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No.1 West Lake - Walking, Biking & Boating
The shimmering West Lake is undoubtedly the crown jewel and national treasure of Hangzhou. With an area of only 6.5 square kilometers, this freshwater lake boasts a stunning array of natural beauty and cultural landscapes.
Exploring West Lake, you will discover countless attractions, including temples, gardens, hills, and islands. Among them, famous highlights of West Lake, such as Su Causeway in Spring, Pinghu Lake in Autumn, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Quyuan Lotus Pool, Broken Bridge in Snow, Willow-lined Path in the Mist, and Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset, await your visit.
This iconic destination in Hangzhou is worth spending half a day to a full day immersing yourself in its romantic charm. Leisurely strolling along West Lake itself is an experience. You can walk along Su Causeway, cross the Broken Bridge, and feel the tranquility of the lake.
To enjoy different scenery, you can take a boat tour on the West Lake. You can choose a large tourist boat to visit the iconic Three Pools Mirroring the Moon or rent a smaller paddleboat for a more intimate experience.
Exploring by bicycle allows you to visit more places. As you ride, you'll be captivated by the swaying willows and the shimmering sunlight on the lake's surface. Watching the stunning sunset at Leifeng Pagoda from the Twin Bridges is an excellent way to conclude your West Lake sightseeing.
No.2 Explore Hangzhou Tea Culture
Hangzhou, the birthplace of the famous Longjing tea, is a dream come true for tea enthusiasts. Exploring the tea culture of Hangzhou involves not only tasting the renowned Longjing tea but also immersing yourself in the serenity and beauty of the tea villages, making it a must-do activity when visiting Hangzhou.
China National Tea Museum - Understanding the Tea Culture
The China National Tea Museum is the perfect starting point to delve into China's rich tea culture. Nestled amidst tea plantations, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the history, production, and types of Chinese tea. The exhibitions are thoughtfully arranged, covering the origins of tea, its cultivation, and brewing techniques, as well as the tea ceremonies. Don't miss the tea-tasting sessions, where you can sample a variety of teas and learn about their distinct characteristics.
Meijiawu Tea Village - Stroll through the tea fields
Situated in the West Lake district, Meijiawu Tea Village is a renowned production base for Longjing tea. A visit here offers a firsthand look at the tea-making process, from picking to roasting. You can stroll through the tea fields, surrounded by lush greenery, and even participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
Longjing Tea Village - Savor Longjing Tea at Its Source
Located near the southwest corner of West Lake, Longjing Tea Village is another place where you can savor authentic Longjing tea. The village is dotted with tea houses where you can taste fresh Longjing tea while enjoying the picturesque landscape. A visit in spring, during the tea-picking season, can be a particularly rewarding experience.
No.3 Liangzhu Archaeological Site - A 5000-year-old World Heritage Site
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ticket Price: 80 yuan per person
Recommended Visit Time: 3-3.5 hours
Address: Town of Pingyao, Yuhang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province
The captivating Liangzhu Archaeological Site provides a window into Neolithic civilization of China. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast expanse with over 5,000 years of history is believed to be one of the earliest established cities in the world.
While wandering through the wilderness of the site, you'll come across earthen city walls, with water channels and rice fields accompanying you, emanating a natural allure. The site's uniqueness lies in its anthropomorphic sculptures, showcasing people working on rooftops or along the roads, and even boating on the water, allowing you to glimpse the life of Liangzhu ancestors living by the rivers over 5,000 years ago.
Another highlight of the site is the exquisite jade artifacts unearthed here. Kefu Yubi serves as the centerpiece of the Liangzhu Museum's third exhibition hall, eagerly awaiting your visit. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Deer Park and greet the charming neighbors—six lovely spotted deer. They bring vitality and liveliness to this ancient city. For a panoramic view of the entire Liangzhu site, you can ascend the Zhishan Observation Deck, which stands over 30 meters high, offering a breathtaking vista of the city ruins.
No.4 Visiting the Serene Lingyin Temple and Fei Lai Feng
Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: 75 yuan/person
Recommended Visit Time: 3-3.5 hours
Address: No.1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province (浙江省杭州市西湖区法云弄1号)
Lingyin Temple is one of the most significant and renowned Buddhist temples in China, located in the tranquil sanctuary of bustling city in Hangzhou, northwest of West Lake. Surrounded by lush greenery and ancient towering trees, the temple's pathways often make visitors forget they are in a bustling city.
Here, you can immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere, admire exquisite Buddhist artworks, and seek inner peace. Don't miss the impressive 20-meter-tall seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha on a lotus throne in the Grand Hall, as well as the friendly and jovial Laughing Buddha enshrined in the Hall of Heavenly Kings.
Surrounding Lingyin Temple is Feilai Peak, famous for over 470 vivid and lifelike Buddhist stone carvings. Among them, the most renowned are the Laughing Maitreya Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats on the eastern side of the stream, worth experiencing up close. After a leisurely ten-minute hike along the mountain trail, you can enjoy a delightful panoramic view of the temple and its surroundings.
No.5 Qinghefang Street - Bustling District and Traditional Chinese Medicine Insight
Passing through the historic district of Qinghefang Street, located in the heart of Hangzhou, you will witness the charm of old Hangzhou. Strolling along the vibrant pedestrian street, you will be surrounded by historical buildings, shops, restaurants, and even museums. Take some time to browse silk and tea products, antiques, or handicrafts and indulge in local street food stalls.
When you reach Huqingyu Tang Guoyao Pharmacy, the prominent characters of "胡庆余堂国药号" (Huqingyu Tang National Pharmacy) will catch your attention, as it occupies a prime location on this street. This pharmacy has developed many traditional Chinese medicines that are still commonly used in China today. Step inside the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese medical practices and herbal remedies. The courtyard is filled with labeled medicinal plants, offering you a fascinating journey into the world of traditional Chinese medicine.
