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Travel Guide

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province, with a population of 13 million, located at the top of Hangzhou Bay and the Qiantang River estuary. It was established as a county in 221 BC and later became the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom (923-997) and the Southern Song Dynasty (1138-1276). Hangzhou has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: West Lake Cultural Landscape, the Grand Canal, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. It is listed as one of China's seven ancient capitals and is also home to the headquarters of Wahaha Group, China's largest beverage producer. In addition, Hangzhou is also home to the headquarters of Alibaba Group, Ant Group, DeepSeek, Geely, and NetEase.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and Autumn

Daily Budget

¥400-800 ($60-120) per day

Getting Around

Subway, Bus, Taxi, Ride-hailing, Shared bicycle

Suggested Stay

3-5 days

Must-Visit Attractions

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul's Retreat), also known as "Lingyin Temple", is a renowned Chan Buddhist temple located at the foot of the Northwest Peak of West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. It is famous for its numerous pagodas and grottoes. The temple is the largest among several temples in Wulin Mountain (Wǔlínshān), which is known for its famous grottoes and religious stone carvings. According to legend, the temple was founded by the Indian monk Huili during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (328 AD). During its heyday, under the rule of the Wuyue Kingdom (907-978 AD), the temple boasted 18 pavilions, 72 halls, over 1,300 monks' quarters, and housed more than 3,000 monks. Many exquisite Buddhist stone carvings in the Feilai Peak Grottoes and surrounding mountains also date back to this period. Today, Lingyin Temple is a thriving destination for both pilgrims and tourists. It is considered one of the wealthiest temples in China.

Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park

Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park

Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park is a sacred place that provides evidence of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization history. It is located in Pingyao Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. As a core component of the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins, the park primarily features the protection and display of the archaeological site itself and its surrounding landscape. It vividly showcases the brilliant achievements of the Liangzhu culture period in rice cultivation, handicrafts, water conservancy systems, and hierarchical society. In 2019, the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins were inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Broken Bridge

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge, located at the eastern end of Bai Causeway on Hangzhou's West Lake, is one of the most famous attractions on the West Lake and the site of 'Remnant Snow on the Broken Bridge,' one of the 'Ten Scenes of West Lake.' It is famous for its elegant arch and ancient legends, especially the love story of Lady White Snake and Xu Xian meeting in 'The Legend of the White Snake,' which adds to its romantic allure. After a winter snowfall, the sunny side of the bridge melts due to sunlight, while the shaded side remains covered in white snow. When viewed from above, the bridge appears to be broken yet not broken, hence its name. The Broken Bridge is an important passage connecting Bai Causeway and Gushan Island, and an excellent spot to enjoy the scenery of West Lake.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area

West Lake, located in Hangzhou, China, is a historic freshwater lake renowned for its natural beauty and numerous historical and cultural relics. Covering an area of 6.39 square kilometers, the lake features four causeways, three artificial islands, and the sole natural island, Gushan. The lake is surrounded by green hills on its north, west, and south sides, with Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda standing on the south and north banks, respectively. Since the Tang Dynasty, West Lake has been a famous tourist destination, profoundly influencing poets and painters throughout Chinese history. In 2011, West Lake was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, considered a model of "ideal integration between humanity and nature." The West Lake Scenic Area is managed by the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area Management Committee, and admission fees have been abolished since 2002.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi National Wetland Park is located in western Hangzhou, covering a total area of 1150 hectares, and is China's first national wetland park. The park features six main water systems, with various ponds, lakes, and marshes. Xixi Wetland boasts over 4000 years of history and rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of Southern Opera in China, and preserving traditional dragon boat races, as well as water town lifestyles such as silkworm breeding and silk production.

Su Causeway

Su Causeway

Su Causeway is a famous north-south causeway within the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area, and is the location of "Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring," one of the "Ten Scenes of West Lake." The causeway is adorned with lush flowers and trees, with peach and willow trees lining its banks, creating picturesque scenery. It is one of the classic routes for touring West Lake. It was constructed under the supervision of the Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Shi when he served as the prefect of Hangzhou. The causeway is 2.8 kilometers long and divides West Lake into inner and outer parts. Su Causeway is not only a beautiful scenic line but also carries rich historical and cultural heritage, making it an important component of the World Cultural Heritage site – the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou.

Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake Stele Pavilion

Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake Stele Pavilion

Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. It is located at the southern foot of Gushan Mountain on West Lake, at the western end of Bai Causeway. The view here is expansive, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the scenery of West Lake. Especially on autumn nights, with the bright moon high in the sky, the lake surface is as calm as a mirror, and the moonlight and lake water reflect each other, creating an absolutely beautiful scene. It is an excellent spot to enjoy the autumn moon night view of West Lake.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Orioles Singing in the Willows

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Orioles Singing in the Willows

Orioles Singing in the Willows is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, located on the southeast bank of West Lake, in the lakeside area between Yongjin Gate and Qingbo Gate. During the Southern Song Dynasty, it was the imperial garden of the emperors, known as "Jujing Garden". In the Yuan Dynasty, it was called "Wenyin Pavilion". In the Qing Dynasty, it was restored and named "Orioles Singing in the Willows". Inside the park, weeping willows brush the water and orioles sing melodiously, making it an excellent place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Lake and experience the charm of Jiangnan.

Leifeng Pagoda Scenic Area

Leifeng Pagoda Scenic Area

Leifeng Pagoda, located on Sunset Hill on the southern bank of West Lake in Hangzhou, is a five-story, octagonal brick and wood Buddhist pagoda. It was first built in 975 AD by King Qian Chu of Wuyue to enshrine the Buddha's hair relic and pray for national peace and prosperity. During the Ming Dynasty, the pagoda's wooden structure was burned down by Japanese pirates, leaving only the brick tower. In 1924, it collapsed due to disrepair and theft of bricks by locals. Reconstructed and completed in 2002, the new pagoda features modern facilities such as elevators and air conditioning, and preserves the original pagoda's underground palace ruins and excavated artifacts. Leifeng Pagoda is not only the main subject of "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow," one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, but is also renowned for its close association with the Chinese folk tale "Legend of the White Snake," making it an iconic attraction and an important historical and cultural heritage site in Hangzhou.

Guozhuang Garden (Xiaoxihu)

Guozhuang Garden (Xiaoxihu)

Guozhuang Garden, also known as Fenyang Villa, located on the west side of Hangzhou's West Lake, next to Yanggong Causeway, is a brilliant pearl among the West Lake gardens. It was originally built in the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu's reign (1907) as the private villa of Song Duanfu, a wealthy silk merchant from the Qing Dynasty. Guozhuang Garden is renowned for its exquisite garden art and unique Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) water town charm, and is hailed as the 'Crown of West Lake Classical Gardens'. The garden features an ingenious layout with small bridges over flowing streams, pavilions, towers, and lush vegetation, everywhere revealing the elegance and spiritual beauty of Jiangnan gardens. Guozhuang Garden is divided into two parts, 'Jingbiju' (Abode of Tranquility) and 'Yijing Tiankai' (A Mirror Opening to Heaven), each with its own characteristics, showcasing superb garden design artistry. Visitors here can enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Lake and experience the tranquility and harmony of Jiangnan gardens.

Zhejiang University (Zhijiang Campus)

Zhejiang University (Zhijiang Campus)

Zhejiang University Zhijiang Campus is located in Hangzhou. It is an urban campus of Zhejiang University, situated on the banks of the Qiantang River, adjacent to the Liuhe Pagoda. It is Hangzhou's oldest university campus, originally the site of Hangzhou Zhijiang University, and most of its buildings are listed as national key cultural relics protection units – the Former Site of Zhijiang University. Currently, the campus is home to the James Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Guanghua Law School, and the Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Dadou Road Historical and Cultural Block

Dadou Road Historical and Cultural Block

The Dadou Road Historical and Cultural Block is located in Gongshu District, Hangzhou, and is one of Hangzhou's existing historical and cultural blocks that best showcases the city's local charm. It is situated along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and is an important historical site along its banks. The block preserves a large number of authentic residential buildings and has introduced many specialty restaurants, teahouses, cultural and creative shops, etc., making it a unique block that integrates history, culture, leisure, entertainment, and culinary experiences. Here, one can not only feel the historical charm of the canal but also experience the slow pace of modern urban life.

