Impression Westlake
Impression Westlake
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
1,149 reviews
Excellent
700
Very good
343
Average
89
Poor
13
Terrible
3
no-name-entered-2014
London, UK35 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
We visited this show on the second day of our stay as we wanted to experience the whole performance and the unique interaction on the water of West Lake itself. When we went to book the tickets at a sale point next to West Lake itself the sales person advised us to just go for the cheap tickets on A2 seating instead of trying to purchase VIP seating at premium price. We did accordingly and found that we had gotten seats right behind the VIP section in A2, close to the middle of the viewing area of the stage. We could see the high priced seats from a distance and it was hardly filled on the evening we visited; also the view from there seems much further away from the center of the action on the stage. When you compare the price of 260 RMB for this and the higher pricing for more premium seats I cannot but recommend the sales person suggestion (we had to book a day in advance admittedly). Note that if you go to these booths you will be interrupted every 5 minutes by someone trying to return rental agreements for the bikes around West Lake, be aware of this.
Also note that when you get the ticket from the sales booth, you will need to arrive early at the Impression West Lake site in order to exchange the ticket for a seating ticket on site. If you arrive early, you can also grab some food there; there's a KFC nearby if you want to eat western fast food or a Yang's dumplings if you're looking for eastern fast food. Bring a sweater or coat because it can get cold in the evening once the sun is down! After the performance, be aware that it is very difficult to get a cab to go back to the center of Hangzhou; we walked from Impression West Lake all the way to the major intersection before we got a cab (past the causeway, etc), past a long traffic jam. One thing you could do is arrange a cab to meet you outside of Impression West Lake or alternatively outside of the causeway (if you fancy a walk along a stretch of West Lake in moonlight) so as to avoid a longer walk.
With regards to the show itself, it was certainly an experience. You do not have to know the details about the story as the main themes are fairly standard but I suspect your enjoyment of it will be higher if you are aware of the details and are able to match it with what's done on stage. The lighting is incredible and used to great effect; expect gasps and applause from the audience as the lights go on and during various points in the show (also expect camera flashes, very amusing given the "no camera's signs plastered all over the place).
Watching the actors emote and dance over the water is amazing but I have to admit that not knowing the exact story made the episodes a bit disjointed (you can tie them together in general (boy meets girl, boy loses girl, sadness ensues etc). The spectacle of seeing them dance on the water, the lights and all the music certainly makes up for a lot however and is very entertaining. If you have a free night, want to see something extraordinary and have the ability to arrange a ticket on the go (either through hotel reception or directly at a sales booth) you could certainly visit the show, enjoy the scenery and performance and have a unique experience!
Also note that when you get the ticket from the sales booth, you will need to arrive early at the Impression West Lake site in order to exchange the ticket for a seating ticket on site. If you arrive early, you can also grab some food there; there's a KFC nearby if you want to eat western fast food or a Yang's dumplings if you're looking for eastern fast food. Bring a sweater or coat because it can get cold in the evening once the sun is down! After the performance, be aware that it is very difficult to get a cab to go back to the center of Hangzhou; we walked from Impression West Lake all the way to the major intersection before we got a cab (past the causeway, etc), past a long traffic jam. One thing you could do is arrange a cab to meet you outside of Impression West Lake or alternatively outside of the causeway (if you fancy a walk along a stretch of West Lake in moonlight) so as to avoid a longer walk.
With regards to the show itself, it was certainly an experience. You do not have to know the details about the story as the main themes are fairly standard but I suspect your enjoyment of it will be higher if you are aware of the details and are able to match it with what's done on stage. The lighting is incredible and used to great effect; expect gasps and applause from the audience as the lights go on and during various points in the show (also expect camera flashes, very amusing given the "no camera's signs plastered all over the place).
Watching the actors emote and dance over the water is amazing but I have to admit that not knowing the exact story made the episodes a bit disjointed (you can tie them together in general (boy meets girl, boy loses girl, sadness ensues etc). The spectacle of seeing them dance on the water, the lights and all the music certainly makes up for a lot however and is very entertaining. If you have a free night, want to see something extraordinary and have the ability to arrange a ticket on the go (either through hotel reception or directly at a sales booth) you could certainly visit the show, enjoy the scenery and performance and have a unique experience!
