Hangzhou Travel guide

Hangzhou is extremely rich in tourism resources. Its unique environment endowed by nature and the culture accumulation of several thousand years, have formed many world famous natural, historical and cultural sights

West Lake

At the centre of delightful Hangzhou, the most picturesque of China's six ancient capitals, lies the idyllic West Lake. Dotted with temples and pagodas the lake glistens against a curl of green hills. One of the most enjoyable times to visit the lake is soon after dawn when its surrounding promenade is bustling with locals performing their morning exercises.

Lingyin Temple

Hangzhou's Lingyin Temple boasts over 300 magnificent rock carvings in its surrounding hills, the most famous being this laughing Buddha. His capacious stomach symbolises the evil and sorrow he has swallowed on behalf of humanity.

The Temple of the Soul's Retreat

The Temple of the Soul's Retreat, half hidden in the woods, the Peak that Flew from Afar, Yue Fei's Temple, the Pagoda of Six Harmonies and Jingsi Temple are all frequented by visitors.

Hangzhou's hills

They may also find it an enjoyable experience to tour Wushan Hill, Yuhuang Hill and Baoshi (Precious Stone) Hill around the lake, the three famous springs at Longjing, Hupao and Yuquan.

Hangzhou is a feast for the senses: as enjoyable as the beauty of the West Lake is the distinctive taste of its well-known tea. Retreat to the rolling hills of its lush Longjing tea plantations to learn the science of an ancient beverage.

Since 1980's, there was built in succession, the China Silk Museum, China Tea Museum, Huqingyutang Chinese Traditional Medicine Museum, The Southern Song Dynasty Official Kiln Museum and the Liangzhu Cultural Museum, which represent China's culture.

Two famous teas are exported from Hangzhou: Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea and dried white chrysanthemum flowers which are used as medicinally. Hangzhou cuisine is the most famous representative of Hangzhou cooking. Its dishes include West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Pork Dongpo Style, Longjing Shrimp, and Aunt Song's Fish Soup.