Hangzhou: West Lake Water Show with Pickup & Local Guide

Summary

Watch 200 performers dance on west lake at night in hangzhou

You’ll feel swept up by music and light as dancers glide across Hangzhou’s West Lake during this unique water show. With hotel pickup and English ticket delivery included, you’ll settle in easily before watching legends unfold on shimmering water—a moment you’ll remember long after leaving Hangzhou.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Impression West Lake Show in Hangzhou. I’d seen photos — all that mist and light over the water — but being there is something else. The air was thick with that sweet, almost grassy smell you get near lakes at night, and people were already gathering along the shore when our guide, Mrs. Chen, handed us our tickets (she joked about my pronunciation of “Xihu” — I tried). It felt like everyone was waiting for something big but nobody really talked about it out loud.

The show started quietly, just ripples and shadows on the lake. Then suddenly—music, dancers gliding right across the water (how do they even do that?). There’s this one part where a single ballet dancer moves under a pale spotlight and you can see her breath in the cold air. The whole stage is basically the lake itself, so everything feels huge and kind of dreamlike. Mrs. Chen leaned over to explain some of the story — legends from Hangzhou’s past — but honestly I got caught up watching how the lights made everything shimmer gold and blue. My seat was a bit damp but I didn’t care.

I kept thinking about how Director Zhang Yimou put this together (he did the Beijing Olympics opening too). There are 200 performers out there, sometimes moving as one giant wave, sometimes breaking off into little stories. At one point a group of kids behind me started humming along to an old song — maybe something their parents knew? The whole thing lasted just about an hour but it felt longer in a good way. When it ended, no one rushed off; people just stood around looking at the lake like they were waiting for another secret to show up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Impression West Lake Show

• Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show

Top questions

What time does Impression West Lake Show start?

The show starts at 7:40pm every day.

Where is Impression West Lake Show held?

It takes place at No.82 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you select that option when booking.

How long does the West Lake water show last?

The performance lasts about 60 minutes.

Are English tickets available?

Yes, English ticket delivery service is available if selected.

Can children attend Impression West Lake Show?

Yes, it's suitable for both adults and kids.

Who created Impression West Lake Show?

The show was created by Director Zhang Yimou.

Is there a refund if I miss the performance?

No, tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable if you miss or arrive late.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Hangzhou hotels if selected, entry tickets to Impression West Lake Show with English ticket delivery service when chosen, plus all logistics handled so you can just focus on soaking up every moment by the lake before heading back to your hotel afterwards.