Plan at a glance
Location, tickets and opening hours
Sizhou Tower stands on the southern foot of Gushan Hill within Huizhou West Lake and is a key stop on the lakeside walking route. Enter from Pinghu Gate and follow Su Causeway, or approach from the northwest gate along the lakeside path at the foot of the hill.
The wider West Lake area is free. Entry to Sizhou Tower costs CNY 10 and is normally purchased on site without a reservation. The tower is generally open from 8:00 to 18:00; aim to start climbing before 17:30. Holiday queues are possible.
How to fit it into your day
Allow one to one and a half hours if you only want the tower, lake view and exterior architecture. If you plan to climb the tower and combine it with the Su Dongpo Memorial Hall, Fengzhu Garden and Hejiang Tower, include it in a four- to six-hour West Lake half-day or full-day route.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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Short tower stop
Enter from Pinghu Gate, walk along Su Causeway to Nine-Bend Bridge, photograph the ancient tower reflected in the lake, then continue to the base of the tower before leaving. This covers the main viewpoints for visitors who do not want to queue for the climb.
West Lake heritage half-day
West Lake East Station → Pinghu Gate → Su Causeway → climb Sizhou Tower → Nine-Bend Bridge and Diancui Islet → Su Dongpo Memorial Hall → Fengzhu Garden → Zhuwu Alley → Hejiang Tower. Visit the tower interior first, then continue towards gardens and exhibition venues without backtracking.
Sunset and evening option
Climb the tower near sunset, return to Nine-Bend Bridge for evening photographs, then take a West Lake boat ride or continue to Shuidong Street. Do not leave your arrival too late if you want to reach the top before the tower closes.
Build your day
Lakeside tower-view route
Pinghu Gate → Su Causeway → Nine-Bend Bridge → base of Sizhou Tower → Pinghu Gate or a lakeside exit. The main stops are Su Causeway, the tower reflection from Nine-Bend Bridge and the architectural view from below.
Tower and garden route
West Lake East Station → Pinghu Gate → Su Causeway → Sizhou Tower → Nine-Bend Bridge → Su Dongpo Memorial Hall → Fengzhu Garden. Visiting the tower first lets you continue through the gardens and exhibits in one direction.
Night-view extension
Tower at sunset → evening photographs at Nine-Bend Bridge → West Lake boat ride → Shuidong Street. If you skip the climb, allow more time for the lake edge, the boat ride and the old town after dark.
Get there
Public transport
West Lake East Station Exit C is about 300–400 metres from Pinghu Gate. City buses stopping near West Lake East Gate, Pinghu Gate or Fengzhu Garden also provide easy access before a short walk to the tower area.
Driving
Fengzhu Garden Parking Lot and West Lake Grand Theatre Parking Lot are practical options, followed by a walk into the park. Do not rely solely on parking near the main gate during holidays.
Know before you go
Climbing versus photographing
The tower stairway is narrow, and the experience slows down when it is busy. If you prefer to avoid queues, the lake edge and Nine-Bend Bridge still give a complete view of the tower and its reflection.
Timing and what to bring
Early morning is quieter and calmer around the lake. Light is softer after 16:00, which works well for sunset photography. Parts of Su Causeway and Nine-Bend Bridge have little shade, so bring sun protection and mosquito repellent, and wear flat shoes suitable for stairs.