Lying at the foot of Sleeping Dragon Hill (Wolongshan) in the northwestern part of Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, West Lake has been a scenic spot since the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Xin Qiji (1140-1207), a noted poet of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) described it as a beautiful girl, attractive whatever the weather. It is also called the "Small West Lake" for people compared it with the West Lake in Hangzhou.
Three small islands in the middle of the lake (Kaihua, Xieping, and Yaojiao), the Lotus Pavilion (Heting) and Great Dream Hill (Damengshan) by the side of the lake are connected by a causeway lined with willow trees and three bridges known as Jade Belt (Yudai), Flying Rainbow (Feihong), and Walking in Clouds (Buyun).
Surrounded by verdant trees and fragrant flowers are Leisure Hall (Wanzaitang) and Laurel Chamber (Guizhai). Rowboats are available to help tourists have an enjoyable time at West Lake.
Entry ticket: free of charge;
Opening hours: 5:30-22:30;
Traffic: Bus No.s 1, 808 and 960;
Tel: 0591-83783656.
(China.org.cn December 16, 2005)
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