At first glance Hangzhou looks like a huge modern urban expanse like so many east coast Chinese cities but it has one trump card, the stunning West Lake, the legendary beauty of which has been praised and written about for centuries. A few days exploring the West Lake area and National Park are highly rewarding taking time to relax in the many gardens and pavilions. Less than one hour by bullet train from Shanghai and at the southern end of the Grand Canal finding time to fit in Hangzhou’s ancient pagodas and misty lake views are unlikely to disappoint.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT HANGZHOU
HANGZHOU WEATHER AVERAGES
REASON TO VISIT HANGZHOU
The West Lake is the main reason to visit Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. This lake has been an inspiration for Chinese artists, poets and writers for generations
HANGZHOU TRAVEL TIP
Stay at a hotel near or right by the West Lake. They are more costly but it’s well worth the extra to be close to the natural beauty that is for all to see around this area and makes an evening stroll around the lake a must.
HIGHLIGHTS OF HANGZHOU
It is difficult to say that any one sight around West Lake is the top attraction other than the lake itself as a whole and an example of Chinese culture at its best.
The Broken Bridge is perhaps the most romantic area and where you will get the classic view of the lake. This is enhanced by the legend of Lady White Snake, a classic Chinese love story.
The one thing that is a “must” is to get on the lake itself for a boat ride. The boat rides generally take you from one scenic spot to the next, where you can get off and have a look around.
HAND PICKED HANGZHOU ACCOMMODATION
Hotels do come at a price around the West Lake, for obvious reasons, but that really is the area you want to be. The Jinxi Hotel is one of the best locations in a quiet part of the lakeshore surrounded by greenery and the hotel is clean, quiet and comfortable. It also weighs in significantly more cost effective than the big hotel chains surrounding that are significantly more expensive. The Crystal Orange is a modern “hip” hotel although not to everyone’s taste. it does have a good location in an area that has a good mix of closeness to lake and life.
We hold ATOL license 10287 so booking with us gives you 100% financial protection. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA has strict membership requirements and we are required to adhere to the associations high standards. Our ABTA number is Y1699.
