Hangzhou

Basic Overview

Natural Landscapes

1.West Lake (Hangzhou):

A World Cultural Heritage, surrounded by mountains, with picturesque scenery in all four seasons.

2.Qiandao Lake:

China’s largest artificial lake with 1,078 islands, clear water and lush vegetation, ideal for cruising and vacation.

3.Yandang Mountain:

A World Geopark known for peaks, waterfalls, caves and rocks, especially Lingfeng night view and Dalongqiu Waterfall.

4.Yunhe Terraces:

One of East China’s most beautiful terraces, layered along mountains like mirrors in spring and golden waves in autumn.

Historical & Cultural Sites 

1.Wuzhen:

One of the six great Jiangnan ancient towns, with white walls, black tiles, flowing water and old bridges, famous for its beautiful night scenery.

2.Lingyin Temple:

A thousand-year-old temple in Hangzhou, one of China’s top ten Zen temples, with precious stone carvings on Feilai Peak.

3.Tianyi Pavilion:

China’s oldest existing private library, a Ming Dynasty building with Jiangnan garden style.

4.Shaoxing Ancient City:

Gathering Lu Xun’s hometown, Lanting, Shen Garden and Cangqiao Straight Street, full of small bridges, flowing water and rich culture.

Folk Customs & Intangible Heritage

1. Yue Opera:

China’s second largest opera with soft and melodious singing, mostly themed on classic love stories and folk legends.

2.Longquan Celadon:

A thousand-year-old porcelain craftsmanship with jade-like glaze and elegant shape, including Ge Kiln (cracked) and Di Kiln (green glaze).

3.Dongyang Wood Carving:

One of China’s four famous wood carvings with exquisite craftsmanship, widely used in ancient architecture and furniture.

4.Water-Town Opera:

A traditional Jiangnan folk custom, Yue Opera and Shao Opera performed on ancient stages during festivals, audiences watching by boat.

 Local Cuisine

1.West Lake Vinegar Fish:

Classic Hangzhou dish, tender fish in sweet and sour sauce, fresh and not greasy.

2.Longjing Shrimp:

Fresh shrimp cooked with Longjing tea, elegant, sweet and savory.

3.Dongpo Pork:

Glossy red, fat but not greasy, savory and sweet, a classic Zhe dish in memory of Su Dongpo.

4.Jiaxing Zongzi:

Glutinous rice wrapped with pork, egg yolk or red bean paste, soft, glutinous and fragrant.

Recommended Itinerary 

1. D1 Hangzhou: West Lake Loop (Broken Bridge → Su Causeway → Three Pools Mirroring the Moon → Leifeng Pagoda) → Lingyin Temple → Hefang Street
2. D2 Hangzhou → Wuzhen: East Folk Zone in daytime → West Zone night scenery and lantern boat tour
3. D3 Wuzhen → Xitang: Small bridges, flowing water, misty corridors and bar streets, in-depth water town tour
4. D4 Shaoxing: Lu Xun’s Hometown → Lanting → Shen Garden → Cangqiao Straight Street

Travel Tips

1.Best time:

March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn), pleasant weather and best scenery.

2.Weather & clothing:

Rainy in Jiangnan, bring an umbrella and light jacket; hot and humid in summer, cold and damp in winter.

3.Reservations & off-peak:

Book West Lake boats, Lingyin Temple and popular ancient towns in peak season; arrive early to avoid crowds.

4.Accommodation:

Stay overnight in water towns (Wuzhen/Xitang) for beautiful night scenery and quiet mornings.

5.0Transportation:

High-speed trains connect the whole province; subways and shared bikes are convenient in cities; walk or take rowboats in water towns.