Lou Wai Lou is one of Hangzhou's most famous historic restaurants. Its flagship location at 30 Gushan Road serves classic local dishes such as West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken and Dongpo Pork. The restaurant is best suited to travelers who enjoy regional food, historic dining and scenic surroundings.
Expect to spend around ￥100–200 or more per person, depending on what you order. For a first visit, allow about 1.5–2 hours, and consider going for lunch or an early dinner as part of a West Lake itinerary.
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Chinese Name | 楼外楼 |
| Founded | 1848 |
| Cuisine | Traditional Hangzhou cuisine |
| Famous For | West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken and Dongpo Pork |
| Location | 30 Gushan Road, West Lake, Hangzhou |
| Area | Gushan / West Lake |
| Best For | Traditional food and West Lake scenery |
| Suggested Meal Time | Lunch or early dinner |
| Recommended Visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Budget | Around ￥100–200+ per person, depending on the dishes |
Prices and opening hours may vary by location and date. Check the latest information before visiting.
What Is Lou Wai Lou Restaurant?
Lou Wai Lou is more than a historic restaurant—it is one of the best-known places to experience Hangzhou cuisine beside West Lake.
Founded in 1848 during the Qing Dynasty, Lou Wai Lou has been serving traditional Hangzhou dishes for more than 170 years. Its Chinese name, 楼外楼, is often understood as "a restaurant beyond the tower," a name that reflects its long connection with West Lake and Hangzhou's literary and cultural traditions.
Located on Gushan Road beside West Lake, the restaurant brings together three essential parts of a Hangzhou visit:
| What You Experience | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Traditional Hangzhou cuisine | Taste classic local dishes prepared in the style the city is known for |
| West Lake scenery | Enjoy a meal near one of China's most famous landscapes |
| Local history and food culture | Experience a restaurant closely connected with Hangzhou's culinary traditions |
Lou Wai Lou is especially famous for classic dishes such as West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp and Dongpo Pork. For first-time visitors, these dishes offer an easy introduction to Hangzhou's signature flavors: fresh ingredients, delicate seasoning and a balance of sweet and savory tastes.
Why Is Lou Wai Lou Famous?
Step Into More Than 170 Years of Hangzhou History
Founded in 1848, Lou Wai Lou is more than a restaurant—it is a living part of Hangzhou's culinary heritage. Dining here gives visitors the chance to experience a tradition that has continued for more than 170 years.
Taste the Flavors of Classic Hangzhou Cuisine
Lou Wai Lou is famous for traditional Hangzhou dishes made with fresh local ingredients and delicate sweet-and-savory flavors. From West Lake Vinegar Fish to Longjing Shrimp, the menu offers an authentic introduction to the city's food culture.
Enjoy a Meal Beside West Lake
Few dining experiences combine food and scenery as naturally as Lou Wai Lou. After exploring West Lake, you can sit down to a classic Hangzhou meal while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the lake and surrounding gardens.
Make It Part of Your West Lake Adventure
Located in the scenic Gushan area, Lou Wai Lou is easy to include in a day of sightseeing. Visit Bai Causeway or Pinghu Qiuyue, explore the lakeside paths, and then stop for a memorable meal at one of Hangzhou's most iconic restaurants.
Where Is Lou Wai Lou in Hangzhou?
Lou Wai Lou's flagship restaurant is located beside West Lake, in the historic Gushan area.
Location at a Glance
Lou Wai Lou Flagship Restaurant
No. 30 Gushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
It is close to several popular West Lake attractions:
Because of its lakeside location, Lou Wai Lou is easy to combine with a half-day West Lake sightseeing route.
How Do You Get to Lou Wai Lou Restaurant?
By Taxi or DiDi
For most international visitors, taking a taxi or using DiDi is the easiest way to reach Lou Wai Lou.
Enter one of these destinations in DiDi, or show the Chinese name and address to your driver:
Before getting into the car, make sure the destination is the Lou Wai Lou restaurant beside West Lake, not another restaurant or branch with a similar name. You can also show this sentence to your driver:
请带我去西湖边孤山路30号的楼外楼。
Please take me to Lou Wai Lou at No. 30 Gushan Road beside West Lake.
The restaurant is in the Gushan area, where vehicle access may be slower during weekends, public holidays and busy sightseeing hours. If you are traveling during a peak period, allow extra time and ask the driver to drop you at the closest permitted entrance. From there, you may need to walk a short distance to the restaurant.
