Joanna James
With its nature-kissed splendour poured into ancient poetry and gracing modern Instagram feeds, the historic city of Hangzhou takes you back in time and makes unwinding into a work of art. Here's how you can get immersed in this atmospheric city without splurging.
An enchanting 2,200-year-old cultural hotspot of teas, silks, medicine, and commerce, Hangzhou is an oriental fairyland complete with the gracious architecture admired by Marco Polo, classic landscapes that have long prompted artists, and timeless enclaves that portal you to the Old World. The UNESCO-listed West Lake is one of the world's most gorgeous sunset-watching spots, so start your evening ramble in plenty of time to loiter by the rippling water during golden hour and drink in the moonrise from the cinematic waterfront. From gliding through Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and admiring seasonal blooms adorning the lush parkland to being treated to an oriole orchestra in the willows and hiking the panoramic Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds, there is no shortage of inspiration to be found at this dreamy Heritage Site.
After getting swept away by the theatrical scenes of West Lake, from the many miles of willow and peach trees at Su Causeway to the fleeting bridges arching across kaleidoscopic lotus ponds, head over to this quaint street just several hundred metres away. The delight of every brand of tourist, this enrapturing avenue embodies, with its traditional shops, bizarre puppet theatres, fascinating curio vendors, and antique tea houses, the whimsical elegance, and spirited eccentricities of this ancient imperial city. If you're on the hunt for sophisticated Hangzhou co-living amenities located close to the city's chief allurements, venture no further than lyf Mid-Town Hangzhou.
Your Hangzhou experience would not be complete without getting lost in the enchanting ancient worlds preserved by its iconic museums. The Hangzhou National Silk Museum, for instance, is a UNESCO-recognised marvel celebrating China's gorgeous heritage of elaborate craftsmanship with over 50,000 square metres worth of themed galleries. The Hangzhou Chinese Medicine Museum is a 100-year-old enclave of riveting architecture proffering profound insights into the origin and arts of traditional Chinese pharmaceuticals. If your appetite for the vibrantly vintage isn't yet satiated, visit the Wang Xin Ji Fan store for a wondrous Hangzhou-made collection of paper, sandalwood, and silk fans, or admire the dynastic celadon artwork at Longquan Royal Kiln.
If you want to step into a surreal painting, visit one (or all) of Hangzhou's floating townships, from postcard-perfect Wuzhen Water Town, with its captivating museums, centuries-old architecture, and exhilarating martial arts and acrobatic performances, to Xitang Water Town, which is an idyllic combination of ancient waterside courtyards, jewel-tone handicraft boutiques, blossoming gardens, and wupeng boat rides. If you haven't gotten enough of the flagstone pathways, antique docks, and colourful lights shivering over still waters, there are six of these storybook settlements to enjoy!
There is nothing as satisfying for the senses as lush green tea terraces all around, steeping in their invigorating fragrance and beckoning you to caper through the windswept sea of tea leaves! The Meijiawu Tea Village is a must-stop for tea and nature lovers alike, where you can tour the gorgeous site of China's legendary Dragon Well Tea and sample this brew for yourself. The Hangzhou National Tea Museum is enveloped by breathtaking tea estates and features every imaginable facet of China's intricate tea culture complete with a comprehensive tea tasting!
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