“Impression West Lake” (印象·西湖) draws its inspiration from the rich historical and cultural heritage as well as the breathtaking natural scenery of West Lake. It delves deep into Hangzhou’s ancient folklore and mythology, bringing to life the representative elements of the human history surrounding West Lake. Utilizing advanced technology, the show recreates the “West Lake rain,” reflecting the natural charm of rain over the lake. The entire performance, set amidst the natural landscape, dynamically interprets and visually represents the essence of Hangzhou’s urban culture and natural beauty, offering audiences a high-quality artistic feast.
The performance takes place in the Yue Lake scenic area, stretching from Zhaogong Causeway in the south to the Yue Lake Tower in the north, and from the Quyuan Fenghe in the west to the Su Causeway in the east. A retractable and movable grandstand, capable of accommodating 1800 people, is installed south of the Yue Lake Tower. The performance area on the lake is equipped with special lighting and laser effects to meet the needs of the stage and backdrop.
World-renowned music maestro Kitaro is invited to serve as the music director, with his ethereal and melodious compositions complementing the charm of West Lake perfectly. Zhang Liangying sings the theme song, adding her enchanting voice to the entire performance. Audiences can expect to witness a high artistic standard of landscape performance coupled with a world-class concert experience.
“Impression West Lake” showcases the most beautiful moments of the Hangzhou West Lake scenery, rendering the essence of the Ten Scenes of West Lake in an impressionistic style. In this performance, you can immerse yourself in the swaying willows of the Su Causeway in spring, the fragrant lotus blossoms of West Lake in summer, the moon reflection at Three Pools Mirroring the Moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the snow-covered Broken Bridge in winter.
The entire show is composed of various ethereal segments of West Lake scenery, starting with the small boat carrying “Xu Xian” to the “Water Pavilion.” There’s no linear storyline, but rather a series of intentional performances. One of the most captivating scenes is the triangular rain curtain rising from the lake surface, with two large birds soaring through the rain accompanied by Zhang Liangying’s song “Impression West Lake Rain,” where you can also witness the scene of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian expressing their love.