By Public Transportation
Public transportation can be convenient, but the best route depends on where you are staying and which part of Hangzhou you are visiting.
Search for 楼外楼 or 孤山路30号 in a local map app.
Set the destination as Lou Wai Lou Restaurant, not simply “West Lake.”
Take a bus toward the West Lake / Gushan area.
Get off at the stop recommended by the map app.
Walk toward Gushan and follow the signs or map directions to No. 30 Gushan Road.
Because bus routes and stops can change, check the route shortly before leaving. Google Maps may not always show the most complete public transportation information in Hangzhou, so Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps may provide more accurate local directions. If you do not read Chinese, you can copy and paste 楼外楼 into the app or ask your hotel to help confirm the route.
After getting off the bus, allow extra walking time. The restaurant is located in the scenic Gushan area rather than directly beside a major road, and the final section may involve walking along West Lake.
On Foot
Walking is a good option if you are already visiting the northern side of West Lake.
A typical walking route is:
Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Pinghu Qiuyue → Gushan → Lou Wai Lou
From Bai Causeway, continue toward Gushan and follow the lakeside path. The walk is scenic and usually takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on your starting point, walking speed and the number of photo stops.
If you are starting from another part of West Lake, the walking time may be longer. Allow additional time during weekends and holidays, when the lakeside paths can be crowded. Search for 楼外楼 in your map app rather than relying only on the restaurant name in English.
Walking is especially convenient if you plan to visit nearby attractions before lunch. After your meal, you can continue toward:
By Private Car
A private car is the most convenient option for travelers who prefer door-to-door transportation, families with children, older travelers or visitors carrying luggage.
A private tour can usually include:
Hotel pickup
Direct transfer to the Gushan area
Assistance with finding the restaurant
Restaurant drop-off and pickup
Flexible sightseeing time before or after your meal
Continued travel to another West Lake attraction or your next destination
If you are traveling by private vehicle, confirm the exact drop-off point with your driver in advance. Some roads around West Lake may have traffic restrictions or limited vehicle access, especially during weekends and public holidays. Your driver or guide can drop you at the nearest suitable entrance and explain where to walk.
For a smoother visit, ask your guide or hotel to write down the restaurant information in Chinese:
楼外楼，杭州市西湖区孤山路30号
This is particularly useful if you are combining lunch at Lou Wai Lou with a West Lake sightseeing route, a boat ride or an afternoon visit to another Hangzhou attraction.
What Is This Famous Hangzhou Restaurant Known For?
Lou Wai Lou is known for classic Hangzhou dishes rather than an extensive menu of unfamiliar specialties. If it is your first visit, start with one fish dish, one lighter dish, and one shared main course.
West Lake Vinegar Fish 西湖醋鱼
This is the dish most closely associated with Lou Wai Lou. Fresh fish is served with a sweet-and-sour sauce, creating one of Hangzhou's most recognizable traditional flavors. It is a natural choice for first-time visitors, although the taste may be sweeter and more delicate than some travelers expect.
Longjing Shrimp 龙井虾仁
Longjing shrimp combines two symbols of Hangzhou: fresh shrimp and Longjing tea. The flavor is light and fragrant, making it a good choice if you prefer less rich or heavily seasoned food.
Dongpo Pork 东坡肉
This slow-braised pork is tender, rich, and slightly sweet. It is associated with the famous poet and Hangzhou figure Su Dongpo, and is best shared with other dishes rather than ordered as a meal on its own.
Beggar's Chicken 叫化鸡
Beggar's chicken is known for its distinctive preparation and presentation. It is a good option for visitors who want to try a traditional dish with a stronger sense of local culinary history.
Song Sao Fish Soup 宋嫂鱼羹
This warm fish soup has a long history in Hangzhou cuisine. Its soft texture and mild flavor make it a suitable choice for a lighter meal or for balancing richer dishes such as Dongpo pork.
