China Trip Guides

Appearance

Exploring Hangzhou: Your Ultimate Travel Guide ​

Travel Guide to Hangzhou, China ​

1. Introduction to Hangzhou ​

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is one of China's most picturesque cities, renowned for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as "Heaven on Earth," Hangzhou is famous for its stunning West Lake, ancient temples, and lush tea plantations. With a history dating back over 2,200 years, it offers a perfect blend of natural landscapes and urban sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

2. Top Attractions ​

West Lake ​

  • Overview: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake is the heart of Hangzhou, known for its idyllic scenery and cultural significance.
  • Highlights:
    • Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: A picturesque spot with three small pagodas emerging from the lake.
    • Broken Bridge: Famous for its romantic legends, especially beautiful in winter when it’s covered in snow.
    • Leifeng Pagoda: A historic pagoda offering panoramic views of the lake and the city.
  • Activities: Boating, cycling around the lake, and enjoying traditional performances at various tea houses.

Lingyin Temple ​

  • Overview: One of the largest and most important Buddhist temples in China, dating back to the 4th century.
  • Highlights:
    • Main Hall: Houses a massive statue of Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha.
    • Fei Lai Feng: A nearby area famous for its ancient stone carvings and grottoes depicting Buddhist figures.
  • Activities: Participate in meditation sessions, explore the tranquil gardens and surrounding hills.

Longjing Tea Village ​

  • Overview: The birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China's most famous green teas.
  • Highlights:
    • Tea Plantations: Wander through the lush tea fields and learn about traditional tea-picking methods.
    • Tea Houses: Sample freshly brewed Longjing tea and enjoy local snacks.
  • Activities: Join a tea tasting session and participate in a tea-making workshop.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Dongpo Pork ​

  • Description: A signature dish of Hangzhou, this braised pork belly is cooked with soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar until tender.
  • Taste: Rich, savory, and slightly sweet, served with steamed buns or rice.

Beggar's Chicken ​

  • Description: A whole chicken stuffed with spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, and then baked in clay.
  • Taste: Tender and flavorful, the dish is often served at festive occasions.

West Lake Vinegar Fish ​

  • Description: A local specialty made with freshwater fish, usually fried and then simmered in a sweet and sour vinegar sauce.
  • Taste: A balance of sweet and tangy flavors, often garnished with vegetables.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips ​

  • Ctrip & Booking.com:
    • Use these platforms to compare hotel deals, book flights, and arrange tours.
    • Ctrip is particularly useful for domestic travel and offers various options in English.

Making Payments ​

  • Alipay:
    • Widely accepted in Hangzhou, it’s essential for making payments in restaurants, shops, and taxis.
    • Set up an account using a local phone number for ease of use.

Language Assistance ​

  • Google Translate:
    • Download the app for offline use, as it can help with navigation and communication.
    • Use the camera feature to translate signs or menus.

Taxi Services ​

  • Didi:
    • The Chinese equivalent of Uber, download the app for convenient and affordable taxi services.
    • Make sure to set the app to English for easier navigation.

Internet Access and VPN ​

  • Internet Access:
    • Many hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, but you may want a local SIM card for mobile data.
  • VPN Considerations:
    • Consider using a VPN to access restricted websites and apps like Google and Facebook.

5. Sample Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival and West Lake ​

  • Check-in at your hotel
  • Explore West Lake: Boat ride, visit Broken Bridge, and Leifeng Pagoda.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant featuring West Lake cuisine.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration ​

  • Morning visit to Lingyin Temple.
  • Afternoon hike at Fei Lai Feng.
  • Evening tea at a tea house in Longjing Tea Village.

Day 3: Tea Culture and Local Cuisine ​

  • Morning tea-picking experience in Longjing Tea Village.
  • Lunch featuring Dongpo Pork.
  • Visit local markets in the afternoon.
  • Dinner featuring Beggar's Chicken.

Day 4: ​

Hangzhou Skyline

Note: This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact location.