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West Lake facts for kids

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West Lake
Pagoda on Lake (2514).jpg
Pagoda on Lake
West Lake is located in Zhejiang
West Lake
West Lake
Location in Zhejiang
Location Shangcheng District/Xiacheng District/Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Coordinates 30°14′54″N 120°08′38″E / 30.2482°N 120.1439°E / 30.2482; 120.1439
Type Natural freshwater lake
Native name 西湖 Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help)
Part of Qiantang River Basin
Primary outflows Grand Canal
Basin countries China
Max. length 3.2 km (2.0 mi)
Max. width 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
Surface area 1,580 acres (6.4 km2)
Average depth 2.27 m (7.4 ft)
Shore length1 15 km (9.3 mi)
Surface elevation 10 metres (33 ft)
Settlements Hangzhou
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

West Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China. It is famous for its stunning scenery and old buildings. The lake is split into five parts by three long walkways called causeways.

Many interesting places are found around and in the lake. You can see Chinese temples, tall pagodas, and lovely Chinese gardens. There are also natural and human-made islands. Gushan is the biggest natural island. Three artificial islands, Xiaoyingzhou, Huixin Pavilion, and Ruan Gongdun, sit in the middle of the lake.

Two famous pagodas, Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda, stand on opposite sides of the lake. They seem to mirror each other. This creates a special view with "one mountain, two towers, three islands, three banks, and five lakes."

Leifang Pagoda Sunset
Leifeng Pagoda at sunset

West Lake has inspired many poets and painters throughout Chinese history. Its natural beauty and historic sites have also influenced Chinese garden design. It even inspired gardens in Japan and Korea. In 2011, West Lake became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was recognized for showing a perfect mix of humans and nature.

What Makes West Lake Special?

West Lake is known for its amazing views and rich history. People often visit to enjoy its calm waters and the many sights around it.

Islands and Causeways

The lake has several islands. Gushan is the largest natural island. It is home to many historical sites. There are also three artificial islands. These islands add to the lake's unique charm.

The three causeways are like long bridges that cross the lake. They are called Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, and Yanggong Causeway. These walkways let you explore different parts of the lake on foot. They are also great spots to enjoy the views.

Famous Pagodas

Two well-known pagodas stand near West Lake. Leifeng Pagoda is on the south side. It has been rebuilt and offers great views. Baochu Pagoda is on the north side. It is a tall, slender pagoda that looks like a needle pointing to the sky. These pagodas are important landmarks.

Gardens and Temples

Around West Lake, you will find many beautiful gardens. These gardens are designed to blend with nature. They often have ponds, rocks, and special plants. There are also ancient temples where people go to pray and reflect. These places offer a peaceful escape.

History of West Lake

West Lake has a long and interesting history. It has been important for centuries. Many emperors and famous people have visited and written about it.

Early Development

The lake was originally a lagoon connected to the Qiantang River. Over time, it became a separate lake. People started to manage the lake for farming and water supply. They built dikes and channels to control the water.

Influence on Culture

West Lake has been a source of inspiration for artists and writers for a very long time. Many famous poems and paintings feature the lake. It is seen as a symbol of beauty and peace in Chinese culture. The lake's scenery changes with the seasons, offering new beauty all year round.

Images for kids

  • West Lake Map

    Map of the West Lake in Hangzhou, China

  • Hangzhou pic 13

    Baochu Pagoda

  • Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

    Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in West Lake, Hangzhou, China.

  • Hangzhou pic 11

    Qian King Temple, one of the major attractions of Xī Hú: Listening Orioles Singing in the Willows

  • West Lake Hangzhou 5

    Lotus in West Lake

  • Gifu Park China 2

    A miniature replica of the West Lake inside the Gifu Park in Gifu, Japan

  • China Hangzhou Bamboo Lined Path at Yunqi

    Cloud-Sustained Path in a Bamboo Grove

  • China Hangzhou Nine Greeks Meandering Through a Misty Forest

    Misty Trees by Nine Streams

  • West Lake on RMB

    The Back of the One Yuan Bill of RMB, 5th Version

  • Thewestlake

    View of Xī Hú from a row boat

  • Yufeimemorial

    Yue Fei Memorial Hall

  • HuPaoQuan

    Galloping Tiger Spring

  • China Hangzhou Westlake-3

    A traditional Xī Hú entrance

  • Fenyang Villa 08 2014-11

    The Guozhuang Garden, one of many historic gardens in the West Lake

  • Lotus in the Breeze at the Winding Courtyard

    Lotus in the Breeze at the Winding Courtyard

  • Su Causeway 1 (2548)

    View of the Su Causeway

  • Statue of Qian Liu in Hangzhou

    Statue of Qian Liu, the founder and first king of the Kingdom of Wuyue, near the West Lake

  • YF statue

    Statue of Yue Fei, a patriotic military general from the Southern Song dynasty, near the West Lake

  • Lotus at West Lake 2

    Lotus at the West Lake during summer

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lago del Oeste para niños

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West Lake Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.