The West Lake is one of the most popular but stress-free tourist attractions in China and is a great day out if you want to get away from the crowds of Shanghai.

The lakeside has a distinctly European atmosphere reminiscent of the south of France with many of the younger local people dressing up in locally produced fashions to promenade by the water.

There are Italian and French restaurants with many of the old colonial-style houses being converted into cafes. Some are expensive by Chinese standards but worth the price if you feel like a change from Chinese food.

There are usually musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments on the shore of the lake.

Boat trips and bicycle hire are also possible. On good days it is worth hanging around for the sunset.

Take a taxi to the West Lake (Xi Hu) from Hangzhou main railway station for the flat fare of 10 RMB.

Hangzhou East railway station is some distance away with the cab ride costing around 25 RMB. You can take a bus to the less crowded north side of the lake.

The lake gets crowded at weekends, particularly if the weather is good but weekdays are much quieter.

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