Prince Bay Park
Prince Bay Park, located at the southwest corner of West Lake in Hangzhou, covers 1200.45 acres. Originally built in 1988 and completed in 1989 on a former sedimentation site for West Lake dredging, it is now a renowned natural landscape garden. Named after the legend of two Song Dynasty princes buried here, the park blends traditional Chinese gardening techniques with Western elements, featuring lush greenery, seasonal flowers like tulips and cherry blossoms, and serene waterways.
Historical Overview
Constructed from 1988-1989 under the design of Hangzhou garden expert Shi Diandong, the park evolved from a mud-dumping ground into a masterpiece of ecological restoration. Its name traces back to Southern Song legends where Princes Zhuangwen and Jingxian were interred nearby. In 2025, a comprehensive renovation began focusing on landscape enhancement, architectural restoration, and infrastructure upgrades. The park also serves as a popular wedding venue with themed installations like the "Windmill" and "Love Columns."
Structural Layout
The park divides into eastern, central, and western zones connected by winding water channels. The eastern zone features Wangshanping—a vast lawn offering panoramic mountain views. The central zone showcases Pipa Zhou (Pipa Island) and Feicui Yuan (Jade Garden) with terraced flower beds. The western zone boasts Jiuxi Waterfall and dense woodlands. Water systems include cascading waterfalls, meandering streams, and tranquil ponds, all flowing northward into West Lake.
Major Attractions
- Wangshanping Lawn: Expansive grassy area ideal for picnics and mountain-viewing.
- Pipa Zhou & Feicui Yuan: Terraced gardens blooming with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and autumn foliage.
- Jiuxi Waterfall: Artificial waterfall cascading down Jiuhua Hill.
- Tulip Festival Areas: Annual spring displays of over 100,000 tulips in vibrant hues.
- Love-themed Installations: Windmills, heart-shaped arches, and "Eternal Love" columns popular for photos.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Wangshanping → Pipa Zhou → Feicui Yuan → Jiuxi Waterfall
Highlights: Core landscapes and seasonal flower exhibitions. - Extended Route (4–5 hours):
Add eastern zone's wedding-themed areas and central zone's botanical trails.
Highlights: Cultural installations and ecological diversity. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Include western woodlands, historical relics, and waterfront pathways.
Highlights: Full immersion in nature and cultural heritage.
Ticket Purchase
Free admission but requires advance reservation via:
- WeChat official account: "Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area"
- Mini programs: "Palm West Lake" or "West Lake Tourism"
- Reservation time: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily; choose specific time slots.
Transportation
- Subway + Bike: Best option—take metro to Wushan Square, Ding'an Road, or Shuichengqiao stations, then ride shared bikes.
- Water Bus: Seasonal "Prince Bay Special Line" from Qianwangsi, Hangfan, or Huagang piers (¥15/adult; ¥7.5/child).
- Bus: Routes 4, 87, 194, 197, 318 to Sudi Station; avoid driving due to congestion.
- Tulip Shuttle: Direct bus from Houchaomen Metro Station (Exit A) during blooming season.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Seasons: March–April (tulip/cherry blossoms), October–November (autumn foliage).
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM; weekends busy.
- Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes (20,000+ steps possible), bring water/snacks.
- Prohibited: Drones, large bags; photography allowed (no flash in galleries).
- Parking: Limited spots—use public transport or reserve "West Lake Pass" for car access.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
