Located just 45 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed rail, Hangzhou has drawn poets, emperors, and travelers for over a millennium. Celebrated as an earthly paradise, the city's centerpiece is UNESCO-recognized West Lake, framed by pagodas, arched stone bridges, and tranquil forested hills.
Begin your visit with an early morning stroll along the lotus ponds of West Lake before tour groups arrive. Explore the historic Grand Canal preservation area around Gongchen Bridge, where ancient stone bridges cross historic shipping waterways, and wander through Qinghefang Ancient Street for traditional herbal pharmacies and silk craft workshops.
Pair your sightseeing with authentic local dining: sample tender Dongpo pork braised in Shaoxing wine, stir-fried river shrimp with tender Longjing tea leaves, and West Lake vinegar fish in lakefront restaurants.
