In the water town south of the Yangtze River, boating on West Lake, do you associate Hangzhou with silk or tea?
The Southern Song Dynasty established its capital here, ushering in the glory of “the premier prefecture in the southeast. “West Lake Longjing ranks first among China’s top ten famous teas. Why not explore traditional tea picking and processing techniques along with sericulture culture, and appreciate the millennium-old intangible cultural heritage of Hangzhou’s silk brocade and embroidery?
Itinerary Highlights
At Xixi Wetland, a paddle boat glides through the reed marshes of the city’s green lung
The poetic Jiangnan charm of “The reeds grow lush and green” from The Book of Songs comes alive here.Glide through the reed maze in a pole-driven boat; a gentle stroke of the oar stirs egrets to take flight across the blue sky.
At Qiandao Lake, cycle along greenways through a gallery of thousand islands and blue waters
1078 emerald peaks transform into jade islands in the blue waves, earning it the title “the most beautiful water under heaven.” Sail a junk boat to chase the sunset glow and watch fishing nets cast onto the water.
Lingyin Temple, one of the Five Mountains of Southern Zen Buddhism
Morning bells cut through the mountain fog. Wander along Cold Spring Stream to discover Yuan—era stone Buddha carvings, trace the gentle smile of the Laughing Buddha, or take part in morning prayers.
Faxi Temple: Hidden Zen haven under Qianlong’s imperial plaque—where hearts wish for destined love.
Emperor Qianlong bestowed the name “Faxi” during his six southern tours. The ancient temple is built terraced up the mountain, with a 500-year-old magnolia tree witnessing half the city’s spring scenery and the lingering of marriage wishes.
A trip to West Lake wouldn’t be complete without an oil-paper umbrella to experience intangible cultural heritage
Visit the China Umbrella Culture Museum, experience hand-painting on oil-paper umbrellas, and customize your own umbrella.
Meijiawu: Experience traditional tea picking methods
Become a tea farmer for a day in the tea gardens, experience traditional hand-frying tea, and taste a cup of freshly roasted tea.
Hangzhou citywalk: Free photography spots, listed one by one
West Lake: Take a painted boat through the Six Bridges of Su Causeway, watch Leifeng Pagoda’s shadow crumble in the sunset, and stroll along Bai Causeway to admire willows.
Famous as a love sanctuary due to the millennium-long wait in “The Legend of the White Snake, “Broken Bridge in Snow adds romance.
Emperor Qianlong’s inscribed “Qu Yuan Feng He” ranks among the Ten Scenes of West Lake.
Wander along Xiaohezhi Street, sit by the thousand-year-old waterway and savor authentic local cuisine.
Must-have lake-view room: A hidden luxury hotel in the city center
A garden hotel with oversized floor-to-ceiling windows is the pinnacle of luxury, offering stunning lake and mountain views right by West Lake.