What Should First-Time Visitors Order at Lou Wai Lou?
| Dish | Flavor | Why Order It | Recommendation |
|---|
| West Lake Vinegar Fish | Sweet and sour, with a delicate fish flavor | One of Hangzhou's most famous traditional dishes and the signature dish most closely associated with Lou Wai Lou | ★★★★★ |
| Longjing Shrimp | Light, fresh, and subtly fragrant with Longjing tea | Combines two symbols of Hangzhou—fresh shrimp and Longjing tea—and is a good choice for visitors who prefer milder flavors | ★★★★★ |
| Dongpo Pork | Rich, savory, tender, and slightly sweet | A classic Hangzhou dish with a soft texture and a strong connection to the city's culinary history | ★★★★☆ |
| Song Sao Fish Soup | Light, savory, and comforting | A better alternative to Dongpo pork if you prefer lighter flavors or want to try a traditional local soup | ★★★★☆ |
| Beggar's Chicken | Savory, aromatic, and tender | A distinctive traditional dish that is especially suitable for families or larger groups to share | ★★★★☆ |
| Seasonal Vegetable | Fresh and lightly seasoned | Balances the richer dishes and makes the meal feel more complete | ★★★★☆ |
For two people, two or three shared dishes are usually enough. A practical first order would be West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and one seasonal vegetable. If you have a larger appetite, add Dongpo Pork. For a lighter meal, choose Song Sao Fish Soup instead.
Families and larger groups can add Beggar's Chicken, but there is no need to order every famous dish at once. Sharing a few specialties gives you a better introduction to Hangzhou cuisine and makes it easier to adjust the meal to your appetite.
What Does Lou Wai Lou Food Taste Like?
If you have never tried Hangzhou cuisine before, Lou Wai Lou is a good place to discover its traditional flavors. Hangzhou food is generally fresh, balanced and delicate rather than heavily spiced. The dishes often focus on the natural taste of the ingredients, with careful cooking and light seasoning.
You can expect a combination of sweet and savory flavors. Some dishes may have a gentle sweetness, while others use soy sauce, rice wine, vinegar or broth to create a deeper savory taste. The food is usually flavorful without being overwhelmingly rich or spicy.
Freshwater fish and seafood are important parts of Hangzhou cuisine. At Lou Wai Lou, dishes such as West Lake Vinegar Fish and Longjing Shrimp reflect the region's connection with West Lake, local rivers and Zhejiang's coastal food culture. Seasonal vegetables and other fresh ingredients are also commonly used, so the menu may change depending on the time of year.
Hangzhou cuisine is generally not known for being very spicy. If you enjoy mild, fresh and slightly sweet flavors, you will probably find many dishes at Lou Wai Lou approachable. However, if you prefer strong chili heat or heavily seasoned food, you may want to ask about the flavor of each dish before ordering.
What Should First-Time Visitors Expect?
Fresh ingredients and delicate seasoning
Sweet-and-savory flavors
Freshwater fish, shrimp and seafood
Light but flavorful sauces and broths
Seasonal vegetables and local ingredients
Little or no chili heat in many traditional dishes
For a first visit, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp and a seasonal vegetable dish offer a good introduction to the style of Hangzhou cooking.
How Much Does It Cost to Eat at Lou Wai Lou?
The cost of eating at Lou Wai Lou depends on the dishes you choose, the number of people in your group and whether you order several signature specialties. For most visitors, a typical meal costs around ￥100–200 per person, although a lighter meal may cost less and a larger meal with several famous dishes can cost more.
Typical Budget
| Dining Style | Approximate Budget |
|---|
| Light meal | ￥80–120/person |
| Typical meal | ￥100–200/person |
| Full meal with several signature dishes | ￥200+ /person |
| Family/group meal | Depends on dishes and group size |
These figures are only general estimates. Restaurant prices can change according to the menu, portion size, season and dining location. It is best to check the current menu and prices before ordering, especially if you are planning to try several signature dishes.
How to Save Money at Lou Wai Lou
Share dishes with your travel companions
Order according to the size of your group
Choose two or three signature dishes instead of ordering every famous specialty
Ask about portion sizes before placing your order
Check the current menu and prices before ordering
Add seasonal vegetables or soup to create a more balanced meal
Avoid ordering more food than your group can finish
For two people, a practical first-time order could be one fish or seafood dish, one meat or vegetable dish and rice or soup to share. This allows you to try traditional Hangzhou flavors without ordering too much food.
How Can Foreign Visitors Reserve a Table at Lou Wai Lou?
Reservations are recommended for weekends, public holidays, peak seasons and larger groups. Walk-ins may be possible during quieter periods, but availability is not guaranteed.
The Easiest Ways to Reserve Lou Wai Lou
Ask Your Hotel or Local Guide
For most foreign visitors, the simplest option is to ask your hotel concierge, private guide or tour operator to make the reservation.