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

Hangzhou Botanical Garden was established in 1956. It is a large public botanical garden located at Taoyuanling, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, covering an area of 1.0055 square kilometers. The soil consists of red soil and yellow soil, with a pH value between 4.9 and 6.5. It is a subordinate unit of the Hangzhou Garden and Cultural Relics Management Bureau and one of Zhejiang University's main plant research bases.

Hu Xueyan's Former Residence

Hu Xueyan's Former Residence

Hu Xueyan's Former Residence is located at No. 18 Yuanbao Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City. It is a private mansion built by Hu Xueyan, a famous 'red-hat' merchant of the late Qing Dynasty, starting in 1872 (the eleventh year of Tongzhi) and completed three years later in 1875 (the first year of Guangxu). The residence covers an area of 10.8 mu (0.72 hectares) and cost 100,000 taels of silver. The architecture combines traditional Chinese courtyard style with features of Jiangnan gardens, earning it the reputation of 'the foremost luxury mansion in Jiangnan'. Inside the residence, pavilions, terraces, towers, small bridges over flowing water, and artificial rockeries are meticulously arranged, showcasing Hu Xueyan's wealth and taste. Hu Xueyan's Former Residence is also a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Bai Causeway

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Bai Causeway

Bai Causeway, also known as Baisha Causeway, is located within the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area, connecting Broken Bridge and Gushan Mountain, and is one of the three famous causeways of West Lake. Bai Causeway boasts beautiful scenery, with willows and peach blossoms planted along its path, making it particularly charming in spring. Since the Tang Dynasty, Bai Causeway, with its natural beauty and historical sites, has profoundly influenced Chinese poets and painters and is an important part of Hangzhou West Lake.

Gushan Island

Gushan Island

Gushan Island is located in the West Lake Scenic Area of Hangzhou and is the only natural island in West Lake. It is famous for its unique natural scenery and rich historical and cultural relics, making it an excellent spot for viewing the panoramic West Lake. It is also an important part of West Lake, a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The island boasts numerous attractions, such as the Gushan Branch of Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Wenlan Pavilion, Xiling Seal Art Society, etc., making it an ideal place to experience West Lake's culture and natural beauty.

Quyuan Garden (Lotus in the Breeze)

Quyuan Garden (Lotus in the Breeze)

Quyuan Garden (Lotus in the Breeze) is one of the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake in Hangzhou. Located in the northwest corner of West Lake, adjacent to Yue Fei Temple, it is renowned for its lotus flowers. Every summer, the lotus flowers in the lake bloom, filling the air with their fragrance and creating a delightful scene. With its small bridges, flowing streams, pavilions, and tranquil environment, it is an excellent place to admire lotus flowers and take leisurely strolls.

Meijiawu Tea Culture Village

Meijiawu Tea Culture Village

Meijiawu Tea Culture Village is located in the western part of Hangzhou's West Lake Scenic Area, and is one of the primary protection zones and main production areas for West Lake Longjing tea. Surrounded by green hills and layered tea mountains, with fresh air, it is an excellent place to experience Hangzhou's tea culture and taste authentic Longjing tea. Visitors can learn about the tea picking and processing techniques, savor local farm dishes, and experience tranquil rural life.

Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park

Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park

The Liuhe Pagoda, also known as Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park, is a multi-story Chinese pagoda located at the foot of Yuelun Hill by the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Originally built by the Wuyue Kingdom in 970 AD, it was destroyed by war in 1121 and completely rebuilt in 1165 during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The pagoda's name 'Liuhe' (Six Harmonies) is derived from the six Buddhist precepts, and it is said to have been built to suppress the Qiantang River tides and serve as a navigational beacon. The pagoda stands approximately 59.89 meters tall, has an octagonal exterior with thirteen stories, but only seven internal stories. A spiral staircase inside leads to the top floor, and the ceilings of each story are carved and painted with animals, flowers, birds, and figures. According to British sinologist and historian Joseph Needham, the pagoda also served as a lighthouse on the Qiantang River, guiding ships at night.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon

Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon is one of the most representative attractions in West Lake, located on Xiaoyingzhou Island. Three stone pagodas are distributed on the island. On every full moon night, lights are lit inside the pagodas, creating the marvelous spectacle of 'Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon' with their reflections in the water and the moon in the sky. The environment here is elegant, the scenery is picturesque, and it is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of West Lake.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Viewing Fish at Flower Pond

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Viewing Fish at Flower Pond

Viewing Fish at Flower Pond is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, located on the south bank of West Lake, between Su Causeway and Yanggong Causeway. This was once the villa of Lu Yunsheng, an imperial attendant during the Southern Song Dynasty, and was later converted into an imperial garden. The ponds in the garden are planted with red lotuses, hence it is also known as 'Lu Garden' or 'Red Lotus Pond'. There is a pond in the garden where many red carp are kept, and visitors can enjoy watching and playing with the fish here. The park is characterized by 'flowers, harbor, and fish', including attractions such as the Red Fish Pond, Peony Garden, and a large lawn. It is a garden-style park by West Lake, primarily featuring natural landscapes. With its beautiful lake and mountain scenery and elegant views, it is a popular destination for leisure and sightseeing.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Yue Fei Temple

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Yue Fei Temple

Yue Fei Temple, also known as Yue Wang Temple, is a traditional Chinese temple built around the tomb of Song Dynasty general Yue Fei, located in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China. Yue Fei served the Song Dynasty during the Jin-Song Wars but was executed by the Song Dynasty in 1142 due to court infighting and political pressure during peace negotiations with the Jin state. He and his tomb have since become an enduring symbol of Chinese patriotism. The temple complex was originally built by the Song Dynasty in 1221 after his rehabilitation and has been repaired and expanded multiple times since. Yue Fei was never crowned king during his lifetime, but posthumously received this title as part of his veneration. The current site includes the Yue Fei Temple, a separate Hall of Loyalty and Martyrs, and the tombs of Yue Fei and his son. The sculptures on its spirit path date back to the 12th century. The temple and tomb were declared a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the People's Republic of China in 1961, but were severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution in 1966, when Yue Fei was criticized as a feudal class enemy. After Deng Xiaoping came to power, the site was restored in 1979.

China National Tea Museum (Shuangfeng Branch)

China National Tea Museum (Shuangfeng Branch)

The China National Tea Museum is the only national-level museum in China dedicated to tea and tea culture. It is divided into two main exhibition areas: the Shuangfeng Branch and the Longjing Branch. The Shuangfeng Branch is located at No. 88 Longjing Road in Hangzhou's West Lake Scenic Area, nestled by mountains and water, with a beautiful environment. It primarily showcases China's long tea history, rich tea varieties, exquisite tea-making craftsmanship, and profound tea ceremony culture through various forms such as physical objects, pictures, and models.

China National Silk Museum

China National Silk Museum

The China National Silk Museum is among China's first batch of national first-tier museums and is also the world's largest silk museum, covering an area of 50,000 square meters with a building area of 8,000 square meters. It opened on February 26, 1992, and underwent extensive renovation from 2015 to 2016. As China's largest specialized textile museum, its primary goal is to research and preserve Chinese textile artifacts. In 2010, it became home to the China Textile Identification and Conservation Center. The museum features several permanent exhibition halls, including 'The Story of Chinese Silk,' 'Sericulture and Craftsmanship of Chinese Silk,' 'Textile Conservation Exhibition Hall,' and 'Xinyou Archive Center.'

Hefang Street

Hefang Street

Hefang Street is a famous historical and cultural street in Hangzhou, located at the foot of Wushan Mountain, and is an important part of the historical character of Hangzhou's old town. It was once the center of Lin'an City during the Southern Song Dynasty, and still retains a large number of time-honored shops and traditional handicrafts. It is a great place to experience Hangzhou's history and culture, taste local snacks, and buy specialty goods.

Hubin Pedestrian Street

Hubin Pedestrian Street

Hubin Pedestrian Street is located in Hangzhou City, adjacent to the famous West Lake Scenic Area. It is a characteristic commercial pedestrian street integrating shopping, dining, leisure, and entertainment. It gathers many well-known domestic and international brands while retaining Hangzhou's unique cultural charm. Strolling along the pedestrian street, one can not only feel the vitality of a modern city but also admire the beautiful scenery of West Lake, making it an ideal place for tourists and citizens to relax and shop.

