Hangzhou walking tour & city guide

West Lake

West Lake is surrounded by gardens, temples and causeways. The Su Causeway and the Bai Causeway, built by poet-governors, are lined with willows and peach trees and are perfect for walking or cycling. The 'Ten Scenes of West Lake', such as 'Three Pools Mirroring the Moon' and 'Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge', have been admired for centuries.

Boats cross the lake to small islands, and the Leifeng Pagoda on the south shore offers sweeping views, especially at sunset.

Temples and tea

Lingyin Temple, the 'Temple of the Soul's Retreat', is one of the largest Buddhist temples in China, surrounded by forest and hundreds of Buddhist carvings in the rocks of Feilai Feng. In the hills, the villages of Longjing and Meijiawu are surrounded by terraces of Dragon Well tea, where you can taste freshly picked leaves.

In the old town, Hefang Street is lined with traditional shops, pharmacies and snack stalls, especially lively in the evening.

Visiting tips

Hangzhou is less than an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train. The lake is very busy on weekends and national holidays, so visit early in the morning. Spring, when the tea is picked and the flowers bloom, is the most beautiful season.