The Top Things to Do in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, considered Heaven on Earth among domestic and international tourists, is one of the most beautiful cities in China. The amazing natural landscapes, the impressive historical places, the tasty dishes, etc. All of these make it a very popular tourist city. In this article we present some emblematic places in Hangzhou so that those who visit it for the first time can enjoy a pleasant trip.

Enjoy Natural Beauty of The West Lake

First of all, it is worth taking a trip to West Lake. West Lake is a famous attraction located in the center of Hangzhou, widely known for its landscapes and cultural heritage. The West Lake Cultural Landscape was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. It has influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea for centuries and displays an exceptional testament to cultural tradition. Landscape creating a series of views that reflect the idealized fusion between man and nature. A more popular destination for the cruise is Three Pools Reflecting the Moon, the largest island in West Lake, whose image adorns the back of the 1 RMB note. A West Lake trip is a relaxing and unforgettable experience from the bustling city of Hangzhou that will provide many opportunities for travelers to have a chance to appreciate the spectacular views.

Taste Longjing Tea

It is advisable to taste Longjing tea when traveling to Hangzhou. Hangzhou is known for having the famous Longjing tea, one of the top 10 types of tea in China. Near the West Lake is a Meijiawu village, which enjoys a good reputation for the abundant Longjing tea cultures. Being one of the producing areas of this famous tea, this small village is surrounded by green mountains and tea terraces. If you travel in spring you have the opportunity to see the process of harvesting and preparing the tea. We think that going there and enjoying this peaceful atmosphere is one of the best things to do in Hangzhou.

Walk Around Wuzhen

Wuzhen is located in Tongxiang of Zhejiang province, a perfect location connecting Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Because of the preeminent geographical condition and the pleasant climate, it is called the town abundant in rice and fish or the town of silk. Since November 19, 2014, it has become the permanent address of the World Internet Conference. Popular attractions include Jiangnan Hundred Bed Pavilion, Pavilion of Folk Customs, Wenchang Pavilion, Maodun Residence.

Ascend Leifeng Pagoda

Of course, if you want, you can climb the Leifeng Pagoda in order to enjoy the views of Hangzhou. One of the most spectacular in Hangzhou, Leifeng Pagoda is located at the top of Sunset Hill and offers fantastic views of West Lake and the city. It has five floors and we recommend going up to the last one to appreciate the best panoramic view of Hangzhou. The original construction of the pagoda dates back to the 10th century, although the current one is a reconstruction from 2002.

Have A Peacegul Time in Lingyin Temple

Visiting Lingyin Temple is a good option too. Lingyin Temple is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in China. It has almost 2000 years of history and houses a large collection of Buddhist relics. For various reasons, it was rebuilt up to sixteen times in its history. Appreciating the details of the constructions will be a wonderful experience. In the surroundings of the Lingyin Temple you can visit the famous grottoes. Inside there are up to 470 Buddha statues carved in stone. How spectacular! They date back to 951 BC and the most famous is that of the Laughing Buddha.

Cruise in Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi National Wetland Park is a natural wetland located west of Hangzhou. You can take an old boat to see the causeways, lush vegetation and traditional houses on the banks. After disembarking, you can stroll through the classical gardens and taste delicious local food in the restaurants. The flying reed catkins from November to December are one of the most praised landscapes there, as if it were snowing. At the Dragon Boat Festival, which usually falls in June, the exciting dragon boat race is also an attraction in this beautiful spot in Hangzhou.

In Hangzhou, don't miss visiting the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which is a great waterworks in ancient China. It is the longest artificial canal in the world with 1,794 kilometers in length. In its day it was key to the development of the local economy and to improving communications between the north and the south. Stroll along the canal, and imagine what life was like in those times.