Imagine a gentle evening breeze caressing your face as the boat glides through the picturesque West Lake. The silhouette of Santan Yinyue (Xiaoyingzhou), cloaked in the soft glow of the night sky, emerges from the surrounding mountains. The day’s heat gradually subsides. This was the exact experience awaiting visitors on the immersive Song Dynasty-themed night tour launched on July 23 on the Island.

This was the first time Santan Yinyue, one of the most popular scenic spots in the West Lake, offered nighttime boat tours, according to He Dongling, deputy general manager of Hangzhou West Lake Cruise Co., Ltd.

The route of the immersive night tour is inspired by the life and works of Su Dongpo, a renowned Song Dynasty poet, and his deep connection to West Lake, tracing his first encounter with Hangzhou, his subsequent enchantment with the lake, his departure from the city, and his enduring longing to return. It recreates the ambiance of Su Dongpo’s nocturnal excursions on the island, where he would entertain guests with poetry, wine, and music. Visitors will experience the atmosphere of Song Dynasty firsthand, participating in activities like boating, poetry recitation, flower arrangement, tea ceremonies, and pitch-pot, as well as enjoying traditional musical performances.

The tour spotlights poetry, breathtaking scenery, and the legacy of the Song Dynasty through five captivating scenes: First Encounter, Interdependence, Reunion, Companionship, and Remembrance. Against the backdrop of the enchanting West Lake, actors and actresses bring poetry to life with orchestrated performances along with the traditional music, all enhanced by the ethereal ambiance created through sound, light, and visual effects. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Su Dongpo, immersing themselves in the timeless allure of the lake and surrounding mountains and experiencing the refined lifestyle of the Song Dynasty.

The show left many visitors exhilarated, including Mr. Yang. Despite being a local, this was his first nighttime visit to the island. “The West Lake is absolutely breathtaking and mesmerizing after dark,” he raved. “Through these amazing performances and games, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for Song Dynasty culture. This tour is definitely worth recommending to friends and family.”

To experience the same tour on the West Lake, buy a ticket and board the boat at Yihuchun or Ergongyuan Pier between 6:45 and 9:15 PM in the evening. Enjoy the current promotional price of 168 yuan per person. This summer, gather your loved ones for an unforgettable evening on the lake. Follow in the footsteps of Su Dongpo and immerse yourself in the rich cultural legacy of the Song Dynasty.