Solitary Island (Gu Shan) sits in the northwest corner of the West Lake. This is the largest island on the lake and a lovely place to wander and explore. Views over the lake from here are spectacular and there are a few places of historical interest scattered about the island itself.

On the North side of the island is the Wenlan pavilion, the pristine and peaceful Zhongshan Park and the Zhejiang provincial museum, which is actually part of the original imperial palace. To the west of the island and at the top of the small hill is the Xiling Seal Society. The tomb of Qiu Jin, a female revolutionary, is at the foot of the hill. Qiu Jin was an early pro-democracy campaigner and part of Sun Yatsen's team of fighters in the 1900s. A small pavilion known as "Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake Pavilion" has been built on the northeast of the mountain in memory of the reclusive poet Lin Hejin, who lived during the Song Dynasty. Legend has it that the poet believed the blossom on the trees was his wife and the crane was his son!

The Bai Causeway links the island to the mainland. The city's best, busiest and most fun restaurant, Louwailou, is on the island. It is a great place to visit and a really fun experience.

The Island itself is free. You can hire small pedal or row boats from here for RMB10 per hour. A deposit of RMB100 must also be paid!