Save the restaurant's Chinese name and provide:
楼外楼
30 Gushan Road, Hangzhou
Ask them to confirm the reservation and check how long the restaurant will hold the table.
Use a Chinese Booking Platform
Platforms such as Dianping or Meituan may offer restaurant bookings, but they can require Chinese-language accounts, mainland phone numbers or local payment methods. If you cannot use them easily, booking through your hotel or guide is usually more convenient.
Contact the Restaurant Directly
You may also contact the restaurant, although English service may not always be available. Prepare this information:
Date:
Time:
Number of guests:
Name:
Phone number:
Seating preference:
Use a translation app if necessary, and confirm that you are booking the correct Lou Wai Lou location.
What Should You Request?
When booking, mention:
Indoor or outdoor seating
A West Lake view, if preferred
Food allergies or dietary restrictions
High chairs or other special arrangements
A West Lake view can be requested but may not be guaranteed because of table availability, weather and the dining area assigned that day.
You can show this sentence:
如果可以的话，我们希望安排一个能看到西湖的座位。
If possible, we would like a table with a view of West Lake.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Weekday meal: One or two days ahead may be enough
Weekend or public holiday: Book several days ahead
Large group or special occasion: Reserve as early as possible
Peak periods include Chinese public holidays, National Day, Spring Festival and busy summer or autumn travel seasons.
What Time Should You Reserve?
To avoid the busiest periods, consider:
Early lunch
Late lunch
Early dinner
A weekday meal
An early dinner also leaves time for a walk around Gushan or West Lake.
What Should You Do on the Day?
Arrive 10–15 minutes early and keep the following details on your phone:
If you are delayed, ask your hotel, guide or tour operator to contact the restaurant.
Walk-In or Reservation?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|
| Solo traveler on a weekday | Walk-in may be possible |
| Couple on a weekday | Reservation recommended |
| Weekend or public holiday | Book ahead |
| Family or group | Book ahead |
| West Lake view is important | Reserve ahead and request it |
| Special occasion | Confirm all details in advance |
Useful Chinese Phrases
我想预订楼外楼的座位。
I would like to reserve a table at Lou Wai Lou.
请问可以预订吗？
Can I make a reservation?
我们有两位客人。
There will be two guests.
我们希望安排一个能看到西湖的座位。
We would prefer a table with a view of West Lake.
请确认预订是否成功。
Please confirm whether the reservation has been accepted.
Is a Reservation Necessary?
Not always, but booking ahead is strongly recommended for busy periods, families, groups and travelers with a fixed West Lake itinerary.
For most foreign visitors, asking a hotel, English-speaking guide or tour operator to reserve the table is the easiest option. If a West Lake view matters to you, booking ahead is safer than relying on a walk-in table.
What Is the Best Time to Eat at Lou Wai Lou?
The best time to eat at Lou Wai Lou depends on how you want to experience West Lake.
Lunch
Lunch is a good choice if you plan to explore West Lake during the day. You can enjoy the lake views in natural light, then continue sightseeing around Gushan, Bai Causeway or nearby attractions in the afternoon.
Early Dinner
An early dinner offers a more relaxed experience. After your meal, you can take an evening walk around West Lake and enjoy the changing light near the lakeside.
Best Overall Choice
For most visitors, the easiest plan is:
Lunch + daytime West Lake sightseeing
or
Early dinner + an evening walk around West Lake
Avoid arriving too late if you want to combine your meal with sightseeing, as some nearby attractions are best enjoyed during daylight.
Lou Wai Lou and Nearby West Lake Attractions
Lou Wai Lou is located in the Gushan area, making it easy to combine a meal with a short West Lake sightseeing route. You can visit one or two nearby attractions before lunch, enjoy a meal at Lou Wai Lou, and then continue walking along the lake.
