Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth

Marco Polo called Hangzhou 'the finest and most splendid city in the world.' While much has changed since the 13th century, the city's enchanting West Lake, misty tea hills, and graceful temples continue to captivate visitors. As the former capital of the Southern Song Dynasty and now the headquarters of Alibaba, Hangzhou perfectly embodies China's blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge technology.

Why Visit Hangzhou?

Hangzhou offers China's most beautiful urban landscape centered on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the lake, explore ancient Buddhist temples, walk through emerald tea plantations, cruise serene wetlands, and experience one of China's most livable and innovative cities. It's also a culinary destination with distinctive Zhejiang cuisine.

Top Attractions

### West Lake The heart of Hangzhou, West Lake is a 6.5 sq km scenic lake surrounded by willow-lined causeways, ancient pagodas, and mist-covered hills. Walk or cycle the Su Causeway, take a hand-rowed boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and catch the sunset from the Broken Bridge. Unlike most Chinese attractions, West Lake is completely free.

### Lingyin Temple One of China's most important Buddhist temples, dating to 326 AD. The temple sits in a forested valley with an enormous gilded Buddha and hundreds of rock carvings on the adjacent Feilai Peak.

### Longjing Tea Village Walk through the terraced tea fields that produce China's most prized green tea. Visit in spring to watch hand-picking, then sip fresh-brewed Longjing at a hillside tea house overlooking the plantations.

Food & Dining

Hangzhou's cuisine is known for its delicate, slightly sweet flavors:

• **Dongpo Pork (东坡肉):** Luscious braised pork belly in a sweet soy sauce, named after the poet Su Dongpo
• **West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼):** Fresh fish in a tangy sweet-and-sour glaze
• **Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁):** River shrimp stir-fried with fresh Dragon Well tea leaves
• **Beggar's Chicken (叫化鸡):** Whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked

**Where to eat:** Louwailou (est. 1848) on West Lake is the classic choice. Grandma's Kitchen (外婆家) is excellent for affordable home-style cooking. Zhiweiguan is the go-to for traditional Hangzhou snacks and dim sum.

Cultural Experiences

Watch the **Impression West Lake** show — Zhang Yimou's spectacular outdoor performance staged on the lake itself. Visit the **China Silk Museum** to explore 5,000 years of silk history, or the **China Tea Museum** set amid working tea gardens.

Nature & Outdoors

**Xixi Wetland Park** offers peaceful boat rides through China's first national wetland — a world of water channels, reeds, and traditional fishing villages. The **hills around West Lake** provide excellent short hikes with temple visits and panoramic viewpoints.

Getting Around

Hangzhou has an excellent metro system (12 lines) that covers all major attractions. Line 1 connects the railway station to West Lake area. Shared bikes (via Alipay) are perfect for lakeside cycling. DiDi ride-hailing works well throughout the city.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) for West Lake blossoms and fresh Longjing tea. Autumn (September-November) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Avoid Chinese holidays — West Lake draws enormous crowds during Golden Week.