Many visitors to China squeeze in Hangzhou and its beautiful West Lake as a one-day stay, or even a daytrip from somewhere else. It's a shame, because the West Lake is a place that rewards casual wandering and aimless exploration, with new scenic views and hidden surprises around every corner and in the surrounding hills. Even the venerable Lonely Planet guide to China says of Hangzhou: "There's a lot to see and do around the West Lake, and it's not possible to list everything here."
One of the many attractions of the lake is the famed trio of stone pagodas. There are three hollow stone pagodas rising from the water, each with five openings. These stone towers were first built in Yuanyou in the fourth year of the Song Dynasty (1089). On a moonlit night, the pagodas are reflected on the water, producing the wonderful illusion of one moon in the sky having three reflections in the lake. At the time of the autumn Moon Festival, local folk will put candles in the hollow tops of the pagodas.
To claim this cache, navigate to the above coordinates and take a photo of yourself (with GPS clearly visible) and at least one of the famous features in the background. There are several ways to get out to the island: the cheapest but least interesting is a motorized tourist boat that leaves from opposite the West Lake Virtual cache by kablooey, and shuttles to/from the islands and the shore. From the northern shore of the lake, you can also hire a boatman to paddle you wherever you like, or for the truly ambitious you can rent a boat and oars and do it yourself (not recommended on a windy day). With the last two options you can float right up to the pagodas (see photo), but you won't need to leave dry land for the actual cache. Note that there is a small admission fee to the island - this is included in the price of the tourist boat ticket.
West Lake is an area that could easily have a dozen caches without them getting repetitive...I wish tangerine and I had had time to place more than the two we did.
Other Chinese caches by ooga booga
Haerbin, Stalin Style
A-maze-ing Old Summer Palace
West Lake - Three Pagodas
West Lake - Mid Lake Pavilion
It's a Bird! It's a Plane!
Hsien Ku Fung (Hong Kong)
Mad Dogs and Englishmen (Hong Kong)
Macau's Second - Coloane's Highest (Macau)
Green Lotus Peak, Yangshuo