The West Lake Museum recently unveiled a large-scale exhibition titled “Stories of the West Lake: 1949-1999.”

This exhibition delves into the concept of “People’s West Lake,” chronicling the extraordinary transformations that have shaped the lake from 1949 to 1999.

The beauty of the West Lake is shaped by both nature and human hands. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the cityscape on the fourth. This layout has remained unchanged for more than a thousand years. As the renowned poet Su Shi eloquently stated, “The West Lake is like a lovely lady—whether modestly or lavishly dressed, she is always a sight to behold.”

Through a combination of video, audio, photographs, and artifacts, the exhibition brings to light the lesser-known stories of the lake and its connection with people. Seven individuals—Yu Senwen, Shi Diandong, Chen Wenjin, Hu Lichen, Lin Fuchang, Liu Yanjie, and Zhang Yanhui—share their personal stories related to the lake. Their stories illuminate the transformation of the West Lake from seven angles: its origins, ecological restoration, cultural identity, the preservation of its lake-city layout, scenic area planning, the establishment of Taiziwan Park, and the management of the West Lake.

The exhibition highlights five achievements of Hangzhou in relation to the management of the West Lake: (i) embracing the socialist vision of public parks; (ii) launching China’s first large-scale ecological restoration project and planting thousands of trees; (iii) creating a cultural landscape rooted in Eastern aesthetics; (iv) creating a scenic area management system; (v) blending urban development with nature in a way that is harmonious, sustainable, and reflective of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

A collection of rare historical artifacts, videos that feature exclusive interviews, and breathtaking photographs of the West Lake captured by renowned photographers is on display. Many of these images are being showcased to the public for the very first time.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. It will run until December 20.