Abstract
The Ten Views of West Lake in Hangzhou, China originated during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1278). The backgrounds of its formation are clarified as follows.(1) The development of Hangzhou served as the capital during the Southern Song Dynasty.(2) The distinct seasons of Hangzhou and the proper scale of West Lake contributed to the lake's popularity.(3) During the 12th century, the unique atmosphere of West Lake came into being.(4) Due to the influence of the emperor, the art of paintings gained popularity.(5) The style of landscape painting changed in Southern Song. Meanwhile, the image of the ten views is preserved until today even with the absence of some views at some times through a lot of paintings and literature is clarified.
