Impression West Lake is one of the outdoor folk musical shows under the title "Impression", co-directed by Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge and Fan Yue. It was first initiated in late 2007. Staged entirely upon West Lake, the show combines both the natural and cultural beauty of West Lake.

Performance undergoing	The performance is staged on water.

Legend of the Formation of West Lake

Long long ago in the heaven, Jade Dragon and Golden Phoenix found a white jade on a fairy island near the Milky Way. They made every effort to polish the jade, and after many years got a gorgeous and shining pearl. Wherever the pearl shone its rays on, trees became evergreen and flowers blooming. This miracle was known by Xi Wang Mu, the highest goddess of heaven, and she sent out soldiers to extort the pearl. By accident, during the fight, the pearl fell into the human world and turned into the shimmering West Lake. To protect the lake forever, Jade Dragon and Golden Phoenix descended to the world and turned into Jade Dragon Mountain and Phoenix Mountain, lying near the lake ever since.

West Lake Overview	West Lake Causeway

Layout of West Lake

West Lake is surrounded by hills on three sides while Hangzhou city itself on the eastern shore. The basic layout is "one hill, two causeways, three islands, and five lakes".

    One hill: Gushan Hill, the largest natural island in the lake
    Two causeways: Su Causeway & Bai Causeway
    Three islands: Three small man-made islands, "Xiao Ying Zhou", "Hu Xin Ting", "Ruan Gong Dun", lie in the center of Outer West Lake.
    Five lakes: Outer West Lake, West Inner Lake, North Inner Lake, Little South Lake, and Yue Lake.

Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake (The Traditional Version)

West Lake is the pride of Hangzhou, and a favorite spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city. Among all its marvelous sceneries, the Ten Scenic Spots top the tourism itinerary. They are:
-- Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring,
-- Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer,
-- Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn,
-- Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter,
-- Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset,
-- Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds,
-- Orioles Singing in the Willows,
-- Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond,
-- Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon,
-- Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill.

West Lake not only hosts abundant natural resources and resorts, it also possesses a close link to ancient Chinese culture, including association with a large number of romantic poets, profound philosophers, national heroes and heroines.