Experience Ancient West Lake in Hangzhou

In the early morning, we sit on a creaky rowboat, guided by a master from the Water Management Bureau with over 20 years of experience. We glide through ancient arches, taking in the tranquil, empty West Lake. Surrounded by mountains, mist rises from the water, with ancient pagodas and the City God Pavilion gazing across the lake. This is a West Lake you may have never glimpsed, embodying the essence of classical Chinese aesthetics. Here and now, you truly can be the master of lake and mountain, a visitor through the ages.

From late autumn to early spring, before the tides of Qiantang bring fresh fish, large flocks of black cormorants return from Siberia to winter here. You'll witness them diving for fish, spreading their wings to dry in the chilly breeze. Occasionally, we might spot a mother duck with her ten ducklings or a family of egrets learning to hunt, nestled in the reeds deep within the lake.

We will start our journey from the lakeshore, passing through a red water cypress forest and crossing a bridge on Su Causeway to the heart of the lake, where we can see ancient islands and the famed Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Amidst the mountains and waters, we'll enjoy this year's new tea and share traditional Hangzhou snacks on the boat. When we reach the bustling city center on the opposite shore, I'll take you to a restaurant established in 1913 for a traditional breakfast of noodles and sweet lotus.