The Smoggy West Lake in Hangzhou

The West Lake presents its different picturesque views under different time of a day, different weathers and different seasons. Even in a smog ( not heavily smoggy – around P.M 120), the West Lake still looks mesmerizing like a traditional water and mountain scroll of Chinese painting.

The popular tourist West Lake does attracts domestic tourists who come in droves. A bit annoyed by the noisy huge crowds? Well, just mingle with the crowds and people-watch. Many local people do all kinds of impromptu activities like singing, dancing, playing chess, flying kites, taichi, calligraphy with water brushes, etc.

On your Hangzhou tour, walking along the water edge gives you a picture of classic beauty of China and a better understanding of its people.

Now follow me to have a West Lake walking tour in smog.

A close-up view of the rowing boats by the water edge

On the lake edge in the largest island in the West Lake,  boatmen are waiting for business.

The withered yellow lotuses on the Inner West Lake with the Baoshu Hill and Baidi Causeway on the background, a late autumn view of the lake.

Walking and biking along the Baidi Causeway.

It is a leisure and contemplative walk on the Baidi Causeway lined with waving willow trees.

Walking on the lake edge, appreciating the hazy West Lake.

Two foreign visitors are cycling on the Baidi Causeway, a great way of traveling the lake.

Flying a paper ring kite.

More pleasure boats waiting on the  water edge and cruising on the lake.

The legendary so-called Broken Bridge, an arched bridge connecting the Baidi Causeway with the shore.

A close-up view of the Baishan Hill and Baishu Pagoda in a late autumn hue.

Tip:  Hassle-free Hangzhou Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Hangzhou Guided Tours:

Further Readings