Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is one of China's most important tourist venues.
The City, the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, is located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in southeast China, a superior position in the Yangtze Delta and only 180 kilometers from Shanghai. Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon type climate with four quite distinct seasons. However, it is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter making it a year round destination.
The West Lake is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. In this scenic area, Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple are probably the most frequently visited attractions. The "Ten West Lake Prospects" have been specially selected to give the visitor outstanding views of the lake, mountains and monuments.
A number of national museums can be found in Hangzhou and are representative of Chinese culture. Fine examples are the National Silk Museum and National Tea Museum. Along with the other museums in Hangzhou, they provide a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese traditional products.
One of the most important parts of traveling is tasting the local delicacies. Hangzhou dishes are noted for their elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste. Many local specialties will be sure to make your trip a cultural experience. We recommend that you try Beggar's Chicken (a chicken baked in clay), West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Source (vinegar coated fish fresh caught from the lake), Dongpo Pork (braised pork) and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea, etc.
The shopping environment in Hangzhou is exciting and convenient. Travelers and tourists like to go to Qing He Fang Street. It is one of the most famous and historic streets in the city and reflects many of the features of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Shoppers will admire the antique buildings while purchasing items from a wide range of local goods such as silks, tea or maybe a silk parasol, brocade or a beautiful Hangzhou fan. These are just some of the items to be found but there are many more.
At night Hangzhou has much to offer and teahouses and various kinds of pubs are both plentiful and popular. Choosing one overlooking the West Lake for a pleasant chat over a cup of tea is sure to make you feel totally relaxed and refreshed.
While much of the ancient city that had been the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-nineteenth century, today's Hangzhou is a modern and vibrant economical center. As such it provides a base for many talented and skilled people. Never the less, thanks to its unique setting by the West Lake it continues to enjoy the many benefits of the natural surroundings that have delighted visitors for centuries. Not only was it much vaunted in his writings by the 13
century explorer, Marco Polo but the Lake and its environs have inspired poets of great renown such as Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo down the ages. There can be no doubt that visit here is certain to be a memorable one.
Newly Updated Attractions
Xixi National Wetland ParkRecommended Hangzhou Package Tour Itinerary:
Essence of Hangzhou: 3 Days to Six Harmonies Pagoda & West LakeRecommended Tour including the visit to Hangzhou:
East China Tour: 13 Days to Shanghai-Hangzhou–Suzhou...Nanjing-BeijingMore Hangzhou Tour Information:
Hiking Tours: Information about hiking in Hangzhou for your reference
Golf Tour: 9 Days Golf Tour of Hangzhou, Ningbo, Putuo, Shanghai
Copyright© 1998-2009 TravelChinaGuide.com, All rights reserved.
Travelers' Voices on Hangzhou
1.
Nov. 7,2009 07:09 Reply
Ms.lee(singa) said:
may i know more about Impression West Lake and Song Dynasty show.
is it shown daily? and how much is it ? thank you
2.
Nov. 7,2009 03:12 Reply
Mr.yong(malay) said:
i am going with my family (2 adults two kids) to hangzhou/shanghai next june for world expo.
i will spend 2 days in hangzhou and already reserve room in zhejiang international hotel .what are the places of interest in hangzhou (mainly west lake) that i can cover in 2 days? just don't know where to start from.
is there any local one day tour that i can join? advisable ?
how is the location of hotel ? is it convenient? thanks
3.
Nov. 5,2009 15:22 Reply
Mr.CHOONYUNNGUI(United Kingdom) said:
Hi There
We are planning a trip to China in August/September 2010. We plan to stay for about 4 weeks. We are arriving at Shanghai Pudong Airport on 6th August and will go from the airport to Xiaoshan International Hotel for 7 days,then back to Shanghai after for 15days; need to find budget hotels in Shanghai and after Shanghai we will be going Beijing. Could you please advise me the best and convenient form of transport to use. Thanks a million in advance.
Choonyunngui
Nov. 5,2009 20:39
Mr.Shan replied:
There are many budget hotels for your choice in Shanghai: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/shanghai-hotels.htm
If possible, it is suggested that you puchase the express night train from Shanghai to Beijing. The train schedule could be searched here:http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
Otherwise, you could fly to Beijing directly. There are frequent flights departing to Beijing everyday.
4.
Oct. 27,2009 05:53 Reply
Ms.Jane(Malaysia) said:
Hi,
I'm going to Hangzhou-Wuxi-Shanghai this Nov 12 for the first time. My questions:
1. I will spend a night each in Wuxi and Shanghai. Which budget hotel do u recommend in Wuxi and Shanghai? What is the rate?
2. What is the best transportation travel from Hangzhou->Wuxi, Wuxi->Shanghai, Shanghai->Hangzhou?
thank you
Oct. 30,2009 03:07
Mr.Sam replied:
1. it is suggested that you book a hotel close to the railway stations or bus stations in Wuxi and Shanghai, both of which are the transportation hubs. You could refer to the hotel list at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/
2. Hangzhou-->Wuxi: please take a bus from Hangzhou North Bus Station
Wuxi-->Shanghai: please take the bullet train (1hour)or a bus (2 hours)
Shanghai-->Hangzhou: please use the bullet train (1.5hours)
The train schedule could be found: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
Nov. 4,2009 18:47
Ms.Jane(M'sia) replied:
Hi Mr Sam,
Thank you for the info. I've book my hotels according to yr advice.
Can you name a few tourist places, souvenirs and delicious food that I shouldn't be missed while in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou and Wuxi?
