A bride poses for a photo at the West Lake in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 6, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

The calmness and serenity of the scene is just like a Chinese wash painting brought to life. In spring, the peach trees along the lake are covered in pink blossoms and the willows have sprouted; the distant mountains are verdant. The lake is as calm as a mirror and is dotted here and there with boats. If you walk along the dam, you will marvel at the intoxicating scene before your eyes. West Lake is just as breathtaking in other seasons.

In summer red, yellow and white lotuses thickly decorate the lake's surface and make it colorful and vivid; and a cool moonlit autumn night is extremely tranquil and soothing; in winter snow brings vitality to the snowy lake area. West Lake is beautiful in many ways, and you can enjoy different scenery at different times. There are 10 famous sights on and around the West Lake.

They date back to the Southern Song Dynasty and represent the essence of the lake's beauty. If you go there, make sure you do not miss them. Besides the 10 scenic spots, around the lake there are more than 90 parks with distinct features. Apart from the elegant natural scenery, West Lake is also a place of cultural heritage. It is also a place that has inspired many enchanting legends and tales. On the whole, West Lake is a place of natural, cultural, historical and artistic values.

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