Highlight

Explore the Inner West Lake - far from the crowds and noise of the Outer Lake’s main boat routes.

Follow an ecologically rich route: clear water, abundant aquatic plants (e.g., Asian eelgrass, foxtail grass), and lively bird habitats. It’s common to spot cormorants, herons, egrets, and mandarin ducks - perfect for nature watching and photography.

Drift close to wild ducks and soak in the quiet beauty of this living waterscape.

Tips for Travelers

Included:

Not included: Meals (but plenty of snack stops along the way!)

Time: About 4 hours (typically 14:00–18:00, flexible upon request)

Bonus: Guided walk on Gushan (Solitary Hill)

Notes:

Itinerary

Part 1 — Inner West Lake Yuloh Boat

Board a traditional yuloh boat on the western side of West Lake and glide through winding waterways beneath ancient stone bridges and past tranquil village scenes. Along the way, you’ll see centuries-old camphor trees, traditional Jiangnan residences, and shimmering reflections - capturing the refined charm of water-town life.

Unlike the open and bustling Outer Lake, this inner area is peaceful and elegant. Its well-preserved aquatic ecosystem provides habitats for birds - often including cormorants, herons, egrets, and mandarin ducks - so you can observe them up close from the boat.

Route snapshots (highlights):

Interact gently with wild ducks from the boat

Pass through multiple arched bridges and secluded waterways

Seasonal sights such as Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard), water forests, and lotus pools (summer)

Part 2 — Gushan Park (Suggested Walk)

Gushan (Solitary Hill) is the largest natural island in West Lake, ringed by water and offering superb views. Surrounded entirely by water, it offers breathtaking panoramic views. On the island you will find:

Historic landmarks, including the ruins of a Qing Dynasty imperial palace

The China Seal Art Museum, showcasing traditional seal engraving art

Elegant pavilions, each with its own unique design and story