The West Lake derives its name from the fact that it locates west of Hangzhou city. Over hundreds of years, it changed from a bay to a lagoon, and then, before Tang Dynasty (618-907), to a completely inland lake. During the ensuing Song (960-1279), Yuan (1206-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the lake underwent repeated building and repairs. By the end of 20th century, it had grown to an area of five to six square kilometers. In the 21st century, work began on the rebuilding of the Duke Yang Causeway, increasing the lake surface area to 6.5 square kilometers and its depth from 1.65 meters to 2.27 meters.

"Ripping water shimmering on sunny day, Misty mountains shrouded the rain; Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi; West Lake is always alluring." , which was composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) when he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments leave one in no doubt of the glory of the scenery that inspired them.

The lake is divided by Gu Shan (Solitary Hill), Bai, Su and Yanggong Causeways into five areas. Ordered by their areas, they are Outer West Lake, West Inner Lake, North Inner Lake, Little South Lake and Yue Lake. "Outside West Lake" is the largest. "Gu Shan" is the largest natural island in the lake. Su & Bai Causeways run cross the lake. Three small man-built islands, "Xiao Ying Zhou" "Hu Xing Ting", "Ruan Gong Dun", lie in the center of Outside West Lake. Thus, the basic layout is "one hill, two causeways, three islands, and five lakes".

West Lake is not only famous for its picturesque landscape, it is also associated with many scholars, national heroes and revolutionary martyrs, thus embracing abundant cultural deposits. In addition, many ancient buildings, stone caves and engraved tablets in surrounding areas are among the most cherished national treasures of China, with significant artistic values.

Due to its prominent historical and cultural status among Chinese scenic resorts, West Lake was elected as National Key Scenic Resort in 1982, one of Ten Scenic Resorts in 1985 and national 5A tourist resort in 2006. Moreover, the picture of "Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon" was printed on the backs of both the foreign exchange certificate one yuan bill issued by government in 1979 and the fifth version of RMB one yuan bill issued in 2004, indicating the status of West Lake in China. There are dozens of lakes called west lake nationwide, and "West Lake" usually refers to the west lake in Hangzhou.

West Lake is famous for "Ten Scenes of the West Lake":

Spring Dawn at Sudi Causeway
Melting Snow at Broken Bridge
Sunset Glow over Leifeng Hill
Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard
Autumn Moon on Calm Lake (a lakeside park at the west end of the Bai Causeway)
Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows
Viewing Fish and Lotus Ponds at Flower Harbor
Evening Bell at Nanping Hill
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds