Joanna James
Hangzhou holds pride in its scenic mountains, rich Chinese culture, and the famous Grand Canal graciously flowing through. Marco Polo described Hangzhou as the most beautiful city in the world, and you will see ample evidence to prove him right. From sacred shrines and pagodas to romantic bridges and beautiful lakes, the city offers you some of the best attractions to treat your eyes.
The scenic West Lake is the centre of attention in Hangzhou with its calm waters surrounded by sacred temples, shrines, and lush greenery. The old bridges with iconic structures bring out the beauty of the lake, among which Broken Bridge, Pavilion of the Cranes, and the Pavilion of the Autumn Moon are the most famous. If you're in Citadines Intime City Hangzhou or any other accommodation in Hangzhou you can easily get to the lake and enjoy the city lights.
Hangzhou is famous for the quality of its silk, and the Chinese National Silk Museum holds evidence of the excellence and fine crafting of the silk age. From manufacturing equipment to the arts and crafts made with silk, you will see multiple displays of these important textiles through the ages. It's located in Xihu, Hangzhou.
Some of the pagodas in Hangzhou are breathtakingly beautiful and visiting them and being lost in solitude can give you a zen state of mind. The iconic Liuhe Pagoda which boasts a 60-meter-tall structure, and the 5-story octagonal Liefeng pagoda, along with the ancient stone pagoda named Baochu are some of the must-see pagodas in Hangzhou.
The running tiger spring in Hangzhou is possibly the most artistic spring you will ever see, and certainly the most popular in China. The springs date back to AD 819, and the legend says the spring was first discovered by a Chinese monk who dreamed of finding a spring with the help of 2 tigers. The impressive statue artistically shows the concept, while the pristine water flows at an unbelievable speed of 80 gallons per second.
Explore the ancient streets of Qinghefang and find fascinating facts on the history of the district and discover the bustling city life and the local livelihood. You will encounter many traditional teahouses to sip a cup of aromatic tea and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at the restaurants. You can also find many boutique shops selling tea, silk, pottery, and souvenirs.
An enchanting temple that dates back to 326 BC, the Lingyin Temple is a highlight of the Buddhist monasteries in China. The Hall of the Celestial Kings boasts grandeur with 12th-century sculptures of celestial kings. You will be awestruck by the majestic 20-metre Buddha statue made of camphor wood. If you're an explorer, you will fall in love with the Feilai Feng mountain nestling many caves and niches that are hidden away in the lush greenery.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
