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West Lake
Hangzhou and surrounding
Rivers, Lakes
Rivers, Lakes

Legendary West Lake in China is a miracle of incredible beauty that was made by the hands of locals many centuries ago. Back in the 13th century, the Chinese people manually dug West Lake without special equipment. Its diameter is 3 kilometers, and the length of the shore is more than 15 kilometers. That is not all: three man-made islands and three beautiful bridges are the main decorations of the lake – a place of power and peace.

There is a legend that the lake was created by the gods. More than two thousand years ago several pearls fell on this place. They were so big that when they fell, they broke and turned into a tiny, but incredibly beautiful lake with the purest water. For a long time, locals protected it from prying eyes considering the lake a gift for a sincere life. The city developed, as did the demand for drinking water. So in 781, under governor Li Mi, the first extensive sewage system was created. It provided people with clean water from this tiny lake. No matter what the water didn't run out.

Over the years the legend lost its significance and became a beautiful fairy tale. As time passed by the lake was expanded and deepened so that it could fully meet the requirements of the growing city. Over time it grew to the modern size and became one of the most beautiful places in Hangzhou.

West Lake is surrounded by forests, pagodas, and beautiful walking paths. Almost every place has a poetic name there: «Hill of Solitude», «Full Moon Over Water», «Goldfish at the Flowery Harbor».

In the late evening, the entire lake becomes part of a beautiful and colorful theatrical performance that tells about the ancient civilization of Hangzhou. The five acts include song and dance, acrobatics, opera, music, and a small light show. The show lasts about an hour and takes place every evening.

Address: Xī Hú

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Oksana Shmakova

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