Hangzhou | Fall in Love with the Tranquility of This City

Fall in Love with the Tranquility of This City. Complete Hangzhou Travel Guide: Discover the Poetry and Romance of Paradise on Earth Known as "Paradise on Earth," Hangzhou unfolds like a delicate landscape painting, where every scene captures the gentle and vibrant spirit of the Jiangnan region. From the shimmering West Lake to the ancient bells of Lingyin Temple, the city's unique charm attracts countless visitors. Here's your comprehensive guide to exploring the endless allure of Hangzhou. Best Time to Visit Hangzhou enjoys a mild climate with distinct seasonal characteristics: - Spring (March - April): Perfect for spring outings with blooming flowers along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway. Weeping willows sway by West Lake while peach and apricot blossoms create a vibrant display of new life. - Autumn (September - October): Pleasant weather with osmanthus flowers filling the air with sweet fragrance at Manjuelong. You can also witness the magnificent Qiantang River Tidal Bore around Mid-Autumn Festival. Must-Visit Attractions 1. West Lake Scenic Area: Hangzhou's iconic landmark with free admission. Explore by walking, cycling, or electric sightseeing car. Famous spots include Broken Bridge Snow (best viewed in winter), Spring Dawn at Su Causeway (most beautiful in spring), Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard (ideal for summer lotus viewing), Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (accessible by boat and featured on the one-yuan note), and Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor. Take an 8-yuan public boat ride for a leisurely lake tour. 2. Lingyin Temple: A thousand-year-old Buddhist temple with strong religious atmosphere. Admission is 75 yuan (including Flying Peak). This is where Ji Gong became a monk. The ancient architecture is solemn, with thriving incense offerings and serene surrounding forests. Remember to book tickets in advance through the "Hangzhou Lingyin Temple" WeChat official account. 3. Hangzhou Songcheng: A large theme park with varying ticket prices for different packages. Experience Song Dynasty culture and watch the spectacular "Romance of the Song Dynasty" show (additional ticket required). The performance showcases Hangzhou's history through song, dance, and acrobatics, depicting scenes from ancient Liangzhu civilization, the Song Dynasty palace, and the tragic story of Yue Fei's army. 4. Xixi National Wetland Park: China's first national wetland park, 80 yuan admission with some areas free. Rich in ecological resources, boat tours offer views of swaying reeds and birds. Recommended route: Zhou Family Village - Meizhu Villa - Boshan - Yanshuiyuzhuang - Shentankou - Hezhu Street - Hongzhong Villa - Two Temples One Shrine - Gaozhuang. Food Recommendations 1. Hangzhou Cuisine: - Lou Wai Lou (Gushan Road, West Lake): Century-old restaurant serving traditional dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce and Beggar's Chicken, around 150 yuan per person. The fish is tender with crab-like flavor; the chicken is wrapped in clay and roasted until fragrant and tender. - Zhiweiguan Taste House (Yanggong Causeway): Garden-style restaurant, elegant environment. Try the Orange Stuffed with Crab Meat and Dragon Well Shrimp, around 120 yuan per person. Creative crab-orange combination; fresh shrimp with premium Dragon Well tea leaves. 2. Local Snacks: - Fang Laoda Noodles: 40+ years of history, popular tangy tomato sauce noodles, around 30 yuan per person. Chewy noodles with rich tomato sauce and tender meat toppings. - Kuiyuan Restaurant (Liberation Road by West Lake): Century-old establishment famous for Crispy Eel Noodles with Shrimp, around 40 yuan per person. Crispy eel, fresh bouncy shrimp, and noodles soaked in flavorful broth. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Near West Lake: Convenient location with lake views. Options include mid-range Ji Hotel (Hubin InTime) and luxury Four Seasons Hotel West Lake Hangzhou nestled by the lake. 2. Near Wulin Square: Easy access to shopping and dining, such as JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou with luxury amenities near InTime Mall. Itinerary Planning Three-Day Tour - Day 1: Morning at West Lake, stroll Bai Causeway, view Broken Bridge Snow and Autumn Moon over Calm Lake. Lunch with Hangzhou cuisine by the lake. Afternoon boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, visit Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor. Evening at InTime Mall and West Lake Musical Fountain. - Day 2: Morning at Lingyin Temple. Afternoon at Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies, evening at Hefang Street for local snacks. - Day 3: Morning at Xixi Wetland, afternoon at Songcheng, watch "Romance of the Song Dynasty." Two-Day Tour - Day 1: West Lake morning tour including Su Causeway and Lotus in the Breeze. Lunch in scenic area. Afternoon at Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views, evening at Wulin Night Market. - Day 2: Morning at Lingyin Temple, afternoon at Longjing Village for tea culture experience. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: Airport buses to various city areas, Metro Lines 1 and 7, or 40-minute taxi ride to downtown. - Hangzhou East Railway Station: High-speed rail hub connected to Metro Lines 1 and 4. - Internal Transportation: - Metro: Multiple lines covering major attractions and commercial areas. - Bus: Extensive network, scenic routes available but traffic during peak hours. - Shared Bikes/E-bikes: Convenient for short trips on Hangzhou's flat roads. Tips 1. Visit West Lake during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially during holidays. 2. Dress appropriately at Lingyin Temple, respecting religious customs. 3. Hangzhou cuisine often features sweet and sour flavors, like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce and Song Sister's Fish Soup.