A view of West Lake. [Photo/people.cn]

The day of our boat trip is a chilly one, owing to a light drizzle, and the towering hills in the distance are held in a white tinge, yet this does not deter nature lovers from moving about.

We are served Hangzhou tea and fruit salad as we move from corner to corner of the lake surrounded by willows and peach trees.

Around the iconic lake, man-made features such as walkways, islands, bridges and gardens have been expanded, enhancing the beauty of a treasure that dates back more than 1000 years.

In 2011, West Lake was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its place as trove of history, art and heritage that deserves to be protected and preserved.

From a distance the glittering skyline of Hangzhou City comes to the fore, blending easily with pristine views of haze-capped mountains in a story of harmony between man and nature.

Many of Hangzhou's more than eight million inhabitants stroll around the West Lake, scenic spots, monuments that have been well maintained over the years.