Shore vs boat
Many pages say “West Lake is free” and stop — boat/island is where foreigners get stuck.
Trip.com gave an English flow without a Chinese ID field on the form we saw.
Separating shore vs boat prevents buying useless “lake tickets”.
How to book
- Decide: causeway walk only (free) vs cruise vs Three Pools island.
- For island: open Trip.com Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and pick a painted boat + island (or equivalent) product.
- Fill name + phone as the form asks; pay; save voucher. (Stopped before payment.)
- Or buy at the pier window — bring passport even if the OTA form skipped ID.
- Board at the named pier; weather can cancel sailings.
Official rules change — re-check the linked source on your travel week. Prefer official channels; avoid unofficial “guaranteed ticket” sellers.
Pitfalls
- Paying for a “West Lake ticket” when you only wanted the free shore.
- Buying a boat-only product when you wanted island landing.
- Assuming WeChat “West Lake Cruise” works without testing (Check).
- Inventing Klook because another blog mentioned it.
Verified 19 Oct 2026 CST: Trip.com EN three-pools-mirroring-the-moon-75769 — name+phone traveller form (no ID field), painted+island ~US$10.47, stopped before payment. Shore free vs boat paid kept distinct. Pier walk-up documented. WeChat “West Lake Cruise” / Bababus named on operator notices but not opened → Check. Klook not used (403). Prices ~55 / ~70 from 2025 Hangzhou press.
FAQ
Is West Lake free?
The shore and causeways are free. Boats and Three Pools island are paid — this guide.
Can I book in English?
Yes — Trip.com Three Pools listing; form asked name + phone on 19 Oct 2026. Piers are backup.
How much is painted boat + island?
About CNY 70 including CNY 20 island (2025 press). Trip ~US$10.47 on our shelf.
Do I need a passport on Trip.com?
That form had no ID field; still carry passport for pier checks.
Klook?
Not verified (blocked). Not listed here.