Yuehu Lake Scenic Area, West Lake, Hangzhou
~55 minutes
19:40 (1st), 21:10 (2nd Fri-Sat)
360β960 RMB Β· Official agent
General Introduction
Impression West Lake (also known as "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou") is a real-scene water performance that is the definitive way to experience West Lake after dark. As Hangzhou's cultural calling card and a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece, West Lake transforms at night β light and shadow intertwine across the water, creating a spectacle that no daytime visit can match.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge, and Fan Yue, the show premiered in 2007 and has been continuously upgraded, now integrating 70% of the G20 Hangzhou Summit Evening Gala elements. For foreign visitors, it is both a visual and auditory feast and an extraordinary window into Hangzhou's culture and oriental aesthetics.
The Five Chapters
The performance unfolds in five acts, each inspired by classic West Lake love stories and folk legends β the tale of Xu Xian and Bai Niangzi (Legend of the White Snake), and the Butterfly Lovers.
A white crane descends from the horizon, transforms into a young scholar. Another becomes a woman β the two fall in love at first sight over West Lake's thousand-year-old waters. A silk umbrella becomes the token of their fateful encounter, echoing Xu Xian and Bai Niangzi's first meeting.
The fish of West Lake chase freely through the Love Lake. An elegant scene of "fish and water joy" unfolds on a theater ship β the simple, beautiful union of two hearts. Intimacy as natural as water itself.
Happiness is as fleeting as fireworks. Drums roar β invisible forces tear the lovers apart. The woman perishes, like the tragic fate of Bai Niangzi. Meeting may be destined for farewell, but farewell can become eternity in heaven.
The scholar returns to the place of first meeting. Though countless figures pass, none are her. Beauty, regret, longing, and helplessness condense into memory β summoned by the soul from the depths of the underworld.
The couple appears again in a dream, stepping away on the water. Everything becomes scattered impressions β not grand, not earth-shattering β but unforgettable. A light, graceful message to be savored in gentle moments to come.
Ticket Pricing & Seating Map
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (1.2β1.5m) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Audience | 360 RMB | 310 RMB | A1βA5 sections (orange), C1, C2, Waterfront Area |
| VIP Seats | 430 RMB | 370 RMB | Front and center sections (grey area) |
| VIP Premium | 960 RMB | β | Front-row, greatest visibility, 18 seats only (red area) |
Seat Selection Tips
- Golden Seats: Rows 1β5 of Area A2 β facing the stage without obstruction, best immersive experience. Book 2 days in advance.
- Best Value: Middle and rear rows of Areas A1, A4, A5 β wide view, affordable, excellent for photography.
- VIP Preference: Front and middle positions, clear view of performers' details, most comfortable seating.
- Avoid: Area C has partially blocked views. Do not trust unofficial "galleon VIP" tickets.
Complete Viewing Guide
SunβThu: 1 show at 19:40 (~55 min)
FriβSat & holidays: 2 shows at 19:40 & 21:10
Winter start: ~19:00 | Summer: 3rd show possible
Season: mid-March to mid-December
π No.82 Beishan Road, opposite Yuewang Temple
Bus 7, 27 to Yuewangmiao Station
Taxi: ~30min from Hangzhou East Station
~40min from Xiaoshan Airport
E-ticket (QR code): scan to enter directly
On-site box office: 17:00β21:00 on show day
Bring passport for ID verification
Arrive 30 minutes before showtime
Enter 30min early, take assigned seat
No flash photography or professional cameras
Phone on silent, exit during intervals only
Prepare for weather β rain gear, warm clothes
G20 Summit Legacy
During the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit, the "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" evening gala was held on West Lake β a defining moment that showcased Chinese culture and Hangzhou's romance to world leaders. The Impression Westlake show now integrates 70% of that iconic gala, allowing visitors to relive the summit's most memorable cultural performance.
The performance connects to classic West Lake legends β the Butterfly Lovers meeting at Wansong Academy, the Legend of the White Snake spanning Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda, and Su Causeway Spring Dawn built by Song Dynasty poet-governor Su Shi β all brought to life through holography, underwater lighting, and immersive sound.
After the Show β West Lake by Night
Zhiweiguan-Weizhuang β 5min walk, Hangzhou classics, lake view, Β₯150β200
West Lake Impression β 10min walk, Zhejiang-Cantonese, Β₯80β120
Louwailou β 10min taxi, time-honored classic, Β₯200β300
Local Snacks β street stalls, avg Β₯10β20
Su Causeway Walk β 1hr, soft lights, Leifeng Pagoda views
Broken Bridge β bright lights, West Lake panorama
Night Cruise β 40min, English commentary, Β₯50/person
Beishan Street β Republic-era buildings, cafΓ©s, Yuewang Temple
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou β 5β
, 10min taxi, Β₯800β1200
West Lake State Guest House β 5β
, 15min walk, G20 hotel, Β₯1000β1500
West Lake Impression Hotel β 4β
, 10min walk, Β₯400β600
Boutique Homestays β Jiangnan style, Β₯200β400
Last trains Hangzhou East β Shanghai Hongqiao:
G1640: 21:50 β 22:44
G1658: 21:55 β 22:48
G1376: 22:12 β 22:59
Private transfer to station: ~30min
Frequently Asked Questions
π« Book Your Impression West Lake Tickets
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+86 153-4772-3823
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