Impression West Lake "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou"

Opening hours: 19:40, 21:50

This section of West Lake, or Xi Hu, is the open-air setting for Impression West Lake, known in Chinese as Yinxiang Xi Hu. Its current production carries the title Enduring Memories of Hangzhou. The name comes from a line by the Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, who served as governor here and wrote about his enduring affection for this city.

The production was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. It originally premiered in 2007 as part of his series of live-action outdoor performances across China. The show was redesigned and staged for world leaders during the 2016 G20 Summit held in Hangzhou, after which this revised version opened for regular public performances.

The performance uses the natural water surface of the lake and the surrounding shoreline as its stage. A platform is submerged just below the water level, which makes the performers appear as though they are walking and dancing on top of the lake. The production incorporates light displays, synchronized movement, and music, weaving together classical Chinese literature and local folklore, including the tale of the White Snake and the romance of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, known as the Butterfly Lovers.

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