Written April 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oylin65
Singapore, Singapore76 contributions
May 2014 • Family
The sound and light show takes place in the evening, literally on the lake of the Westlake. The show take place opposite the Yuefei Temple. So you can get tickets at the ticket counter after a visit to Yuefei temple before heading somewhere else before returning in the evening for the show. Do note that the show starts only after it becomes dark and therefore has different start time for different time of the year. Do check the start time on the ticket.
Enjoy the show and be ready to be awe for surprises. The storyline of the show is loosely based on the various popular folklore from the Song dynasty. This is also where the show falls short as there are no English text for the narrative shown at the prelude. However, that do not in any way lessen the enjoyment and awe factor.
Be prepared for the large crowd dispersing from the show site, the massive traffic jam and the difficulty in getting a taxi. It is best that prior transport arrangement be made but do be clear where you like to be picked up. Alternatively, use a taxi booking apps and get a taxi.
If you are on a day trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai, check the train schedule. There should be sufficient time to get to the train station and back to Shanghai. Do buy your return train tickets in advance.
Enjoy the show and be ready to be awe for surprises. The storyline of the show is loosely based on the various popular folklore from the Song dynasty. This is also where the show falls short as there are no English text for the narrative shown at the prelude. However, that do not in any way lessen the enjoyment and awe factor.
Be prepared for the large crowd dispersing from the show site, the massive traffic jam and the difficulty in getting a taxi. It is best that prior transport arrangement be made but do be clear where you like to be picked up. Alternatively, use a taxi booking apps and get a taxi.
If you are on a day trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai, check the train schedule. There should be sufficient time to get to the train station and back to Shanghai. Do buy your return train tickets in advance.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mei Ling L
Australia5 contributions
it is a most spectacular outdoor dance show! a must see if you are overnighting in Hangzhou! starts at 1930 and tickets are usually RMB240, but most travel agents or your hotel desk can get tickets for you for about RMB200... the venue is just opposite Shangri-la Hangzhou, or at northern end of Su Causeway... directed by Zhang Yimou, with music score by Kitaro!
Written July 21, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mwong1307
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
Great Show ... I will be going there to see the show for the second time, but can someone please help to confirm when will this show be available in September 2016.
Written August 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drgreenthumb2
Los Angeles, CA47 contributions
Dec 2015
We were in China for a month and went to so many places. We went to watch a lot of shows in China (opera, shaolin, acrobats show in Beijing, Tang dynasty in Xi'an, impression of liu sanjiein yangshuo, impression lijiang, etc...
We have also seen almost all Cirque de Soleil shows in the USA (mostly Vegas) and simply it does NOT compare to the scale. There are 3 massive monster shows in China. Impression of West Lake will be compared against other "impression" produced by famous Zhang Yimou (liu sanjie and lijiang). Impression shows are massive and "olympic" size in scale! with 500+ performers from local areas. All 3 impression shows are outdoor and west lake and liu sanjie are evening shows set on the lake. lijiang is day time show and looked a bit more flat. west lake is the closest comparison the liu sanjie. west lake is more of a love story and liu sanjie is a mix of love story and depicts hill tribe or rural china life.
this is very subjective but even though that these shows are in chinese. i was so captivated that i didnt need interpretation. it was so incredible that i didnt realize it was already an hour! and the show was ending. I have also tried showing it to my family but the videos do NOT do it justice. One of our highlights in China. It will blow your mind away. Not sure why we could not even do this show in USA?!!!
the bad: chinese people dont have manners and courtesy. they will yell on their phones and talk amongst each other before, during and after this show! they will move around different seats and up and down the aisles during the show and its quite distracting.
We have also seen almost all Cirque de Soleil shows in the USA (mostly Vegas) and simply it does NOT compare to the scale. There are 3 massive monster shows in China. Impression of West Lake will be compared against other "impression" produced by famous Zhang Yimou (liu sanjie and lijiang). Impression shows are massive and "olympic" size in scale! with 500+ performers from local areas. All 3 impression shows are outdoor and west lake and liu sanjie are evening shows set on the lake. lijiang is day time show and looked a bit more flat. west lake is the closest comparison the liu sanjie. west lake is more of a love story and liu sanjie is a mix of love story and depicts hill tribe or rural china life.
this is very subjective but even though that these shows are in chinese. i was so captivated that i didnt need interpretation. it was so incredible that i didnt realize it was already an hour! and the show was ending. I have also tried showing it to my family but the videos do NOT do it justice. One of our highlights in China. It will blow your mind away. Not sure why we could not even do this show in USA?!!!
the bad: chinese people dont have manners and courtesy. they will yell on their phones and talk amongst each other before, during and after this show! they will move around different seats and up and down the aisles during the show and its quite distracting.