Closely connected to this pharmacy is the former residence of Hu Xueyan, considered the grandest mansion in Jiangnan, located on Yuanbao Street within the Qinghefang Street district. Spend about an hour admiring the splendid main hall, intricately designed gardens, and impressive collection of antique furniture and art pieces, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the captivating life of one of most distinguished historical figures in Hangzhou.
No.6 Exploring Iconic Buddhist Pagodas - Leifeng Pagoda and Six Harmonies Pagoda
Leifeng Pagoda
Perched on Sunset Hill south of the West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda is an iconic structure with a captivating legend associated with it - the love story of a snake spirit and a scholar. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of West Lake and the city beyond. According to legend, there is a Buddhist scripture inscribed on a brick hidden inside the pagoda. This has made a visit to the underground museum a must for anyone exploring this iconic landmark.
Six Harmonies Pagoda
Situated on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River, the Six Harmonies Pagoda is another celebrated Buddhist pagoda in Hangzhou. Built in 970 AD, the pagoda was intended to suppress the river's tidal bore. The pagoda stands tall at 60 meters, featuring seven stories outside and thirteen stories inside. Each floor offers a unique view - the river, the bridge, the nearby hills, and downtown Hangzhou.
No.7 A Boat Ride Through Water Towns in Hangzhou - Wuzhen, Xitang and Nanxun
One highly recommended China's water town is Wuzhen, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." It leaves a lasting impression with its ancient stone bridges, narrow canals, and traditional houses. Taking a boat tour allows you to admire well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture from a unique perspective.
If you're more interested in experiencing the daily life of the water town's inhabitants, Xitang Water Town should be your top choice. It is renowned for its numerous bridges, lanes, and corridors. Navigating through the lanes by boat offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals.
For those seeking to experience the pristine charm of a Water Town, Nanxun Water Town stands out due to its low level of commercialization. It blends Eastern and Western architectural styles, with exquisite gardens and elegant mansions dotting the town. Taking a boat ride here is a tranquil experience, highlighting the town's rich cultural heritage and unspoiled beauty.
No.8 The Grand Canal - The World's Longest Man-Made Waterway
The section of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou holds a history of over 1,000 years and stretches nearly 1,800 kilometers from Beijing to Hangzhou, making it the longest man-made waterway in the world. You can spend a day exploring the Grand Canal in Hangzhou. Take a leisurely stroll along the canal and witness barges laden with cargo floating by and sand-dredging boats busy at work. Consider visiting the Grand Canal Museum to delve into the history of this remarkable waterway.
To fully appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Grand Canal, consider booking a relaxing short cruise starting from Hangzhou. During the cruise, make sure to visit the iconic Gongchen Bridge, which spans approximately 100 meters on the canal. As you step onto the bridge, you will be captivated by the panoramic view of the canal and its surroundings. The bridge provides a perfect vantage point to observe the bustling activities on the water, from passing boats to the rhythmic flow of daily life along the canal's banks.
No.9 Marveling at the "Impression West Lake" Show
If you haven't experienced the spectacular live performance "Impression West Lake," directed by Zhang Yimou, then your visit to Hangzhou would not be complete. Hundreds of performers adorned in vibrant costumes enact romantic stories from Hangzhou's history on a submerged stage hidden beneath the lake's surface, leaving spectators in awe as if walking on water.
It recommends visiting the Yuehu Scenic Area near Yuewang Temple in West Lake during sunset hours (19:30-21:45) to witness this astonishing stage show, which costs around 260-600 yuan. Front-row seats should be your preferred choice. Even in light rain, the performance will not be canceled, so you can bring raincoats or warm clothing for the show.
No.10 Discovering the New Face of China - Alibaba & SSM
In the ever-changing digital landscape of China, Alibaba and Self-Service Supermarkets (SSM) represent the new face of retail and technology. Alibaba, a global e-commerce leader based in Hangzhou, offers a fascinating glimpse into its tech empire with a visit to its campus.
Meanwhile, SSM, pioneered by Alibaba, revolutionizes retail by combining online shopping with offline experiences. Alibaba's "Hema" supermarkets exemplify this concept, featuring seamless digital payment systems, barcode scanning, and 30-minute delivery service. Discovering the new face of China through Alibaba and SSM gives an exciting insight into the future of retail and technology.
Most Recommended Route to See the Top attractions around Hangzhou
It recommends allocating 1-2 days of your time to fully explore the captivating beauty of Hangzhou, known as the "Heaven on Earth." This includes visiting attractions such as West Lake, Meijiawu Tea Village, Lingyin Temple, Qinghefang Ancient Street, and the famous water town of Wuzhen.
Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by High Speed Train
Embark on a day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou by high-speed train, a journey that immerses you in the beauty and culture of one of China's most scenic cities. Begin your exploration with a visit to the China National Tea Museum, where you'll dive into the fascinating world of tea culture. Follow this with a trip to Meijiawu, a village renowned for its serene tea plantations and the production of the famous Longjing tea.
Take a boat ride or leisurely stroll to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of West Lake, and savor the poetic and romantic atmosphere of Hangzhou. Find tranquility at Lingyin Temple and explore the lively ambiance of Qinghefang Ancient Street.
2-Day Hangzhou Tour with a Visit to Wuzhen
Immerse yourself in the famous attractions of Hangzhou, learn about tea culture, and visit iconic spots such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Qinghefang Ancient Street.
Later, venture to the nearby water town of Wuzhen. Here, you can lose yourself in the charm of old China, taking in the tranquil ambiance and the beautifully preserved traditional houses.
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