Experience regal charm as West Lake evening cruises are back

Hubin No.2 and No.5 park cruise terminals are hosting the first wave of evening tours since the West Lake night cruises resumed on April 4.

The No.1 Park, Children's Palace, Zhongshan Park, Qianwang Temple, Yuewang Temple and Xueshi Bridge are among the other docks that will progressively open in accordance with the daily passenger volume.

The West Lake Scenic Area Committee currently offers passengers three choices. Weather-related changes may affect operating hours. The official WeChat account of Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area will provide updates.

Song Dynasty Cultural Cruise

Boarding Terminal: Hubin No. 2 Park

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6:30pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Route: The grand antique-style boat Baoshi stops at Bai Causeway, Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake, Su Causeway, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Leifeng Pagoda and Orioles Singing in the Willows.

Ticket: 90 yuan/person, which includes a performance of traditional music. Children (1.2m-1.5m) pay half price.

With its painted beams, engraved windows and raised eaves, Baoshi is a royal-style vessel that reflects the characteristics of the Song Dynasty (960–1279). The boat's design combines Song Dynasty beauty with contemporary amenities after the designers studied historical records regarding imperial watercraft of the time.

Song Dynasty Royal Cruise

Boarding Terminal: Hubin No.5 Park

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6:30pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Route: Quanrao and Yujin boats travel past the Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake, Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Bai Causeway and Orioles Singing in the Willows.

Ticket: 90 yuan/person, which includes a souvenir gift. Children (1.2m-1.5m) pay half price.

Based on a painting by Wang Zhenpeng, an artist from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Quanrao is an impressive dragon boat. It was designed by the scenic area committee to provide a glimpse into a bygone era.

In ancient China, the name Yujin, which means "the Milky Way," refers to the big phoenix boat. Yuhuang Mountain, which was the location of the former imperial city during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), served as the model for the design. Yuhuang refers to "jade phoenix" in Chinese.

Classic Lake-Circle Cruise

Boarding Terminals: Hubin No.1 Park, Children's Palace, Zhongshan Park, Qianwang Temple, Yuewang Temple and Xueshi Bridge

Hours: Opens progressively in response to demand. Friday-Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm; Sunday-Thursday, 6:30-9pm.

Route: Travel around the lake in traditional painted boats while taking in famous sights like Leifeng Pagoda, Bai Causeway and Su Causeway.

Ticket: 50 yuan/person. Children (1.2m-1.5m) pay half price.