Southern Song Imperial Street

Southern Song Imperial Street

Southern Song Imperial Street was the central avenue of Lin'an, the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. It stretched for approximately 4185 meters and was the essential route for emperors to conduct sacrifices, receive congratulations, issue edicts, and watch folk performances. Today's Southern Song Imperial Street is a historical and cultural block rebuilt on its original site. It retains many time-honored shops and distinctive buildings on both sides, blending historical charm with modern commercial vibrancy. It is an excellent place to experience Hangzhou's history and culture, savor local snacks, and purchase cultural and creative products.

China Wetland Museum

China Wetland Museum

The China Wetland Museum is a national-level thematic museum located in Hangzhou's Xixi Wetland. The museum is themed 'Wetlands and Human Civilization,' showcasing wetland ecosystems, wetland culture, and the relationship between wetlands and humans, aiming to popularize wetland knowledge and raise public awareness of wetland protection.

Xiaohe Historical and Cultural Block

Xiaohe Historical and Cultural Block

The Xiaohe Historical and Cultural Block, also known as Xiaohe Zhijie, is located in Gongshu District, Hangzhou City. It is a well-preserved Jiangnan water town block that still retains the rustic charm of white walls and black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water. It showcases the unique urban life and rich historical and cultural heritage along Hangzhou's Grand Canal. The block features many time-honored shops, tea houses, handicraft workshops, and specialty restaurants, making it an excellent place to experience Hangzhou's slow-paced life and immerse oneself in Canal culture.

China Fan Museum

China Fan Museum

The China Fan Museum is the first national-level museum in China dedicated to fans. It is located in the Xiaohe Historical and Cultural Block of Gongshu District, Hangzhou City, adjacent to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The museum systematically showcases the history, culture, craftsmanship, and artistic charm of Chinese fans. It houses a large collection of precious fan artifacts and related historical documents, serving as an important window into understanding Chinese fan culture.

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Old Longjing

Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area - Old Longjing

Longjing Village is located within the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area and is a famous tea producing region in China, particularly renowned for its production of West Lake Longjing tea. It is one of the original birthplaces of Longjing tea, boasting unique natural conditions, including a suitable climate, abundant rainfall, and ample sunlight, which contribute to the lush growth of tea trees and superior tea quality. Visitors can stroll through the tea plantations, learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and production processes of Longjing tea, and taste authentic West Lake Longjing tea. The village environment is beautiful, filled with pastoral scenery and a rich tea culture atmosphere.

Nine Creeks and Misty Woods in Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area

Nine Creeks and Misty Woods in Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area

Nine Creeks and Misty Woods is a natural landscape within the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area, primarily featuring streams, tea plantations, and dense forests. It is famous for its gurgling streams, lush forests, and year-round pervasive mist, especially after rain or in the early morning, when the mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, creating a picturesque scene like a fairyland. It is an excellent destination for hiking and getting close to nature, and is also one of the 'New Ten Scenes of West Lake'.

Yúnqī Bamboo Path

Yúnqī Bamboo Path

Yúnqī Bamboo Path, located within the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area, is one of the famous "New Ten Scenes of West Lake". It is renowned for its serene and elegant bamboo forest landscape. Stepping into it, countless green bamboo stalks stand tall, reaching for the sky, paths wind through secluded areas, and streams gurgle. The air is fresh and pleasant, making it an excellent place to experience the artistic conception of Jiangnan's landscape gardens. Within the scenic area, there are historical sites and attractions such as Xixin Pavilion, Stele Pavilion, Douyun Pavilion, and Double Stele Pavilion. It's a great place to escape the summer heat, take leisurely strolls, and cultivate one's mind and body. The scenery varies with each season, but it is most delightful in summer, with swaying bamboo shadows and cool breezes.

Phoenix Mosque

Phoenix Mosque

Phoenix Mosque is a mosque in Hangzhou, China. It is famous for being one of the Four Great Mosques of China. It is also one of the earliest mosques built in China. The origin of this mosque can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties. Phoenix Mosque has been rebuilt many times. It was originally destroyed at the end of the Song Dynasty. In the subsequent Yuan Dynasty, in 1281, the mosque was restored with the funding of Persian settler Ala al-Din. The mosque's minaret was demolished in 1928 due to the construction of a nearby road. In 1953, the mosque underwent comprehensive maintenance and restoration work. The structure of the main building is deeply influenced by traditional Chinese architecture, while also retaining features of Islamic architecture. The existing prayer hall was built in 1281 during the reign of Kublai Khan.