| Nearby Attraction | Approximate Distance from Lou Wai Lou | Why Visit | Recommendation |
|---|
| Gushan | 0–500 m | A peaceful island-like area with gardens, cultural sites and scenic walking paths around Lou Wai Lou | ★★★★★ |
| Bai Causeway | About 1 km | One of the most beautiful walking routes on West Lake, with views of the water, bridges and surrounding hills | ★★★★★ |
| Pinghu Qiuyue | About 500 m | Also known as Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, this is one of the best places for classic West Lake views and photographs | ★★★★★ |
| Xiling Bridge | About 1 km | A quiet and picturesque bridge with a more romantic atmosphere, especially in the late afternoon | ★★★★☆ |
| West Lake Lakeside | About 1–2 km | Ideal for a relaxed walk beside the lake and for enjoying the scenery after a meal | ★★★★★ |
| Xiling Seal Engravers' Society | About 500 m–1 km | A cultural attraction connected with Chinese seal carving, calligraphy and traditional art | ★★★★☆ |
| West Lake Cruise Pier | About 1–2 km, depending on the pier | A convenient way to continue your sightseeing by boat and see West Lake from the water | ★★★★☆ |
| Hefang Street | About 4–5 km | A historic pedestrian street with traditional shops, local snacks and souvenir stores | ★★★★☆ |
| Wushan Night Market | About 5 km | A lively place to try local snacks and experience Hangzhou after your West Lake visit | ★★★★☆ |
Recommended Routes from Lou Wai Lou
You do not need to visit every attraction. Choose a route according to your available time and interests.
Route 1: Classic West Lake Walk
Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Gushan → Lou Wai Lou → West Lake Cruise
This is a good choice for first-time visitors who want to combine West Lake scenery, a traditional Hangzhou meal and a boat ride.
Route 2: Relaxed Afternoon by the Lake
West Lake Lakeside → Bai Causeway → Pinghu Qiuyue → Lou Wai Lou → Xiling Bridge
Allow around two to three hours for a relaxed walk, lunch and time to enjoy the scenery. This route is especially suitable for couples, families and travelers who prefer a slower pace.
Route 3: Hangzhou Food and Culture
West Lake → Gushan → Lou Wai Lou → Hefang Street → Wushan Night Market
This route combines traditional Hangzhou cuisine, West Lake sightseeing, historic streets and local snacks. It also works well with a visit to Wushan Night Market later in the day.
For the most convenient experience, plan to spend around two to three hours around Gushan and Lou Wai Lou, or half a day if you also want to take a West Lake cruise or continue to Hefang Street and Wushan Night Market.
Is Lou Wai Lou Good for Foreign Tourists?
Yes. Lou Wai Lou is a reasonable choice for foreign visitors who want to try traditional Hangzhou cuisine in a historic setting beside West Lake. You do not need to speak Chinese to visit, but a little preparation will make the experience easier.
What Foreign Visitors Should Know
English service may vary, so keep a translation app ready.
Save the Chinese name 楼外楼 and show it to your driver or hotel staff.
Check the menu and prices before ordering.
Ask about portion sizes, especially if you are dining alone or as a couple.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. International cards may not always be accepted, so mobile payment is usually more convenient.
Sharing several dishes is a good way to try Hangzhou specialties without ordering too much.
With these simple steps, most travelers can enjoy the restaurant comfortably—even without speaking Chinese.
What Should You Know Before Dining at Lou Wai Lou?
Keep these practical tips in mind before you arrive:
| Tip | Advice |
|---|
| Order carefully | Portions may be larger than expected. |
| Check prices | Confirm current prices before ordering. |
| Share dishes | This lets you try more Hangzhou specialties. |
| Book ahead | Reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays. |
| Combine with sightseeing | Allow time to explore Gushan and West Lake. |
| Use mobile payment | Alipay and WeChat Pay are convenient options. |
| Save the Chinese name | Use 楼外楼 when asking for directions. |
| Choose your timing | Visit during the day if you want the best lake views. |
Final Thoughts: Is Lou Wai Lou a Must-Try Restaurant in Hangzhou?
Lou Wai Lou is more than a traditional restaurant. Its combination of classic Hangzhou cuisine, long history and West Lake scenery makes it one of the city's most recognizable dining experiences.
For first-time international visitors, the best way to experience it is not to make a separate trip just for one meal. Instead, combine Lou Wai Lou, Gushan and West Lake in the same sightseeing route. You can enjoy a traditional Hangzhou meal while exploring one of the city's most scenic and historic areas.
Want to Experience Hangzhou Food Without Planning Everything Yourself?
A private Hangzhou tour can make the experience more comfortable and convenient. Depending on your itinerary, your tour can include:
Private West Lake sightseeing
An English-speaking guide
Local restaurant recommendations
Restaurant reservation assistance
A private vehicle
Flexible dining times
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local food recommendations
Want to enjoy Lou Wai Lou and explore West Lake without worrying about transportation, restaurant reservations or itinerary planning? Explore our private Hangzhou tours for a more comfortable and flexible experience.
