Abstract:The landscape of the West Lake during the Ming and Qing dynasties is of great historical value,yet there is a lack of research on the botanical landscape of the scenic paths as the basis for the development of the mountains. This paper is based on a review of the development of landscape planting in the West Lake during the Ming and Qing dynasties,revealing two driving factors: the prosperity of the commercial economy and the flourishing of Buddhist philosophy. The main plant species of the scenic mountain paths are examined in terms of ancient literature; the form of the plant landscape is explored in terms of paintings; the regional characteristics of the plant landscape are explored in terms of the main existing plant communities and old trees,and the plant landscape of the West Lake scenic mountain paths is summarised on the basis of the natural soundscape,the humanistic state of mind and the folklore state of the city,with a view to providing reference for the creation of the West Lake cultural landscape and heritage conservation. It is hoped that this will serve as a reference for the creation of the West Lake cultural landscape and heritage conservation.