Written December 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MalikAdventures
London73 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
At the start wow, its built up so much and the effects were great. However by the end of the third act nobody really applauded as it just fizzled out and then before we knew it the whole play was over. Very short considering people pay 250 rmb per seat for a 55 minute show tops. Wouldnt do it again but worth it for the experience I guess
Written April 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten M
Newcastle, Australia401 contributions
Jul 2018
The Impression Westlake show was incredible! I have never seen anything like it. The stages underwater were amazing, the dancing was breathtaking, the music was fantastic! It might well be one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life. I would revisit Hangzhou just to see the show again! You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all night!!
Written August 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
panamtravelkid
Los Angeles, CA297 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
The show IS OPEN.
The show was well done, with beautiful dance and singing performances, lights and reflections on top of West Lake. However, be aware that the audience was filled with people who :
1. Talk loudly throughout the performances
2. Cell phones ringing and full phone conversations in the midst of the show, by many people
3. Loud singing
4. Taking flash photos and video throughout
The audience overshadowed and were louder than the loud music and the operatic singers.
It was apparent Chinese audiences consider this behavior normal, even in the best VIP seats which were RMB 680. If you don't mind this behavior, you'll love the show.
The show was well done, with beautiful dance and singing performances, lights and reflections on top of West Lake. However, be aware that the audience was filled with people who :
1. Talk loudly throughout the performances
2. Cell phones ringing and full phone conversations in the midst of the show, by many people
3. Loud singing
4. Taking flash photos and video throughout
The audience overshadowed and were louder than the loud music and the operatic singers.
It was apparent Chinese audiences consider this behavior normal, even in the best VIP seats which were RMB 680. If you don't mind this behavior, you'll love the show.
Written May 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel A
Beijing, China33,004 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
This was one of the events in Hangzhou I appreciated despite the Golden Week crowds. I have a few tips for you to maximize your experience. Bring a jacket and mosquito repellant. Be prepared to walk to the show and walk back because the crowds trying to get taxis are ridiculous. Expect people to walk up and leave to beat the crowdedexits before the performance is actually over. Sit and enjoy the entire show and wait for the crowds to leave. DO NOT pay for an expensive VIP seat. We sat at the cheapest section, 260 RMB, in section C, second to last row and the view was perfect. It is a waste to get the VIP seats as those seats aren’t front and center and are at an angle and run close to 1,000RMB.
The show is impressive and the actors appear to be on top of the water. Enjoy the lights because the dancing can be dull at times. My Chinese wife was bored but I was into the entire lights and sounds. The producer of the Beijing Olympic stunning pageantry is the same producer of this show but don’t expect too much as it’s not at the same level. Overall, I’d go again.
The show is impressive and the actors appear to be on top of the water. Enjoy the lights because the dancing can be dull at times. My Chinese wife was bored but I was into the entire lights and sounds. The producer of the Beijing Olympic stunning pageantry is the same producer of this show but don’t expect too much as it’s not at the same level. Overall, I’d go again.
Written October 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra L
Petaling Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia134 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
TIPS:
a)Transport: 8 minutes walk from Hotel SSAW to Hubin( 湖滨）bus stand, take bus 7, get down at 岳庙. It was just right across the temple.
b)Best seat option: zone A4, 3排32座 (3rd row, seat no.32）RMB 260
c) Bus 51 to go back (get down at 东波路平海路口）, from there 3 minutes walk back distance.
Morning u can visit to lin yin temple first and then yue wan miao as yr next itinerary.
Regardless the show is directed by Zhang Yi Mou, it is not as spectacular as they have introduced over the books or internet. Honestly speaking i was very disappointing with the story plot designed. We have read the love story of the west lake since i am in high school. However, what they tried to interpreted in the performance is lack of focus and confusing. There was even one hong kong tourist fell asleep during the show.
The only thing i think is worth seeing is the walking effect on the water... and how they have hide the stage and bridge just right under the surface of the water. The lighting effect is impressive too. However, some of the chapter story takes too long time.. it became boring and even sentimental and not easy to understand for audience. O ya the management provides audience disposable rain coats .. so sweet of them.
a)Transport: 8 minutes walk from Hotel SSAW to Hubin( 湖滨）bus stand, take bus 7, get down at 岳庙. It was just right across the temple.
b)Best seat option: zone A4, 3排32座 (3rd row, seat no.32）RMB 260
c) Bus 51 to go back (get down at 东波路平海路口）, from there 3 minutes walk back distance.
