Hangzhou
Hangtschou
“Above there is heaven; below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou”
ποΈ
West Lake: UNESCO site
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Daily Budget: $70-130
Why Hangzhou?
Marco Polo called Hangzhou “the finest and most splendid city in the world.” Today, West Lake remains one of China’s most poetic landscapes β willow-lined causeways, pagoda-topped hills, lotus-covered waters. It’s the China of classical paintings, just 45 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai. Add Lingyin Temple (1,700 years old), Longjing tea plantations, and the Song Dynasty theme park, and you’ve got a perfect 1-2 day escape.
Must-See Attractions
UNESCO World Heritage
West Lake (Xihu)
θ₯ΏζΉ XΔ«hΓΊ
For 1,000 years, Chinese poets have written about West Lake. Walk the Su and Bai causeways at dawn when mist rises off the water. Rent a boat (Β₯150/hour) to see the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The Leifeng Pagoda offers sunset views. Spring brings peach blossoms; summer, lotus flowers; autumn, golden leaves; winter, occasional snow on bridges.
β±οΈ Time: 3-5 hours
π« Cost: Free (boat Β₯150/hr)
π² Best: Rent a bike
π Map
Trending on TikTok
Lingyin Temple
η΅ιε―Ί β 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple
Founded in 328 CE, Lingyin is one of China’s most significant temples β and suddenly viral on Western social media. The Flying Peak stone carvings (300+ Buddhas in the cliff face) are extraordinary. The main hall holds a 24.8m camphor-wood Buddha. Come early morning to hear monks chanting and see light filtering through ancient trees.
β±οΈ Time: 2-3 hours
π« Cost: Β₯75 ($10.50)
π Map
Longjing Tea Plantations
ιΎδΊθΆε β Dragon Well tea fields
Longjing (Dragon Well) is China’s most famous green tea, and the plantations around Meijiawu and Longjing Village are stunning β terraced hills of tea bushes. Visit in April for harvest season; you can pick leaves and watch them roast. Tea houses serve fresh Longjing with views of the hills. The water from Dragon Well spring is said to make the best tea.
β±οΈ Time: 2-3 hours
π΅ Tea: Β₯50-200 ($7-28)
π Map
Where to Eat
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Lou Wai Lou
ζ₯Όε€ζ₯Ό β West Lake’s most famous restaurant, since 1848
Must try: West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, beggar’s chicken
β 4.4/5 Β· Β₯100-200/person ($14-28) Β· On West Lake island
π Map
π΅
Tea Houses at Longjing
ιΎδΊθΆι¦ β Tea with a view
Must try: Fresh Longjing tea, tea eggs, lotus root dessert
β 4.6/5 Β· Β₯50-100 ($7-14) Β· Tea village
π Map
Practical Information
π From Shanghai
High-speed rail: 45 min (Β₯73/$10). Perfect day trip or overnight.
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Best Time
March-April (tea harvest, flowers), September-November (clear, cool).