Hangzhou

Poetic China · Paradise on earth
🌳 –° Hangzhou
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🌳West Lake · Jiangnan poetry 🗓2–3 days suggested Best in spring & autumn

The misty willows and painted bridges of West Lake, the temple bells of Lingyin, the green terraces of the Longjing tea hills and the lantern-lit canal — the poetry of 'heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below' made real.

Three routes — from the West Lake Ten Views to Zen and tea and the Song-dynasty canal — painted Jiangnan.

Route 01

West Lake Ten Views

1 day
Broken BridgeSu CausewayLeifeng Pagoda

Stroll the lake past Broken Bridge, Su Causeway and the Three Pools, then climb Leifeng Pagoda for the sunset glow.

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Route 02

Zen & Tea

1 day
Lingyin TempleFeilai PeakLongjing Tea Plantation

The ancient Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak carvings, then a cup of pre-Qingming Longjing among the tea terraces.

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Route 03

Canal & Song Dynasty

1 day
Grand CanalSongchengHefang Street

A lantern-lit canal cruise, the Romance of the Song Dynasty show at Songcheng, and Hangzhou snacks on Hefang Street.

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The Jiangnan literary thread: Song-dynasty culture, silk and Yue opera, Longjing tea art.

Refined Hangzhou cooking: West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp and pian'erchuan noodles.