What the Ten Scenes of West Lake are
The Ten Scenes of West Lake are a traditional list of named views. They are poetic titles for moments and places, not ten buildings of the same kind. The tradition goes back to the Southern Song period and is part of what the World Heritage status of the West Lake Cultural Landscape (2011) protects. Later lists exist, so the traditional names below may differ from names you see elsewhere.
Most scenes lie on or beside the water, and you can see many of them on foot along the free lakeshore. For the island scene you need a boat, and the West Lake boat ride page lists prices and piers. For a longer day plan, use the things to do in Hangzhou.
The ten scenes and where they are
English names are working translations, not official names.
| Pinyin | Name in English | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Su Di Chun Xiao | Spring dawn at the Su Causeway | Su Causeway |
| Qu Yuan Feng He | Lotus in the wind at Quyuan | Near the northern Su Causeway |
| Ping Hu Qiu Yue | Autumn moon over a calm lake | Northern main lake, Gushan |
| Duan Qiao Can Xue | Lingering snow at the Broken Bridge | East end of the Bai Causeway |
| Hua Gang Guan Yu | Viewing fish at the Flower Harbour | Garden area on the west side |
| Liu Lang Wen Ying | Orioles singing in the willows | Willow park on the shore |
| San Tan Yin Yue | Three pools mirroring the moon | Stone towers near Xiaoyingzhou |
| Shuang Feng Cha Yun | Twin peaks piercing the clouds | North and South Peak |
| Lei Feng Xi Zhao | Leifeng Pagoda in the evening light | Leifeng hill, south shore |
| Nan Ping Wan Zhong | Evening bell at Nanping | Jingci Temple |
For most first visits, the scenes on the shore (Su Causeway, Broken Bridge, willows) plus the island and the pagoda make a full day. The peaks and the bell are better kept for a longer stay.
Our pick: the scenes from the water
Our take: several of the ten scenes lie by the water, and this ride passes the causeways.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
West Lake scenes by boat and on foot
Lake cruises, island trips and guided walks around the Ten Scenes, with live prices and availability.
Scene by scene
The ones most visitors seek out first.
Su Causeway in spring (Su Di Chun Xiao)
The Su Causeway crosses the lake from north to south. It was raised from material dredged from the lake under the poet and official Su Dongpo, and the historical account counts six bridges. Walk it early in the day. The scene is named for spring, but the causeway is free and open to walk in every season.
Broken Bridge and the Bai Causeway (Duan Qiao Can Xue)
The Broken Bridge stands at the east end of the Bai Causeway. The name is a poetic title and does not mean a ruin, and you can cross the bridge. Do not count on snow: the scene depends on the winter. The causeway is linked with Bai Juyi, though the building history of the present causeway is debated.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (San Tan Yin Yue)
Stone towers stand in the water near Xiaoyingzhou. Reaching them means a boat to the island. A standard island boat costs CNY 55 per person and an electric boat CNY 70, each with a return trip, plus a CNY 20 island fee (2026). Boats are sold from 08:00 until 16:30 from 1 September to 15 November.
Leifeng Pagoda at sunset (Lei Feng Xi Zhao)
The pagoda on its hill is best seen from across the lake in the evening light. The adult ticket costs CNY 40 in 2026. See the Leifeng Pagoda page for hours and the legend of the White Snake.
Lotus, fish and willows
Lotus at Quyuan is a summer scene, with early flowers from mid-June and a main bloom between mid-July and mid-August. Fish at the Flower Harbour and the willow park are garden stops that work in any season.
Twin peaks and the evening bell
The twin peaks are the north and south summits seen from the lake. The evening bell belongs to Jingci Temple. A daily bell ceremony for visitors is not something to plan around, and clouds on both peaks cannot be promised.
How to see the scenes
Practical points for a day on the lake.
On foot first
The shore and the causeways are free to walk. A full circuit of the lake is about 15 km, so choose a stretch instead of the whole loop. Do not count on cycling along the causeways.
By boat for the island
Boats leave from several piers on the shore. In bad weather they can stop early, so treat the ticket sales hours as a window and not as a promise.
Seasons and crowds
Spring brings the tea harvest, summer brings lotus and heat, autumn brings osmanthus. National holidays such as the Golden Week in early October bring crowds. The best time to visit page compares the seasons.
Keep exploring West Lake
Pages for the places behind the scenes.
Ten Scenes of West Lake: frequently asked questions
What are the Ten Scenes of West Lake?
They are ten named views from a traditional list: Su Causeway in spring, lotus at Quyuan, autumn moon over a calm lake, the Broken Bridge in snow, fish at the Flower Harbour, orioles in the willows, the three pools, the twin peaks, Leifeng Pagoda at sunset and the evening bell.
Do I need tickets for the Ten Scenes?
Most can be seen from the free shore. You pay for the island boat and for Leifeng Pagoda.
Can I see all ten in one day?
You can see the shore scenes, the island and the pagoda in a long day. Seeing all ten in one day is unrealistic, and some depend on season and weather.
Is the Broken Bridge really broken?
No. You can walk over it. The name is a poetic title from the traditional list.
Is this the official West Lake website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the West Lake Scenic Area, the city of Hangzhou or any tour operator.