8 Hidden Gems of West Lake in Hangzhou (No. 5 is the Remains of the ‘First Beauty’ – Don't Miss It!)
West Lake is beautiful everywhere, and culture is present at every step. The best integration of mountains and water and culture has been achieved at West Lake. If spring is the most beautiful place for a picnic, West Lake will definitely be one of them. There are many beautiful sights around West Lake, and I'd like to introduce you to eight lesser-known attractions on West Lake to see if you've been there?
NO. 1Su Dongpo Memorial Hall
Numerous historical figures have left their traces in the West Lake area, and Su Dongpo is undoubtedly the most popular and beloved. There are traces of this renowned poet and calligrapher in many attractions around West Lake. In addition to the 'Su Causeway' and 'Su Dongpo Road' and 'Su Dongpo Grand Theatre', his famous 'Dongpo Meat' is famous throughout the city. In 1988, Hangzhou built the Su Dongpo Memorial Hall at the southern end of Su Causeway, which is a tribute to Su Dongpo's legacy.
NO. 2Xiling Academy
Xiling Academy is located at the southern foot of West Ridge Bridge on West Lake, and it's known as 'the first academy of its kind in the world'. Many famous people, including Li Zuoxi and Feng Zhihui, have been members of the academy. During the Republic of China period, many literary gatherings chose to meet here. Lu Xun, Mo Ran, and Tagore were all honored guests. Xiling Academy is an academic society, the most extensive, most influential international research group on seal cutting, calligraphy, and art. The society has a history of over 100 years since its founding.
NO. 3Gushan (Lone Hill)
Gushan is a famous scenic spot on West Lake, and it's the largest island on West Lake. The beauty of Gushan was renowned in the Tang and Song Dynasties. The environment is quiet and the scenery is picturesque. The famous writer Bai Juyi wrote, 'North of the temple of Gushan, west of Jiaqing, the water surface is initially flat and the clouds are low.' There are many historical relics and ruins under Gushan, including the ruins of the Qing Dynasty's Xinggong Palace.
NO. 4Autumn Fun Tomb
Autumn Fun Tomb is located at the southern end of West Ridge Bridge, and it was rebuilt in 1980 after being relocated ten times. Autumn Fun was known as 'the Heroine of Lake'. The Han white jade statue of Autumn Fun on the tomb measures 2.7 meters tall, with a tall dress and a long skirt, and holds a sword, giving a majestic impression. It is said to be her image before she died. Autumn Fun had wished to be buried by the West Ridge Bridge, which was difficult to achieve, but after many efforts, she was finally buried by West Lake.
NO. 5Su Xiaoxiao Tomb
Su Xiaoxiao was a talented prostitute during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. She lived near Xicun in Hangzhou, and her literary influence is remarkable in Chinese literary history. She was buried on the banks of West Ridge Bridge, and a memorial pavilion was built on her tomb. Su Xiaoxiao's tomb is one of the 15 new scenic spots on West Lake.
NO. 6Wu Song Tomb
Wu Song is one of the most famous characters in 'Water Margin'. When we talk about Wu Song, he is almost a household name. After Song Jiang's return from the Battle of Jingang, Wu Song became a monk at the Six Harmonies Pagoda in Hangzhou. At the West Ridge Bridge on West Lake, there is a Wu Song Tomb, with inscriptions on the pillars on either side of the plaque, written by the Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Artistic Associations. There are exquisite carvings on the plaque and the tombstone.
NO. 7Zhejiang Provincial Museum
The Zhejiang Provincial Museum is the largest museum in Zhejiang Province, integrating collection, display, and research. The museum houses over 100,000 artifacts. The museum consists of seven areas: the Gushan Exhibition Hall, the Wan Lan Pavilion, the West Lake Art Gallery, the Wulin Exhibition Hall, the Huang Bingyi Memorial Hall, the Sand Menghai Old Residence, and the Scientific Research Base. The Gushan Exhibition Hall is located on Gushan.
NO. 8Zhejiang West Lake Art Museum
The West Lake Art Museum is located next to the Flat Lake in the West Lake North Line Park. This is the old site of the National Art College, China's first higher art school. The museum is not very large, but the architecture is exquisite. The museum exhibits many contemporary art masterpieces, and periodically introduces art pieces from both domestic and international locations.
