HangzhouHangzhou
Hangzhou is China’s most poetic city—the “City of Paradise” described by Marco Polo. West Lake is the soul of this city: “Remnants of Snow on Broken Bridge,” “Spring Dawn on Su Causeway,” and “Sunset over Leifeng Pagoda”—each name evokes a painting. Longjing tea plantations, Lingyin Ancient Temple, and the Xixi Wetlands dot the landscape. Hangzhou’s beauty lies not in any single attraction, but in the perfect harmony between its natural scenery and the city itself.
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Popular Attractions
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West Lake
West Lake is China’s most iconic example of the fusion of nature and culture. Whether strolling or cycling around the lake, every turn reveals a different ink-wash painting. The best time to visit is between 6 and 7 a.m., when crowds are at their thinnest and the light is at its best.
Leifeng Pagoda
The panoramic view of West Lake from the summit is unbeatable. At dusk, “Sunset over Leifeng Pagoda” is the most beautiful of the Ten Scenic Views of West Lake.
Xixi Wetlands
A completely different experience from West Lake—one is refined and cultured, the other wild and natural. The rowboats are the soul of Xixi.
Lingyin Temple
The serenity and solemnity of Lingyin Temple set it apart from China’s heavily commercialized temples. The “Eighteen Seeds” prayer beads (38 yuan) are sold exclusively at the temple’s religious goods shop—the stalls outside the entrance all sell counterfeits.
Faxi Temple
If Lingyin Temple is the “main hall” of Hangzhou’s temples, then Faxi Temple is the “internet sensation.” With its picturesque setting of yellow walls and ancient magnolias, its reputation for granting wishes for romance, and the mountain views from Yuantong Hall—it’s the favorite temple among Hangzhou’s young people. It’s very close to Lingyin Temple, so you can visit both while you’re out and about.
Xihe Zhijie
If West Lake is Hangzhou’s facade, then Xiahe Zhijie is its soul. There are no tour groups here—just locals walking their dogs, artsy young people sipping coffee, and cargo ships on the canal. It’s the perfect spot to come in the afternoon for tea and some quiet reflection, and to watch the sunset over the canal at dusk.
Recommended Itineraries
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Hotels, transportation, tickets, restaurants, and tips to avoid pitfalls—plan your entire Hangzhou trip in one place. All you need to bring is your passport and a sense of curiosity.