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Beginners’ Guide to Hangzhou: Top 5 Attractions You Should Not Miss

Longji Tea

Overview:

Hangzhou is a city full of historic sites and natural sightseeing. To help travelers get a quick but impressive glimpse of Hangzhou, the following guide will be of great assistance.

West Lake 西湖

West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou. Without West Lake, the city would lose much of its charm. Known by different names through history - Wulin Water, Qiantang Lake and Xizi Lake, it has been called West Lake since the Song Dynasty. It is located on the western edge of Hangzhou and surrounded by hills on 3 sides.

The lake has 3 famous islands— Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Pavilion in the Central Lake and Yuangong Mound. The islands dot the lake, adding a special beauty. The most beautiful scenery around the lake areas is at Su and Bai Causeways. These 2 causeways divide the lake into 5 parts. They look especially stunning at sunrise when there is mist rising from the lake surface. Read More

Lingyin Temple 灵隐寺

Lingyin Temple is close to the top of the list of spots to visit following closely behind West Lake. It is located beside Feilai Peak which is very near West Lake. The Lingyin Scenery Zone includes Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak.

Over 1600 years ago, an Indian monk arrived in Hangzhou and was impressed by these special peaks. Then he built Lingyin, which means “there were hidden fairies who created the special peaks”. Outside the scenery zone is a large area with restaurants, shops, even Starbucks and KFC. It is a very good area to get outside and stroll amongst the ancient buildings and greenery. Read More

Meijiawu Tea Plantation 梅家坞茶园

Meijiawu Tea Plantation grows Longjing tea. Longjin Tea is one of the most notable teas in China and was specially made for the imperial families in ancient times. The plantation is located near the heartland of West Lake Scenery Zone and extends for over 10 km. It is less-touristy with more stunning natural scenery.

Visitors can appreciate the scenery and also watch the demonstration of the tea-making process. Historic sites like the Prime Zhou Mausoleum, Langdang Hill and Ligang Hall are with the precinct. Travelers could buy the tea if they like. Read More

Hangzhou Songcheng 杭州宋城

Situated near West Lake, Songcheng is an area which has been built based on a city layout of the Song Dynasty. It is the most popular theme park in China where visitors can experience the history and culture from 1000 years ago in one day.

There are many attractions like Strange Street, Buddha Hill, Urban Street, Songcheng River, the 1000-year Camphor Tree and Culture Square. Handicraft workshops like a porcelain workshop, wine shop and local street food. Read More

Hefang Street 清河坊

Hefang Street has been a flourished area since the Song Dynasty. A residence belonging to governor Zhangjun of Qinghe during the South Song Dynasty is situated in Taiping Alley. During the South Song Dynasty Hefang Street was the political, cultural and commercial center of Hangzhou where many businessmen gathered. East of Xingong Bridge on Hefang Street is the site of the Deshou Palace where Emperor Song Gaozong lived during the Southern Song Dynasty.

Some famous century-old shops on the street are still well patronized by locals and travelers.

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