In Hangzhou during the Southern Song Dynasty, the West Lake was picturesque with water and mountains. Li Wei, a young son of a tea merchant family, had been obsessed with the city's beauty since he was 10 years old. The legend of his grandfather Li Changqing ignited his artistic dream. When he was a boy, he explored the city with his friend Wang Hao. At the age of 16, he met Liu Qing, the calligrapher's daughter, and tasted the sweetness of love for the first time. The family business suffered a setback, and floods tested their resilience. After returning from a trip, they cherished their hometown even more. The meditation in Lingyin Temple and the setbacks in the painting competition made him gradually grow. Under the threat of Mongol invasion, Li Wei chose to stay behind, sacrificing himself to save his family. In the end, the scenery of lakes and mountains became his eternal memory. The city was not only the background, but also the destination of his soul. "Picturesque Lakes and Mountains" shows the natural beauty and humanistic affection of Hangzhou through Li Wei's growth, and explores the story of the symbiosis between people and the city.
