Lake views
From the top.
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A five-storey, eight-sided pagoda on Sunset Hill on the south shore of West Lake, first built in 975 on the order of the king of Wuyue; its view at dusk was one of the famous Ten Scenes of West Lake. Pirates burned its wooden parts under the Ming, leaving its brick shell standing for centuries until it collapsed in 1924; it was rebuilt over the ruins in 2002, and the remains of the original base are displayed inside the new tower. The pagoda is linked to the Legend of the White Snake, one of China's best-known folk tales, and its upper galleries give a panoramic view of the whole lake, the Su Causeway and the surrounding hills; lifts and escalators carry visitors up. Tickets are about CNY 40, per visitor guides. Come just before sunset, as the hill's name suggests, and combine it with a walk along the nearby Su Causeway.
From the top.
Inside the tower.
A folk legend.
Sunset Hill, south shore of West Lake, Hangzhou
West LakeChina's most celebrated lake, a freshwater lake west of central Hangzhou coverin7 minutes walk4.5
Three Pools Mirroring the MoonOne of West Lake's most famous scenes, three small stone pagodas standing in the11 minutes walk4.6
China National Silk MuseumThe world's largest silk museum, near the south shore of West Lake, opened in 1912 minutes walk4.3About CNY 40, per visitor guides; come just before sunset.