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
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Travelers' Voices on Hangzhou
1.
Nov. 19,2009 22:04 Reply
Ms.Maureen Goh(Malaysia) said:
Hi ,
I'am visiting HangZhou on mid of March 2010. I would like to know where could I find nice Zhejiang cuisine, like Beggar's chicken, Dongpo pork and Fried shrimps with Longjing tea leaves. Any restaurant to introduce ?
How far from HangZhou to SuZhou by car ?
Nov. 20,2009 01:12
Mr.FFrankie replied:
When you visit the West Lake, you could have a lunch at Lou Wai Lou (30, Gushan Lu), which is a time-honored local restaurant. You could have all of these dishes there. In downtown Hangzhou, you could go to Wai Po Jia, which enjoys high fame in locals and travelers as well.
The bus from Hangzhou to Suzhou just takes 2 hours on the way.
2.
Nov. 14,2009 04:21 Reply
Ms.TONCHE(Sweden) said:
Hello!
Me and my mother are spending a week in Hangzhou in april 2010. We would like to travel to Wenzhou one day, how do we get there? How long does it take by train and from what trainstation do we travel?
Regards from Sweden!
Nov. 17,2009 19:41
Mr.JAMESWONG(China) replied:
Get to Hangzhou Train Station (Chengzhan) and take bullet train to Wenzhou. It takes you 3-3.5 hours from Hangzhou to Wenzhou. Ticket fare: 138/166RMB.
Nov. 19,2009 15:19
Mrs.Tonche(Sweden) replied:
Thank you so much Mr James Wong
3.
Nov. 14,2009 08:29 Reply
Mr.Alex(Malaysia) said:
My wife and I will arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport rather late at night, around 11 on a Saturday. How do we get to Xiaoshan International Hotel? Any shuttle bus to take there? If so, what number and take from which station? How much is the fare? We also intend to go to Shanghai. All in, we have 6 days. Please advise on places we should not miss. Where do we take train from Hangzhou to Shanghai? What train to take?
Nov. 17,2009 20:47
Mr.James replied:
Not any shuttle bus to the hotel. There are onlu shuttle bus available at that time to Wulinmen. Different route to you hotel in Xiaoshan. You can think about take a taxi to the hotel. Taxi fare is about 100RMB. You should get to Hangzhou Train Station and there are many trains to Shanghai everyday. You can choose any of them accroding to your time. Places should not be missed in Shanghai: the Bund, Nanjing Road, YUyuan Garden and bazaar, Xintiandi, Jade Buddha Temple, Huangpu River Cruise and Lujiazui, if you have time, you can get to World Expo, although many building haven't finished yet.
4.
Nov. 14,2009 05:43 Reply
Mr.Koh(Singapore) said:
Hi , I am going to Shanghai next week. Just learn from travel agent they are putting us up at a hotel in Hangzhou call " DinHe " hotel for 1 night. The first day will be free and easy day. Where can we go ? Is there any nearby place of interest around this hotel ?
Nov. 17,2009 19:50
Mr.JAMESWONG(China) replied:
Perhaps you can consider to watch the West Lake Impression directed by Zhang Yimou. It is in the Yuhu Lake area of the West Lake. In fact, I don't know Dinhe Hotel. Are you sure you give the right name of the hotel and could do give address.
5.
Nov. 14,2009 12:22 Reply
Mr.James Gan(Malaysia) said:
My wife and I will arrived at Hangzhou on Dec 9 and heading to Senyang by flight at Shanghai airport on Dec 12.Within this few days I would like to know where do the tourist place n nice food that we can we go? Is there any local tour that we can join and what the charges. Can u pls recommend any nice hotels that is convenient or walking distance to the attractive place. (eg. night market) Hotel rating 4*. Thank you.
Nov. 16,2009 02:15
Ms.Jenny replied:
Hi Mr.James,
There are local tour you can join, you can choose one day, 2 day tour according to your schedule. And depends on your tour we can help you arrange the hotel. More details you can contact assist.china@gmail.com.
6.
Nov. 13,2009 20:59 Reply
Mr.Ataide(Brazil) said:
Hello!
Has a direct way from Shangai airport to Hangzhou?? Will be my forst time in China. Could someone help me?
Nov. 13,2009 22:13
Mr.danny(cn) replied:
there are shuttle buses go to hangzhou directly at the shanghai airport don't worry about it.
7.
Nov. 8,2009 19:52 Reply
Mr.Goh(Malaysia) said:
Hello,
I wish to know, how much money should I pay for a prepaid phone sim card in China and where normally we can get it. Is Malaysian handphone set can be use in China by just putting in the prepaid sim card ?
Thank you.
Rgds : Goh
Nov. 13,2009 09:34
Mr.Assist China replied:
Hi Mr.Goh,
You can get it in a Magazine selling shop on the street, or a China Mobile shop, usually the card costs 50 RMB. Yes, normally the phone can be used. Have a nice trip.
8.
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
Nov. 8,2009 01:18
Mr.Sandy replied:
The show is performed everyday, if the weather is fine. Time is at 19:45. As far as I know, the cheapest ticket is 220RMB per person.
9.
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
Nov. 8,2009 01:08
Ms.Cindy replied:
The hotel is fine. Not far away from the West Lake and you can jsut walk to the lake area. It is a bit east of Wulin Square, where the airport bus start to/from Xiaoshan Airport. THe main attractions are all nearby the lakeside, you can make a circle around the lake. Here are some Hangzhou tours:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/package/hangzhou.htm
i would like to suggest, buy a may and follow the attractions listed in this page and you are interested too. Lingyin Temple, Aix Harmonies Pagoda and Dragon Well Tea Village is a bit difficult to find, you can take a taxi. In fact, there are bus stops along the lakeside heading for them.
10.
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.
Nov. 8,2009 00:52
Mr.Sam replied:
Hi Ms Jane. According to the weather forecast, it is going to rain in those places at the beginning of the next week, not heavy. The temperature is about 20C. As to tourist places, West Lake of Hangzhou, Private Gardens of Suzhou, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden and Jade buddha Temple and xintiandi of Shanghai are all worth of visiting. As to sounenirs and food, you should not miss some streets and bazaar, such as Guanqian Jie in Suzhou, chenghuangmiao (City God Temple Bazaar and food street) near Yuyuan Garden and Hefang Jei&Baoshu Lu in Hangzhou.