Zhejiang Provincial Museum (Gushan Pavilion)

Zhejiang Provincial Museum (Gushan Pavilion)

The Zhejiang Provincial Museum is the largest comprehensive humanities and science museum in Zhejiang Province. It was founded in 1929, originally named "Zhejiang Provincial West Lake Museum," and is located on the picturesque Gushan Island of West Lake. It is one of the first batch of national first-class museums. The museum boasts a rich collection, covering various fields such as historical relics, calligraphy and painting, ceramics, and jade, showcasing Zhejiang's long history, culture, and natural heritage. In addition to the Gushan Pavilion, the Zhejiang Provincial Museum also has the Zhijiang Pavilion at the Zhijiang Cultural Center. Both pavilions collectively undertake the functions of artifact collection, preservation, research, exhibition, and education.

Gongchen Bridge

Gongchen Bridge

Gongchen Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge located on the Grand Canal in Gongshu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, connecting the two banks of the canal. It was originally built in the third year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty (1631) and rebuilt in the eleventh year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1885). On May 6, 2013, it was designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level (the seventh batch) by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The bridge and its surrounding Gongchen Bridge West Historical and Cultural Block are an important part of the Grand Canal culture and a significant historical and cultural landmark in Hangzhou.

Feilai Peak

Feilai Peak

Feilai Peak, also known as Lingjiu Peak, is located in front of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. It stands 168 meters high, boasting breathtaking scenery. It is composed of limestone, with rugged and strangely shaped rocks, distinct from the surrounding mountains. Legend has it that this peak 'flew' here from India, hence its name. Feilai Peak features numerous grottoes and cliffside stone carvings, especially Tibetan Buddhist sculptures from the Yuan Dynasty and Buddhist sculptures from the Song Dynasty, which are historically significant and of extremely high artistic value. The peak is riddled with caves, such as Qinglin Cave, Yurui Cave, Longhong Cave, etc., among which the 'A Ray of Sky' (Yixiantian) landscape in the main cave is particularly captivating. Feilai Peak and Lingyin Temple together form the famous Lingyin-Feilai Peak Scenic Area, a representative attraction showcasing Hangzhou's Buddhist culture and natural beauty.

China Knives, Scissors and Swords Museum

China Knives, Scissors and Swords Museum

The China Knives, Scissors and Swords Museum is located in Gongshu District, Hangzhou City, and is the first professional museum in China to integrate historical materials, physical objects, and techniques related to knives, scissors, and swords. Through a wealth of exhibits and detailed information, the museum comprehensively showcases the long history and exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese knife, scissor, and sword culture, serving as an important window to understand traditional Chinese metal craftsmanship. The museum is currently closed.

China Umbrella Museum

China Umbrella Museum

The China Umbrella Museum is the world's first museum dedicated to umbrellas, located in the Xiaohe Historical Block of Gongshu District, Hangzhou. Through rich exhibits, vivid scenes, and interactive experiences, it showcases the history of Chinese umbrellas, including their origin, development, cultural connotations, and craftsmanship. The museum collects a wide variety of traditional Chinese umbrellas and distinctive umbrellas from around the world, serving as an important window into Chinese umbrella culture and intangible cultural heritage.

City Balcony

City Balcony

Hangzhou City Balcony is located in the core area of Qianjiang New City. It is an urban public space on the banks of the Qiantang River that integrates sightseeing, leisure, and entertainment, and is an excellent place to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Qiantang River.

Must-Try Local Food

West Lake Vinegar Fish

West Lake Vinegar Fish

West Lake Vinegar Fish, also known as Song Sao Fish, is a traditional local specialty dish from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, originating from the Southern Song Dynasty. Typically made with grass carp as the main ingredient, after cooking, it's drizzled with a special sweet and sour sauce. The fish is tender, with a unique crab-like flavor, and a sweet and sour taste.

Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots in Oil

Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots in Oil

Oil-Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots is a classic traditional Chinese dish, especially popular in spring. It typically uses fresh, tender spring bamboo shoots, braised in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, resulting in a glossy appearance and delicious taste. This dish aims to highlight the natural sweetness and crisp tenderness of the spring bamboo shoots themselves.

Crispy Fried Tofu Skin Rolls

Crispy Fried Tofu Skin Rolls

Crispy Fried Tofu Skin Rolls is a traditional famous dish from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. It uses tofu skin as the main ingredient, deep-fried until crispy, with a fragrant and fresh taste.

Pian'er Chuan

Pian'er Chuan

Pian'er Chuan is a famous noodle dish from the Hangzhou area, deeply loved by locals for its unique flavor and rich texture. It is usually made with noodles, pickled vegetables (daoducai), bamboo shoots, and lean pork slices.

Beggar's Chicken

Beggar's Chicken

Beggar's Chicken is a famous traditional Chinese dish, typically made by selecting a whole chicken, removing its internal organs, wrapping it in lotus leaves (or other edible leaves), then tightly encasing it in yellow clay or dough, and finally slow-roasting it in an oven for a long time. Its characteristics are tender chicken meat that easily falls off the bone, a rich aroma, original flavor, and unique taste.

西湖莼菜汤

西湖莼菜汤

西湖莼菜汤是浙江杭州的传统名菜,以鲜嫩的莼菜为主料,搭配鸡脯丝或火腿丝等烹制而成,汤味清香,口感滑润。

Oil-fried Shrimp

Oil-fried Shrimp

A classic representative of Zhejiang cuisine, made primarily with fresh river or sea shrimp, quickly stir-fried in hot oil. The shrimp meat is springy and tender, the shell is crispy, and the taste is savory and sweet, preserving the original flavor of the shrimp to the greatest extent.

Dongpo Pork

Dongpo Pork

A famous Hangzhou dish, made from streaky pork belly with a good balance of fat and lean meat, first pan-fried then braised. The meat blocks are square and thick, with a soft, glutinous, and rich taste, fatty but not greasy, with a strong aroma of wine.

Song Sao Fish Geng

Song Sao Fish Geng

Song Sao Fish Geng is a famous traditional Hangzhou dish, belonging to the Zhejiang cuisine family. It uses mandarin fish or perch as the main ingredient, deboned and minced into fine shreds, then complemented with shredded ham, shredded shiitake mushrooms, shredded bamboo shoots, and other ingredients, cooked in chicken broth. This soup has a glossy color, delicious taste, tender texture, and a crab-meat like flavor, deeply loved by diners.

Hangzhou Soy-Braised Duck

Hangzhou Soy-Braised Duck

A famous traditional dish from Hangzhou, made with high-quality duck meat, slow-braised for a long time with soy sauce, rock sugar, and various other seasonings. The duck meat is tender and flavorful, with a bright reddish-brown color, rich soy aroma, and a savory-sweet taste. It is a highly representative home-style dish in the Zhejiang cuisine.

Fresh Pork Xiaolongbao

Fresh Pork Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a traditional dim sum from Shanghai, often eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or late-night supper. It is characterized by its thin skin, generous filling, and abundant juice, with the filling typically being minced pork, offering a delicious taste.

Steamed Pork with Rice Powder in Lotus Leaf

Steamed Pork with Rice Powder in Lotus Leaf

Lotus Leaf Steamed Pork with Rice Powder is a traditional Chinese dish, typically made with pork as the main ingredient, coated with rice powder and seasonings, then wrapped in fresh lotus leaves and steamed. The fragrant aroma of the lotus leaves permeates the meat, making it tender and soft, the rice powder springy, and the flavor delicious and not greasy.

Osmanthus Sticky Rice Lotus Root

Osmanthus Sticky Rice Lotus Root

Osmanthus Sticky Rice Lotus Root is a classic traditional Jiangnan dessert, primarily made from lotus root and glutinous rice. It is steamed, sliced, and then drizzled with sweet osmanthus sauce. It has a soft, glutinous, and sweet taste with a delicate osmanthus fragrance, making it a beloved seasonal dessert.

Longjing Shrimp

Longjing Shrimp

A traditional Hangzhou specialty, made by stir-frying fresh river shrimp with Longjing green tea. The shrimp are crystal white and tender, with a fresh and elegant tea aroma.