千年西湖，四季风华
West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in China. For hundreds of years, people have loved West Lake not only for its beautiful views but also for its rich culture and long history.
The lake itself is the main attraction, with green hills on three sides, which makes it peaceful and beautiful. Around the lake, there are many old trees, especially willows, and lovely bridges. Sometimes mist covers the area, giving it a dreamy feeling. Small streams flow quietly through the nearby valleys. The whole scenic area is about 60 square kilometers, and the water area is about 5.68 square kilometers.
There are over ninety parks and scenic spots around West Lake. The most famous ones are called the “Ten Views of West Lake”. These include beautiful scenes like “Spring Dawn at Su Causeway” and “Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake”. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, West Lake is attractive in all seasons.
West Lake is not only about nature — it also has many folktales and cultural relics. Some famous historical figures visited here and wrote poems and essays about it. There are many protected historical sites, including five under national protection and others under provincial or city protection. Many museums also help people learn about local art and history.