During the reign of Emperor Zhongzong (684), Sizhou Tower was completed in West Mountain.

That same year, Wang Zhaoyun, the most beloved concubine of Su Shi, was buried in the side of West Lake.

[3] In 1244, in the 4th year of Chunyou period of the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), locals founded the Juxian Hall (聚贤堂) within the West Lake, which was renamed "Fenghu Academy" (丰湖书院) later.

Starting from the 1970s the water quality of the lake has deteriorated due to sewage flowing into its basin, resulting in high concentration of nutrients and eutrophication.

The West Lake is in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, enjoying ample sunshine and abundant precipitation.