Hangzhou, located some 100 miles south of Shanghai, has long been renowned as one of China’s most prosperous cities, beloved and sought out by many for its memorable natural scenery, as well as well-preserved pagodas, temples and pavilions. The city itself is fast expanding and, like any major Chinese metropolis, parts of it can be overwhelming, fast-paced and noisy. A short way out of town, however, lies the 16-acre West Lake, a beautiful fresh-water lake that is one of the city’s main attractions.
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Time in Hangzhou should be spent relaxing at one of its world-class resorts, sightseeing, tea sampling and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Take the high-speed train from Shanghai and once settled, tour Hangzhou’s beautiful West Lake with a local guide. Framed on three sides by rolling hills, this enormous, fresh-water lake has been the inspiration of countless poems, paintings and calligraphy. Indagare can also arrange a boat when the lake’s shores are still relatively serene and watch Hangzhou locals practice Tai Chi.
Today, explore Hangzhou city with a visit to the old town, which is a great place to shop for souvenirs. Tour the renowned Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, housed in a beautifully restored ancient building. There, don’t miss the working pharmacy where Hangzhou locals still come to pick up herbal concoctions in a soaring central hall.
Take a guided visit Longjing Village and the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. You can also enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and sample oolong and ginseng, along with the region’s famed green tea. After lunch, don’t miss the atmospheric Lingyin Temple, where Buddhist monks still live and pray. It is also home to one of the largest indoor Buddha statues in the world.
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The Amanfayun, is one of the most pioneering hotel projects in China that makes you want to stay put and enjoy the special ambience.
Nestled on the shore of the city’s main attraction—West Lake—the Four Seasons West Lake offers a beautiful, serene respite from China’s relentless buzzing and has already become a favorite of wealthy local (and international) travelers.
Also part of the Old Town is the renowned Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, called TCM by most everyone, which is housed in a beautifully restored ancient building. Don’t miss the working pharmacy where Hangzhou locals...
Hangzhou’s main “old” thoroughfare is Hefang Road and in between the tchotchke and trinket shops, you can still see traditional businesses, like the ones selling hand-sewn down comforters, traditional instruments or scissors, and an artisan bakery for peanut candy made...
A lot of the Hangzhou action centers around the lake, though be aware that this main attraction draws throngs of tourists. The best resorts, like the Amanfayun and Four Seasons West Lake can arrange boating when the lake’s shores are...
Those interested in the Chinese temples should consider staying at the gorgeous Amanfayun, which is literally surrounded by a circuit of seven Buddhist and Taoist temples. The most famous is Lingyin Temple, the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat and one...
You can visit Longjing Village and the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Tasting, sampling and trying tea is best done with a Mandarin-speaking guide, as the subject is fascinating and you will have a lot of questions for the growers and...
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