West Lake Musical Fountain西湖音乐喷泉
Free 15-20 minute shows at 19:30 and 20:30 nightly from a 126-m fountain with 333 jets at Hubin Park No. 3 on West Lake — Hangzhou's signature evening sight.
Hangzhou · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is West Lake Musical Fountain worth visiting?
Free nightly shows at 19:30 and 20:30 at the Hubin gardens on West Lake in Hangzhou; the 126-m fountain has 333 jets, so arrive early for a spot.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free admission |
|---|---|
| Hours | Nightly at 19:30 and 20:30 (holidays and peak summer may add an 18:00 show) |
| Recommended duration | About 15-20 minutes per show; arrive 30 minutes early for a spot |
| Best time to visit | Summer evenings are best; spring and summer nights are mild |
| How to get there | Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao, Exit C, then 5 minutes on foot; buses 12 or 25 to Hubin |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Length | About 126 m |
| Jets | 333 |
| Built | 2003 |
| Location | Hubin Park No. 3 |
| Admission | Free |
What to expect
The fountain sits at Hubin Park No. 3 on West Lake: 126 m long, 6 m wide, 333 jets, with its tallest plume reaching about 60 m. A computerized control system syncs water patterns to music, colored lights and surround sound — sometimes soft and swaying, sometimes soaring — against the night skyline of the lake. Completed in 2003 as one of Asia's largest musical fountains, it is free and has become the signature sight of a Hangzhou evening.
Each 15-20 minute show sets jets, mist and light to pieces such as "Butterfly Lovers", "The Blue Danube" and "Spring in West Lake". The fountain frames Gemstone Hill and Su Causeway across the water, and the surrounding Hubin Yintai and in77 malls make this one of the city's busiest shopping districts. The system was upgraded around the 2016 G20 summit, adding richer lighting effects.
Crowds are heavy on weekends and holidays: arrive 30-40 minutes early for a front spot, and note that views improve toward the center. During show hours (roughly 19:30-21:00) Hubin Road is closed to traffic. The waterfront has steps and platforms with accessible routes; bring mosquito repellent in summer.
How to get there
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao, Exit C — the fountain area at Hubin Park No. 3 is about a 5-minute walk. Buses 12, 25 or 56 stop at Hubin. From Hangzhou East station allow about 30 minutes on Line 1.
Best photo spots
- The platform directly in front of the fountain (best view and photos)
- The Hubin lakeside promenade (fountain with West Lake behind)
- Distant view from Gemstone Hill (full panorama)
- The lakeside steps (shooting the reflection from above)
- The in77 mall viewing terrace (elevated angle)
Tips
- In peak season (holidays, summer) arrive at least 40 minutes early — after 18:45 good spots for the 19:30 show are gone
- Crowds surge during shows; watch your phone and wallet in the crush
- The lakeside steps are windy — dress warm in winter
- Exit is slow after a show; leave when the second show starts and crowds thin
- Combine with the Hubin malls: browse before the 19:30 show, then eat or shop after
Scams to avoid
- No major scams, but vendors occasionally push glow sticks and balloons by the shore — ignore them
- Hotel prices near the lake spike on holidays — book ahead
Frequently asked questions
Does the fountain run every night?
Usually two shows nightly at 19:30 and 20:30. Holidays (May Day, National Day, Spring Festival) and summer peaks may add an 18:00 show. Cancelled in bad weather such as high wind or heavy rain — check the day's notice.
Do I need a ticket for the musical fountain?
No — it is completely free; watch from the lakeside.
Where is the best viewing spot?
The steps in the middle, directly across from the fountain: enough height for a full panorama and reflection. Crowds are thick, so claim a spot early.
Are there toilets near the fountain?
Yes, public restrooms, but queues are long on holidays — use the malls first.
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