What is the weather like next week in those places?
Thanks again.
5.
Oct. 30,2009 12:51 Reply
Ms.P. Chamnarnchak(Thai) said:
I am in Shanghai now. I have 4 days left. I plan to go to Hangzhou for 2 days. I have been in Zhujiajiao already. Is anywhere nearby that I could go for 2 days before return to Shanghai? I am interesting in food for each city. Is there any recomendation the place and the food name? My nice she can read Chinese. Thank you. Midori
Oct. 31,2009 01:39
Mr.Shan replied:
How about go to Suzhou? It enjoys the hight fame as Hangzhou, and just about 40 minutes from Shanghai by train. The food, especially snacks are so good~ On the other hand, you could go to Yangchenghu Lake in Kunshan, which is just located on the way back to Shanghai from Suzhou. This lake has the best crabs in China and Nov is just the best time to taste crabs.
Oct. 31,2009 07:29
Ms.Luo(China) replied:
The restaurant Lou Wai Lou is the most famous restaurant in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou Famous Dishes
西湖醋鱼——West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce
叫化鸡——Beggar's Chicken
东坡肉——Dongpo Braised Pork
龙井虾仁——Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea
Nov. 1,2009 21:00
Ms.Pacharin(Thailand) replied:
To Mr. Shan,
THank you very much for your suggestion. WE will try to do so.
6.
Oct. 28,2009 00:53 Reply
Mr.Goh(malaysia) said:
Hello !
I will be arriving by flight around 11PM at Hangzhou airport.
To travel to my hotel at downtown. How should I get a taxi or bus ?
How much should I pay for taxi from airport to Moganshan Road ?
Taxi is running by meter or fixed rate. I hope to avoid all the unhonest
deal with the taxi.
Oct. 30,2009 03:21
Mr.Leo replied:
It is not suggested that your take a taxi from airport to get to downtown Hangzhou. The fare is expensive. Actually, you could take the airport shuttle bus, which is in operation around the clock, to its terminal at Wulinmen in downtown Hangzhou. The Moganshan Road is very close to Wulinmen, so you could hire a cab here driving to your destination. In downtown Hangzhou, the drivers charge by meter honestly.
Oct. 31,2009 01:02
Mr.goh(malaysia) replied:
How much is the bus fare from airport to downtown.
And is that safe to get a taxi in such late night ?
Thanks a lot my dear friend.
Rgds : goh.
Oct. 31,2009 01:33
Mr.Leo replied:
Hello Goh, the shuttle bus fare is CNY20/person. And, please take it easy that Hangzhou is very safe even in late night! The nightlife of this city just starts after midnight.
7.
Oct. 30,2009 20:37 Reply
Mr.Chitran(vietnam) said:
we know your company, specializing in tourist organizations in China.
We consist of 03 persons ( 02 womens and 01 men) and we are vietnam. Monday (2 / 11), we work in Shanghai and we have done on Thursday (5 / 11).
We want to travel from Shanghai to Hanzhou (if you can sort we take your union). You can quote us by 02 methods:
Method 01: We depart on Friday morning (6 / 11) from Shanghai to Hanzhou (includes: Left the hotel to sleep overnight at 01 Hanzhou, eat and visit in Hanzhou). on Saturday (7 / 11) we returned to Shanghai and we have a flight from Shanghai to vietnam at 21h00.
Method 2: we want to go from Shanghai to Hanzhou pm Friday morning (6 / 11) and Friday afternoon (6 / 11) back to Shanghai. (Called the trip a day, no stay Hanzhou)
We provide information hotel, we have set in Shanghai for you. ( From Shanghai to Hanzhou about 200 km?)
I would receive so your best and look forward to receive your information soon.
we need 01 people speak English instructions or free vietnam
Thanks you
Chitran
8.
Oct. 27,2009 08:13 Reply
Ms.JY(MALAYS) said:
Hi, I will travel to Shanghai on 18 Nov and i 'm planning my day trip to Shuzou on 19 Nov, is it ok for day trip??
Oct. 30,2009 03:12
Mr.Shan replied:
Yes, you could do it. On Nov 19, you could take the bullet train on the early morning, and then trave in downtown Suzhou for one day, finally get back to Shanghai by train as well. Tips: you'd better purchase the round trip tickets on Nov 18 in Shanghai.
9.
Oct. 26,2009 01:36 Reply
Mr.David(Australia) said:
Hi,
I am currently living in Changzhou and would like to take a weekend in Hangzhou.
I will be driving, do you have a suggested route and travel time ?
Thanks
Oct. 26,2009 03:21
Mr.Jamie replied:
recommend route: drive to Caoqiao and run to Xiyi (Wuxi-Yixing) Expressway and turn to Hangning (Nanjing-Hangzhou) Expressway to Hangzhou.
Time: about 2.5 hours
Oct. 26,2009 04:40
Mr.David(Australia) replied:
mr Jamie, Thanks for the advice .. most helpful
10.
Oct. 24,2009 05:59 Reply
Mr.Vahed(Iran) said:
Dear , i 'm coming china to meet my partner in Ningbo , i plan to visit Hangzhou, pl. tell me the distance from ningbo to hangzhou, the best way & your proposal for aractive place & site seen.
Oct. 26,2009 03:15
Mr.Jamie replied:
It is about 170Km from Ningbo to Hangzhou. Suggest you travel by bus, within 2 hours vis expressway. West Lake is a must for people come to Hangzhou. Most famous sites of the city are scattered around the lake area.