West Lake

Those are the words used by celebrated Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) to describe Hangzhou 's West Lake . Regarded by many as China 's most beautiful lake, standing on its shores, it's easy to understand Su's allusion to Xizi, reputedly ancient China 's most beautiful woman. The subject of many of the country's most famous literary and artistic works, and the inspiration for countless more, West Lake has been working its charms on those who gaze upon it for centuries.

Located in Hangzhou , a medium-sized city three and a half hours outside Shanghai by coach or rail (both of which run back and forth throughout the day), the lake is a popular day trip included on many Shanghai travel itineraries. Visitors to the lake can plan to spend their time viewing the "Ten Scenes of the West Lake ". A collection of ten scenic views formed during the Southern Song Dynasty, they are distributed around and within the lake, and serve to show the charms of the West Lake – through a use of varying locations, varying seasons, and varying times of day. Each scene is unique, and when taken together, are said to present the essence of West Lake scenery, and form the core of any West Lake tour.