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Hangzhou Travel Guide

About Hangzhou

Perhaps for the very first time, the hyperbole from the Chinese tourist brochure that surrounds Hangzhou and its infamous West Lake is justified in its over-the-top accolades. As they say around these parts: "Above is Paradise, below is Hangzhou."

The city itself is pleasant in its own right, but is transformed into one of China's top destinations by the gorgeous West Lake and its fabulous green environs.

The very definition of classical beauty in China, West Lake has inspired generations of writers, painters and poets throughout Chinese history. Created from a river lagoon in the 8th century, it still mesmerises tourists and today (methodical prettification working its cunning magic too).

Hazy hills rise above the willow-lined banks, forming crinkled silhouettes that are punctuated by solitary pagodas. Tiny boats float lazily by. Its landscapes are quintessentially Chinese, and there’s more than enough walking, cycling and green spaces to keep everyone leisurely occupied. You’ll need roughly three days to fully savour what’s on offer but the inclination is to join the lilting willows in taking root and staying put.

Be warned, though: Hangzhou is one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions. Droves descend from all over China to digitally capture West Lake, especially on holidays and weekends in the summer. This results in a blight of overpriced, fully booked hotels and chattering tour groups. But don’t despair, the area is large enough to absorb the swell and still leave pockets of tranquillity.

Hangzhou is one of China's most famous tea-growing centres and tours can be made to nearby Longjing Village, which bestowed the name for the city's most famous export: Longjing tea, the best-known and one of the most-loved green tea in China. The surrounding hills also house China's only tea museum.

For centuries Hangzhou has been a cultural melting pot, so it offers museums, galleries and theatres too, showcasing everything from silk making to calligraphy.

Modern influences also abound: chic cafés skirt the lakeshore, foreign brands fill the shopping centres and western-style bars serve drinks long into the night. But despite these touches of modernity, Hangzhou still offers China in all its authenticity.

Key facts

Population:
9.2 million
Latitude:
30.252942
Longitude:
120.164955
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

Pricey but amazingly beautiful, the Four Seasons Hotel features a spectacularly pleasant staff. The exclusive arrival via boat combined with the spectacular restaurant and spa offer a truly tranquil experience. The perfect place for any occasion from business to pleasure.

 

Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou

One of the best value hotels in the heart of Hangzhou city, The Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale isn’t far from the beautiful West Lake. Onsite parking, WiFi, a business centre, bar and swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor) are available.

 

Hangzhou International Youth Hostel

Hangzhou's best youth hostel is on the eastern lakeshore in an area dotted with bars, cafes and clubs. There's a variety of basic but well-kept rooms including singles, doubles and dorms. Staff members speak good English and there are all the usual hostel facilities such as laundry room, self-service kitchen and Wi-Fi.

Hangzhou Xihu State Guesthouse

This large resort, set in stunning gardens on the quieter west side of the lake, has historically been the lakeside retreat of China's Communist Party elite. Spread across eight buildings, there are 178 rooms, a golf course, meeting facilities, tennis courts and an indoor pool.

Crystal Orange Hotel

Trendy Hangzhou hotel housed in a cool colonial-style building with cute balconies and set back across the road from the eastern lakeshore. Very popular so book ahead.

The New Hotel (Xinxin)

Don't be fooled by the name, this place goes back almost 100 years and is housed in three attractive European-style buildings on the northern lakeshore. Standard rooms are ordinary, but there are some nice lake-view options if you pay more.