TA K E O F F
Hangzhou IN EIGHT STOPS
Dreamy panoramas and fabulously green and hilly environs – let the serenity of Hangzhou bewitch you...
1 West Lake The very definition of classical beauty in China, West Lake is enchanting. Pagodatopped hills rise over willow-lined waters as boats drift slowly through a vignette of leisurely charm. Spend countless hours wandering by foot or bike.
2 Lingyin Temple Hangzhou’s most famous Buddhist temple, Lingyin, was built in 326 AD, but has been destroyed and restored no fewer than 16 times. During the Five Dynasties (907960 AD) 3,000 monks resided here.
3 Liuhe Pagoda Translated to the Six Harmonies Pagoda, Liuhe Pagoda has 13 stories and stands 60 metres high. It also doubles as a lighthouse, the top featuring a light that guides ships sailing on Qintang River at night.
4 Tianmu Mountain This UNESCO-listed biosphere continues to awe hikers by its mystical aura. Amid Buddhist, Daoist and Confucian temples and graveyards, in the woods live rare animals, such as the clouded leopard.
5 Longmen Ancient Town As they have for thousands of years, residents still live in Imperial-era homes. The elaborate dragon, horse and lion dances that take place during Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival thrill throngs of onlookers each year.
6 Xixi National Wetland Park Literally meaning “west waterway,” Xixi is a lush wetland that covers about 10 square kilometres, of which three-anda-half are open to the public as a park. More than 70 per cent of the area is covered by water.
Lingyin Temple
7 Hangzhou Botanical Garden The Botanical Garden is simply enchanting. Rich greens and vibrant, blossoming flowers cover the city park. Weave your way through tree-lined paths that lead you to pagoda resting stops.
8 Hangzhou Zoo
West Lake
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Hangzhou Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Hangzhou Zoo has it all. Grabbing the attention of most visitors are the panda bears, which are unique to China zoos.