Orioles Singing in the Willows (Liulang Wenying)
A serene park with pagodas, flowering trees, and lush grounds bordering West Lake, offering a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Orioles Singing in the Willows (Liulang Wenying)
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene park with pagodas, flowering trees, and lush grounds bordering West Lake, offering a peaceful escape.
"A beautiful park that sits right beside Xihu Lake, offering more beautiful scenes every 10 steps."
Escape the Lakeside Crowds
Detour into the park's interior for quieter paths and stunning scenes away from busy lakeside spots. :evergreen_tree:
Avoid Public Holidays
This park gets extremely packed during Chinese public holidays. Plan your visit for a less busy time. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakeside Pagodas
Along West Lake
Elegant structures offering stunning views of the water and surrounding greenery. Perfect for a moment of reflection.
Willow-Lined Paths
Throughout the park
Winding trails shaded by graceful willows, creating a serene and picturesque walking experience.
Stone Bridges
Over small streams and ponds
Charming stone bridges, often framed by vibrant blossoms, add a touch of traditional beauty to the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity (and Crowds)
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Escape the Lakeside Crowds
Detour into the park's interior for quieter paths and stunning scenes away from busy lakeside spots. :evergreen_tree:
Avoid Public Holidays
This park gets extremely packed during Chinese public holidays. Plan your visit for a less busy time. :warning:
Enjoy the Music
Look out for cute little spots playing music throughout the park – a delightful surprise! :musical_note:
Clean Restrooms Available
Restrooms are clean and even offer the option of a toilet with a seat! :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Escape the Lakeside Crowds
Detour into the park's interior for quieter paths and stunning scenes away from busy lakeside spots. :evergreen_tree:
Avoid Public Holidays
This park gets extremely packed during Chinese public holidays. Plan your visit for a less busy time. :warning:
Enjoy the Music
Look out for cute little spots playing music throughout the park – a delightful surprise! :musical_note:
Clean Restrooms Available
Restrooms are clean and even offer the option of a toilet with a seat! :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Orioles Singing in the Willows for its beautiful, serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery, especially its pagodas and willow-lined paths. It's a free park offering a peaceful escape from crowds, though some areas can get busy. The addition of music spots and clean amenities are noted positives.
"This is a very beautiful park, with stunning views of West Lake as well as nice paths through the park. Parts of it get very crowded, especially the sections with restaurants next to the lake. But it is a big enough park that you can avoid the crowds relatively easily. This park is free."
M. Véaigh
"Really beautiful park that sits right beside the Xihu Lake. To take a respite from the people walking along the lakeside, just take a short detour into this park. Every 10 steps you'll get a more beautiful scene, ranging from a large green space with sweeping willows, to a small stone bridge sheltered by pink blossoms. Amazing!"
Leonard Chen
"Singing in the willows also known as "West lake" is a beautiful little river/lake located in the city on hangzhou.
It has beautiful walking path , bridges and historical attractions. Also they have cute little speaks along the park that play music, I thought this was great!
The buildings near by were the "old style" but they are tearing them down and replacing with newer buildings. Could be a good move if they keep the arcitecture traditional.
If you are in the area I highly recommend visiting the hillside / castle wall replica . Very neat location!"
chris chinkiwsky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Orioles Singing in the Willows is located on the southeastern flank of West Lake in Hangzhou. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Walking along West Lake will also lead you to its entrances.
While specific parking details can vary, there are typically parking facilities available around the West Lake area. It's advisable to check local parking apps or signs upon arrival, as street parking can be limited.
Absolutely! The park is part of the West Lake scenic area, so if you're exploring other attractions around the lake, you can often walk to Orioles Singing in the Willows. The paths are scenic and enjoyable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Orioles Singing in the Willows is a free park. You can wander through its beautiful grounds and enjoy the scenery without any admission cost. :moneywithwings:
The park is generally open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to enjoy it throughout the day and into the night. Specific closing times might vary slightly, but it's usually accessible for most of the day.
Since the park is free to enter, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features beautiful pagodas, lush grounds with flowering trees, and serene willow-lined paths. You'll also find charming stone bridges and quiet spots perfect for relaxation. Some areas have small eateries.
Yes, the park is great for families. The open green spaces are perfect for kids to run around, and the scenic paths offer a pleasant stroll. There are also amenities like clean restrooms available. :child:
Yes, there are small eateries and cafes located within or near the park, particularly along the lakeside. These offer opportunities for coffee and snacks. :coffee:
Absolutely! The park is incredibly picturesque with its pagodas, willows, and blossoms, making it a fantastic spot for photography. Capture the serene landscapes and traditional architecture. :camerawithflash:
The main paths are generally well-maintained and should be manageable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some smaller, more natural paths might be uneven. It's always good to be mindful of the terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the pagodas, the stone bridges framed by blossoms, and the sweeping willow-lined paths offer the most photogenic scenes. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty. :sunriseovermountains:
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography within the park. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially in quieter areas.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the park's scenery. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of West Lake's Southeast Flank
The park's proximity to West Lake means you can easily combine a visit here with other lakeside attractions. However, as noted by some visitors, the areas immediately adjacent to popular lakeside restaurants can become quite crowded. The key to enjoying this park is to venture deeper into its grounds, where you'll discover more secluded spots and a greater sense of peace. The free admission makes it an accessible and rewarding experience for all.
While the park itself is a historical and natural gem, some reviews mention that surrounding modern developments might alter the traditional feel in some areas. However, the core beauty of the park, with its pagodas and willows, remains a significant draw. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the blend of natural scenery and traditional Chinese garden design.
Experiencing the 'Singing' in the Willows
Beyond the curated music, the natural sounds of the park – the rustling of willow leaves, the gentle lapping of water, and the calls of birds – contribute to its serene ambiance. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and appreciate the simple pleasures of nature. The well-maintained paths and clean amenities, including restrooms with seats, further enhance the comfort of your visit.
While the park's name suggests a focus on sound, its visual appeal is undeniable. The flowering trees in spring, the elegant pagodas, and the picturesque stone bridges create a constantly evolving tableau of beauty. Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk, a photographic opportunity, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Orioles Singing in the Willows offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit