Most Asked Questions about Westlake Water Show

E-Ticket (QR Code): Receive an e-ticket after booking, and enter directly using the QR code.
On-Site Collection: Collect tickets at the box office using your booking information and ID.

VIP Zone: Directly facing the stage, best view.
Front Rows of Zone A: Close to the stage, excellent viewing experience.
Middle Sections: Wide view, great for photography.
If you're unsure, contact customer service or the box office for personalized recommendations.

Yes, Impression West Lake is an outdoor performance, so weather conditions can significantly impact the show. In cases of extreme weather (e.g., heavy rain, typhoons, or snow), the performance may be canceled or rescheduled. The organizer will notify attendees via SMS, email, or the official website before the show. It’s recommended to check the weather forecast before your trip and stay updated on official announcements on the day of the performance. If the show is canceled, you can request a refund or reschedule through us.

The performance is primarily visual and musical, with no dialogue or language barriers. Through lights, water screens, music, and dance, the show tells the legends and history of West Lake, making it suitable for audiences from all countries and regions.

The performance venue is located at No. 28, Yanggongdi, West Lake District, Hangzhou. You can reach it by:

Bus: Take a bus to the “Yue Temple” stop and walk about 10 minutes to the venue.
Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Direct your driver to “Impression West Lake Performance Venue.”
Driving: Navigate to the “Impression West Lake Parking Lot,” but be aware of limited parking.
Walking: If you’re staying near West Lake, consider walking to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Refunds: Usually require advance notice and may incur a service fee.
Rescheduling: Subject to ticket availability; contact customer service for assistance.

Yes, there are still some trains back to Shanghai from Hangzhou after the west lake show. Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai with Impression West Lake Show by train getting more and more popular since the train is very convient between Shanghai & Hangzhou. Some recommended train as below for your reference:

Hangzhou to Shanghai

G1640 Depart at 21:50 from Hangzhou East Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 22:44

G1658 Depart at 21:55 from Hangzhou East Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 22:48

G1376 Depart at 22:12 from Hangzhou East Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 22:59

The show may be unavailable due to various reasons such as inclement weather, issues with the show facility, or political factors. Typically, the show does not run from mid-December to the beginning of March due to the cold weather in Hangzhou. During this period, it becomes too cold for the actors and actresses to perform on the lake.

The Impression West Lake show is renowned for its stunning visuals and captivating performances. Although there is no narration or explanation provided during the show, the performance itself effectively conveys a narrative through its artistic presentation.

Typically, the show starts at 7:45 pm during the summer months and at 7:30 pm during the winter months. Occasionally, there may be two shows scheduled in a single day. The duration of each show is approximately 50 minutes.

Yes, you still have time to watch the impression show before heading back to Shanghai. There are many trains departing from Hangzhou to Shanghai at night after 9:30 pm. The show typically ends around 8:30 pm, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to travel from the show venue to Hangzhou East Train Station. The latest train departs from Hangzhou East Station at 10:39 pm. So, you should be able to catch the show and make it to the train station in time for your departure to Shanghai.

Additionally, it's worth noting that after the show, it can be challenging to find a taxi due to the large crowds. Therefore, we highly recommend arranging transportation in advance, such as a private car service, to ensure a smooth journey back to the train station.

Yes, we provide Hangzhou hotel & Show Avenue Round way transfer as well. If we confirmed the service, we will send you the driver’s contact and our driver will meet you at your hotel lobby with your name board. You will be transferred to the place for the show. After the show, our driver will pick you up again from the designated point and take you back to your hotel. We will arrange the vehicle according to your group size. Additionally, we also offer shuttle services to and from the train station for Impression West Lake. If you require transportation to the show from the train station or vice versa, simply let us know your arrival or departure details, and we will arrange for a convenient pickup and drop-off service. Our goal is to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable experience from beginning to end.

Near the show venue, there are plenty of dining options available, catering to various preferences. You can find Chinese table food, snacks, and even popular Western fast-food chains like KFC and Starbucks in the vicinity. Additionally, if you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, you can dine at Jinsha Restaurant or Zhiweiguan, both of which offer excellent cuisine. These restaurants are conveniently located close to the show venue, making them ideal choices for a meal before or after the show.

It's recommended to book tickets in advance for Impression West Lake, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and secure preferred seating.

Generally, photography and videography are not allowed during the Impression West Lake performance to avoid disturbing the performers and other audience members.

After the show, transportation options may include taxis, buses, or rideshare services. It's advisable to be prepared for potential congestion and plan accordingly to avoid any delays in getting back to your accommodation or next destination.

Yes, Impression West Lake provides designated seating and facilities for visitors with disabilities. If you require accessible seating, please inform the customer service or box office when booking your tickets. Staff will arrange suitable seats and assist with entry. The venue also features wheelchair-accessible pathways for convenience.

Yes, you can bring a camera or phone to take photos, but please note the following rules:

No Flash Photography: Flash can disrupt the performers and other audience members.
No Professional Equipment: Tripods, long lenses, and other professional gear are not allowed.
Respect Others: Avoid filming the entire performance to ensure others can enjoy the show.

It’s recommended to take photos of the venue before or after the performance and focus on enjoying the show during the performance.

Yes, Impression West Lake is an evening-only performance, designed to take full advantage of the reflections, lighting, and atmosphere created by the lake after dark. The standard show time is 7:45 PM daily, and on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s usually a second performance at 9:15 PM, depending on the season and audience demand. Each show runs for about 1 hour and takes place on the actual lake surface, combining music, dance, lights, and natural scenery in a stunning open-air setting.

While it’s sometimes possible to buy tickets on the same day, availability can be limited—especially during weekends, holidays, or peak travel seasons. To ensure good seating and avoid disappointment, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. If you’re traveling with us, we’ll happily handle all ticket arrangements as part of your itinerary. Let us know your travel dates and we’ll secure the best seats for you.

Absolutely. The performance is equipped with English subtitles, and there are English-speaking staff at the venue to provide assistance. In addition, the core chapters are presented through visuals and music, allowing tourists to feel the cultural connotation without relying on language; the guide also details the background of each chapter, which can deepen understanding when read in advance.

They are the same performance. Impression Westlake Show premiered in 2007 and was renamed Enduring Memories of Hangzhou after being upgraded in 2017, integrating 70% of the core elements of the G20 Hangzhou Summit Evening Gala while retaining its original natural and humanistic core and artistic standards.

You can fill in your email address when purchasing tickets, and the system will send the ticket collection QR code and relevant certificates to your email; you can also collect tickets at the designated window of the venue from 17:00 to 21:00 on the performance day with your original passport, without relying on a Chinese mobile phone number.

Regular tickets and VIP tickets can be refunded in advance, and the handling fee is calculated according to the refund time (subject to official regulations); honorary guest tickets and children’s preferential tickets are non-refundable once sold, so it is recommended to confirm the itinerary before booking.

Most nearby featured homestays support English booking. You can search for "homestays near Impression Westlake" on international booking platforms such as Booking, select "within 15 minutes' walk" when filtering, and confirm the location with the homestay in advance. Some homestays also provide pick-up and drop-off services for the performance.