Logo of Hangzhou Westlake Day, which falls on June 24 each year [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

Today is the first Hangzhou Westlake Day, a brand new holiday to promote West Lake culture and tourism.

The holiday was officially introduced by the municipal government on June 19. The date of June 24 was picked to celebrate the 9th anniversary of West Lake's entry into the UNECSO World Heritage List.

Local authorities said Westlake Day will help build Hangzhou's global image as a city of history and culture.

During the holiday season, people in Hangzhou can enjoy a series of themed activities, free admission, and special offers in and around the scenic spot.

The following are visiting tips for the three-day Dragon Boat Festival, which starts tomorrow. Some of them may explain why West Lake is worthy of its own holiday.

1. West Lake, or Xihu, is the most famed tourist attraction in Hangzhou and among the top 10 in China. It's known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage which sheds light on past dynasties.

2. All sites in West Lake will be free for the time being.

3. The most popular sites include spring dawn at the Su Causeway, breeze-ruffled lotuses at Quyuan Garden, lingering snow on Broken Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, and Evening Bell Ringing on Nanping Hill.

4. Sites are all linked by tree-lined boulevards, causeways, and hiker-friendly trails, but a comfortable electric cart or cruise boat may come in handy if you're tired.

5. West Lake boasts Hangzhou's best summer resort and hiking trail, a bamboo-lined path at Yunqi, with bamboo forests dissected by zigzagging paths and studded with pavilions, pagodas, giant trees and rare flowers.

6. If you want to learn more about silk and tea, the China Silk Museum and Hangzhou National Tea Museum, with its tea exhibition and interactive tea ceremony, are great choices.

7. There are temporary discounts on boat cruise services, sightseeing e-bike rentals, as well as dining and accommodation.