Morning u can visit to lin yin temple first and then yue wan miao as yr next itinerary.
Regardless the show is directed by Zhang Yi Mou, it is not as spectacular as they have introduced over the books or internet. Honestly speaking i was very disappointing with the story plot designed. We have read the love story of the west lake since i am in high school. However, what they tried to interpreted in the performance is lack of focus and confusing. There was even one hong kong tourist fell asleep during the show.
The only thing i think is worth seeing is the walking effect on the water... and how they have hide the stage and bridge just right under the surface of the water. The lighting effect is impressive too. However, some of the chapter story takes too long time.. it became boring and even sentimental and not easy to understand for audience. O ya the management provides audience disposable rain coats .. so sweet of them.
Written June 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Can I know which website u book online ?
ohteoh
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia203 contributions
I tried to book thru local tour guide when I was there but it was closed for the G20 summit.
Laura H
New Jersey340 contributions
Is it necessary to go to the show with a guide on a tour? Did anyone go alone or privately? I have heard that it is difficult to catch a taxi after the show? We do not speak Chinese. I was thinking of staying at the Wyndham Royal and walking back from the show. Do-able? We don't mind walking but want to be safe while walking back along the lake after the first show.
Thank you!
mwong1307
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
Hi
I would advise checking date of performance with agent with booking tickets online.
Shangrila in Hangzhou is very dated. Not worth the rate one pays.
lellena84
Province of Milan, Italy10 contributions
I have read it is undergoing upgrading works.
Will these be over by October 15th?
Thanks
mwong1307
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
I would advise to email the ticket agent before booking the tickets online. System accepted my booking even though show performance was not confirmed. I had to cancel my reservations. However, cost of 5 tickets was refunded by ticketing agent.
dolly cubasso
Province of Cordoba, Argentina122 contributions
Hola Any_Azul, te escribo desde Córdoba(argentina),viajaremos en septiembre a China, me gustaría saber cuanto pagaste la entrada al espectáculo" Impressions... "del lago del Oeste en Hangzhou y si fuiste al mismo espectáculo en Yangzhou(cerca de Guilin), a cual de los 2 conviene ir, no sabes si son exactamente iguales. El problema que en Yangzhou nos queda como a unos 35km de Guilin donde nos alojaremos, y al ser un espectaculo nocturno, se complica el medio de transporte para volver a Guilin, en cuanto a costos. Muchas gracias
Limyt
Singapore, Singapore73 contributions
I will be in Hangzhou from 26 - 29 May 2016 and hope to watch the show. However, I read from
a ticketing website "GOTOHangzhou" that the show is undergoing upgrading works from
8 November 2015 till September 2016. Is this information correct, since many forumers postings
seem to imply that they watched the show recently.
Thank you
Oliaaaa
Beijing, China2 contributions
The information is correct, under upgrading works.
CarolBradyGonzalez
Boston, MA425 contributions
Impression Westlake
We are staying in Shanghai. How far out is Hangzhou from Shanghai. Do people get rides out there and then return at night or stay in Hangzhou?
KommissarKen
Portland761 contributions
I would agree with the previous responses regarding spending more than part of a day in Hangzhou. It is a beautiful city well worth exploring. I was on a tour when I was there and regretted only having part of a day and an overnight before heading out the next morning.
in0r
Los Angeles, CA238 contributions
Does anyone know how to purchase tickets for the Impressions show. I have tried to contact my hotel, and they are not responding. I found a purchase site online, but they are requiring a passport number and payment by paypal. I was not comfortable with these requirements considering it was unclear as to if they were the official site, this is a Chinese site, etc.
Thank you
Aanyaigoo
Pune, India106 contributions
You can purchase tickets through the official website of Westlake impressions which you can google under Impression West Lake Show Tickets Hangzhou tours.
It is in English and has all details of how to purchase tickets, make payment and a seating layout to decide which seats to buy. We purchased our tickets through this site and they emailed a receipt which we showed on our mobile phone at the ticket window to collect he tickets. We had also called the ticket office at the number given on the website after making the payment and spoke to a lady in English and she alloted us excellent seats in the front row of the central stand (the lowest value tickets). The tickets were ready when we went to collect. They were extremely helpful.
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