopping mall type of person. The weather in Hangzhou was conducive for strolling along its banks and I really enjoyed it.

[xmlgm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/WestLake.kmz} zoom=19]