Hangzhou Hotels

The West Lake is a definite must-see, as it forms the basis for many Chinese garden designs that still exist today. Take a boat ride and lose yourself in the Lesser Yingzhou Isle before you’re found again inside one of Hangzhou’s famous temples. Six Harmonies Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda… take your pick!

It’s fair to say that if you ever get bored of the picturesque beauty of Hangzhou, you may as well hang up your travelling boots – as there’s nothing more that can impress you.

Hangzhou’s Top 10

Hangzhou History

• Leifeng Pagoda – A truly magical site, the crumbling foundation is all that remains of the original building, which was erected in the year 977.
• Lingyin Temple – This active Buddhist temple is one of the three most ancient temples in China.
• Lesser Yingzhou Isle – Built in the early 1600s, this is the largest island on West Lake.
• King Qian's Memorial – Burial site of five kings of the Wuyue Kingdom.
• Jade Emperor Hill – This historical site offers tourists the rare chance to view a Daoist temple.

Hangzhou Art & Culture

• Zhejiang Museum – Take the opportunity to delve deeper into Hangzhou’s culture, history and local arts.
• China Tea Museum – This unique museum offers a look into the traditions of tea drinking in China.
• Huqinyutang Medicine Museum – The perfectly preserved architecture of this building is home to fascinating exhibits
• China Academy of Art – This is the most prestigious university of Fine Art in China.
• Song Dynasty Town – This magnificent location boasts rapturous song and dance performances.

Hangzhou Shopping

• Hangzhou China Silk Town – This is the best place to find silk and related products at a bargain price.
• MIXC Mall – This new shopping haven is home to famous brands such as Armani and Ferragamo.
• Yan'an Road and Wulin Road – These roads are home to a large concentration of stores and boutiques.
• Night Market – Just off Yan'an Road, travellers will find an evening market that is filled to the brim with Mao memorabilia, luggage, handicrafts and jewellery.
• Longjing Village and Tea Fields – This is the best place to purchase Dragon Well tea.

Gay & Lesbian Hangzhou

• Hangzhou Private Gay Tour – Purple Dragon offers private tours specially tailored to the LGBT community.
• Jundu Bar – This crowded gay bar offers the same spine-tingling excitement of a raucous frat or sorority party.
• East Palace League – This is a massage parlour offering professional oil and deep-tissue massages.
• Xin Ding Ling Sauna – This sauna is one of the best in the area.
• Ramada Plaza Hangzhou – This is one of the best gay-friendly hotels in the region.

Hangzhou Events

West Lake Lotus Flower Festival is a traditional celebration that takes place in July or August.

September washes up the Qiantang Tide Watching Festival.

The Chinese calendar dictates that the Hangzhou Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Pop your top button in preparation for the Food Festival held in October or November

When To Go

Hangzhou is beautiful all year round, but summertime is when the trees really show their stuff. However, the temperatures are quite hot at this time of year, averaging 30°C (86°F).

Hangzhou’s winters are never absolutely freezing – in a literal sense, at any rate. Even in January the average temperature is around 3°C (37°F).

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons if you don’t like temperature extremes.

Getting Around

If you can’t speak Chinese, make sure you catch a bus with a ‘Y’ before the number. These are tourist buses and the easiest way to see all the sights.

Taxis are another good option and, unlike in a lot of cities, the drivers actually use the meters. However, they generally can’t speak English, so you’ll need to point on a map or learn a little of the local lingo.

It’s easy, cheap and fun to hire a bike. You even get a lock included, so you can leave your wheels in the knowledge they’ll still be there when you get back!

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