Jam Tsirani

After spending four amazing days in Huangshan, we headed to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. The city is surrounded by mountains, hills, and lakes, with an incredible number of green spaces and parks. Visiting Hangzhou during autumn was the best decision, as the colorful trees alongside beautiful lakes created stunning views. Hangzhou has a 2000-year history and was once the capital of the Wu, Yue, and Southern Song Dynasties. As a result, you’ll find many historical attractions to explore as well.

How to Get There

Hangzhou is quite close to Huangshan, so we took a train that took 1.5 hours and cost 30 yuan per person for a first-class ticket. Hangzhou has several train stations for high-speed trains, so be sure to choose the most convenient one. For us, the closest station to our hotel was Hangzhou East Station.

Where to Stay

In Hangzhou, we stayed at UrCove by Hyatt, which I can highly recommend. The location was superb, close to West Lake and the night market, as well as many nice cafes and restaurants. The room itself was also very nice, though I think it was quite pricey for three nights. However, we booked at the last minute, so there were not many choices available.

What to Do in Hangzhou

1. West Lake

Located in the heart of Hangzhou, West Lake is the main attraction of the city. The lake is stunning, surrounded by lush forests and mountains. It’s divided into five sections by three causeways, and there are beautiful bridges, temples, and pagodas around the lake. You can rent a bike, take a sightseeing bus, or hop on a cruise boat to explore the area. We decided to walk around the lake, but keep in mind that to cover the entire area, you will need to spend almost the whole day there.

2. West Lake Pagodas

There are several pagodas around West Lake that are worth visiting:

Leifeng Pagoda: Originally built in 975, Leifeng Pagoda collapsed in 1924 and was rebuilt in 2002. It is now one of the most famous attractions around West Lake.

Baochu Pagoda: Built in 963, Baochu Pagoda is located on top of Baochu Mountain, so you’ll need to hike a bit to reach it.

Liuhe Pagoda (Six Harmonies Pagoda): The most famous of the three, Liuhe Pagoda was built in 970. Initially, it had nine stories with a lighthouse on top. After being restored in 1156, it now has seven stories inside and 13 stories outside.

Lingyin Temple

3. Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple is one of the most significant and oldest Buddhist temples in China. Built in 326, it is located northwest of West Lake among lush green mountains. Despite the large number of visitors, the temple maintains a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, as many come to pray and find tranquility in this magical place. The admission ticket to the temple costs 75 yuan. 

4. Longjing Tea and the Dragon Well

Visiting a tea plantation is a must while in China, especially in Hangzhou, home to the most famous tea in the country: Longjing tea. You’ll find many tea houses in Hangzhou and near West Lake where you can sample this renowned tea.

5. Qinghefang Ancient Street

In Hangzhou, like many other Chinese cities, there’s a vibrant street dedicated to local snacks and shopping. Qinghefang Ancient Street, located just a short walk from West Lake, is an ideal spot to sample local cuisine and shop. Whether you choose to dine in one of its numerous restaurants or grab a bite from the bustling food stalls, it’s a perfect place to experience the lively local culture and culinary delights.

6. Enduring Memories of Hangzhou

The “Enduring Memories of Hangzhou” is a mesmerizing outdoor performance on West Lake, showcasing the city’s rich legends and historical tales. Directed by Zhang Yimou, who also orchestrated the 2008 Beijing Olympics ceremonies, this show is especially captivating for first-time viewers. The theatrical spectacle, set against the backdrop of West Lake, combines impressive choreography, lighting, and music to create an unforgettable experience that highlights the cultural heritage of Hangzhou.