West Lake is a famous fresh water lake located in the historic center of Hangzhou, in Zhejiang Province of east China. West Lake is not only famous for its picturesque landscape, it is also associated with many scholars, national heroes and revolutionary martyrs. In addition, many ancient buildings, stone caves and engraved tablets in surrounding areas are among the most cherished national treasures of China.

The Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an area of around 6.5 square kilometers. It is divided by Gu Shan, Bai, Su and Yanggong Causeways into five areas of Outer West Lake, West Inner Lake, North Inner Lake, Little South Lake and Yue Lake. "Outer West Lake" is the largest. "Gu Shan" or Gu Hill is the largest natural island in the lake. Su & Bai Causeways run cross the lake. Three small man-made islands, "Xiao Ying Zhou", "Hu Xing Ting", "Ruan Gong Dun", lie in the center of Outer West Lake. Thus, the basic layout is "one hill, two causeways, three islands, and five lakes".

Due to its prominent historical and cultural status among Chinese scenic resorts, West Lake was elected as a National Key Scenic Resort in 1982, one of Ten Scenic Resorts in 1985 and national 5A tourist resort in 2006. Moreover, the picture of "Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon" was printed on the back of the fifth version of RMB one yuan bill issued in 2004.

Traditionally, there are ten best-known scenic spots on the West Lake. They are: Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring, Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer, Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter, Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset, Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds,
Orioles Singing in the Willows, Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill.