West Lake - Sudi Causeway Sugongdi

Known also as ''Mr Su's Dike'' (Sugongdi), the 2.8km/1.75mi long Sudi Causeway was built in 1089 by order of the famous poet Su Shi, who was then prefect of Hangzhou. It lies in the west part of West Lake and links the north bank with the south. To build the causeway mud was dredged from the lake, dried in the sun and then reinforced by adding algae.

There are few experiences more pleasurable than an early morning stroll across the causeway in spring, past beautiful flower-beds, peach trees in blossom and weeping willows casting their shadows on the six arched stone bridges. Watching the sunrise in spring from the Sudi Causeway is one of Hangzhou's most wonderful experiences.