West Lake in Hangzhou: The City Card of Hangzhou
'Among the thirty-six West Lakes in the world, the best is Hangzhou.' West Lake has always been the soul of Hangzhou since ancient times. The beauty of West Lake spans all four seasons: the peach blossoms and willows on Su and Bai Causeways in the spring breeze, the lotus flowers reaching the sky in the summer, the moonlit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in autumn nights, and the red plums casting shadows after the winter snow. This beauty has inspired countless poems, songs, and legends throughout history. The beauty of West Lake is diverse, with its waters creating an unparalleled charm, whether heavily adorned or lightly touched. On a quiet morning, take a leisurely bike ride along the lake, or enjoy a boat ride, or take a slow walk to measure every inch of West Lake's beauty with your footsteps. Notably, the famous Leifeng Pagoda from the legend of the White Snake is located within the West Lake scenic area. When visiting West Lake, this is a spot you must not miss.
Lingyin Temple: Famous for Ji Gong
When traveling to Hangzhou, the first must-see is West Lake, and the second is Lingyin Temple. Founded during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Lingyin Temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, is the oldest ancient temple in Hangzhou and is said to be the place where Ji Gong became a monk. The temple houses many precious treasures, such as ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, gilded Buddha statues from the Eastern Wei Dynasty, a copy of the Diamond Sutra written by Ming Dynasty calligrapher Dong Qichang, and the Yongzheng woodblock-printed Dragon Canon from the Qing Dynasty. During Buddhist festivals, the temple is filled with incense smoke and bustling with worshippers.
Xixi National Wetland Park: The Kidney of Hangzhou
Known as 'The Kidney of Hangzhou', Xixi National Wetland Park is one of the filming locations for Feng's comedy 'If You Are the One'. The serene and pleasant wetland scenery enhances the beauty of the movie, and the movie's popularity has brought fame to this previously unknown place. Water is the soul of Xixi, with six rivers crisscrossing and merging here. Greenery is everywhere, making you feel as if you are in a fairyland.
Hefang Street: The Historical Essence of Hangzhou
Some say that the essence of Hangzhou is not found elsewhere, but in its old streets. If you visit the old streets, Hefang Street is the top recommendation. Located at the foot of Wushan, Hefang Street is part of Qinghefang and is a famous retro street in Hangzhou's old town. It is said to best reflect the historical and cultural charm of Hangzhou. Although not very long, it has a strong sense of local culture, featuring specialty snacks, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, teahouses, and old brands. You can also buy various souvenirs and folk crafts. Both locals and tourists love to visit. Hefang Street is even more charming at night, so consider taking a night tour.
Night Tour on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal
The 'Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal' is one of the greatest ancient water conservancy projects in China and the longest canal in the world. Taking a boat tour on the canal is the best way to directly experience its long history and culture, and to enjoy the scenery of the water towns in Jiangnan. As night falls, the lights illuminate for miles, and the canal still retains its classical charm. If you are visiting Hangzhou for the first time, you must not miss its beauty.
Watch a performance of 'The Romance of Song Dynasty' at Hangzhou Songcheng Park
Songcheng is an old theme park in Hangzhou, a replica ancient city full of Song Dynasty charm. Being there feels like stepping into Doraemon's 'time machine', wandering through streets and alleys, and traveling back to the Song Dynasty a thousand years ago. The streets, restaurants, people's attire, behavior, various performances, and vendors all make you wonder if you have really traveled back to that distant era. Most notably, there is 'The Romance of Song Dynasty', one of the 'World's Top Three Shows'. The entire performance is full of climaxes, with impressive lighting effects and actor performances. It not only depicts the splendor of the Song Imperial Palace, the tragedy of Yue Fei's army, the timeless love stories of the White Snake and Xu Xian, and Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, but also beautifully showcases silk, tea, and the misty rain of Jiangnan, making it impossible to look away.
Have a Cup of Fragrant Longjing Tea at Meijiawu
Hangzhou, renowned worldwide for its West Lake Longjing tea, has long been deeply imprinted with tea culture. Regardless of age, people love to drink tea, not for the taste, but for the leisure it brings. If Beishan Road is for savoring the waters of West Lake, then Meijiawu is for savoring the tender fragrance of Longjing tea. When you come to Hangzhou, if you have time, it's best to visit Meijiawu, find a teahouse, drink tea, enjoy the beautiful scenery, savor the fragrant tea, feel the gentle breeze, and empty your mind. Not for anything else, but for that bit of tranquility in your heart.
Go to Grandma's House for Authentic Hangzhou Cuisine
If you have been to Hangzhou, you must be impressed by this phrase that echoes through the streets and alleys. It has become one of the most spectacular scenes in the bustling city of Hangzhou today. When in Hangzhou, you must try the local Hangzhou cuisine. And for authentic Hangzhou cuisine, you must go to the famous Grandma's House.
