Bai Causway

Bai Causeway is a one-kilometre paved dyke that cuts across the northern section of Hangzhou's West Lake, connecting the northeastern lakeshore to the historic island of Gushan (Solitary Hill). It separates the open expanse of the outer lake to the south from the North Inner Lake, which fills with lotus blossoms in summer. Lined on both sides with alternating weeping willows and peach trees, the car-free path offers sweeping views of the water framed by Baoshi Hill and the slender Baochu Pagoda to the north.

The causeway takes its name from Bai Juyi, the celebrated Tang-dynasty poet who served as prefect of Hangzhou in the early 820s. Although Bai oversaw extensive dredging and constructed an earthen dyke to store irrigation water for local farmers, his original barrier stood elsewhere and was eventually lost. The present causeway existed before his arrival as the White Sand Causeway, a scenic route Bai celebrated in his spring poetry. Later generations renamed this trail in his honour to commemorate his contribution to the city.

Strolling the causeway from east to west starts at Broken Bridge, renowned as the romantic meeting place in the folk legend of the White Snake and celebrated for the winter scene of snow melting from its stone arch. Near the middle, the path crosses Jindai Bridge (Brocade Ribbon Bridge), which offers open vantage points in all directions. At the western terminus, the walkway leads directly to the lakeside pavilion of Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake and into the gardens, halls, and cultural landmarks of Gushan.