Date with 20 cultural heritage sites at Cultural and Natural Heritage Day (3)

3. West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 25, 2018 shows the snow scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou, east China Zhejiang Province, Jan. 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

West Lake is situated in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province in eastern China. Comprising the West Lake and the hills surrounding its three sides, West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou has inspired famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century.

It comprises numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens and ornamental trees, as well as causeways and artificial islands. These additions have been made to improve the landscape west of the city of Hangzhou to the south of the Yangtze River.

The West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in 2011.