Last year I had an opportunity to visit Hangzhou, the capital of the Zhejiang province known to be the happiest city in all of China. Hangzhou has become a popular tourist destination for westerners in the past decade, but has been revered by emperors and other Chinese travelers for centuries. Hangzhou will be on the world’s stage in September as the host city for the G20 Summit, so I thought I would provide a list of some of my favorite sights and activities when visiting this fascinating and beautiful city.
West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Hangzhou is probably most well known for its superior green tea, West Lake, quality silk and the Grand Canal (which by the way is much older than the Grand Canal of Venice), but there is a whole lot more to this ancient city.
During my time in Hangzhou I stayed at the Wyndham Grand, which is an outstanding choice for westerners for several reasons. For starters, the location puts visitors within walking distance to many activities, including West Lake (the focal point of the city) which is just across the street. Additionally, the incredible staff hail from around the world, so the languages spoken are vast. The accommodations are top-notch and the views from the rooftop terrace are stupendous.
Sip Dragon Well at the Best Teahouse in Hangzhou
A five-minute walk from the Wyndham Grand is one of the most exclusive teahouses in all of Hangzhou, Hu Pan Ju (or Lakeside Teahouse). This teahouse is located right on the banks of West Lake, providing patrons with the most extraordinary views, while sipping the most extraordinary Longjing Tea (aka Dragon Well). This superior green tea became so coveted due in part to a visit by the Emperor Quianlong during the Quig Dynasty. The Emperor was so impressed by the tea grown in this region of Hangzhou that he ordered it to become “Imperial Tea.” For a long period of time, Dragon Well was reserved for the ruling class of the dynasties.
Tea Master preparing Dragon Well tea for guests. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Catch an Impression West Lake Performance
Performed on a protected cove of West Lake is one of the most extraordinary shows I’ve ever seen. The entire stage is built just below the surface of the water, providing the audience with a sense of awe throughout the show. The performance starts off a bit slow, as the stage is set to tell a story of love and anguish. As heartbreak ensues … the pace of the performance speeds the pulse to a point of stunning choreographic wonder. Just like the beauty of West Lake, the legendary Chinese story is told in a vivid way. Impression West Lake illustrates the beauty of the surrounding nature of West Lake, as well as the symmetry of a life filled with love.
Get Your Zen on at Yougfu Temple
This magnificent and peaceful area covers about 50 acres and is made up of 5 courtyards. There are over 1,000 trees within the monastery which complements the tranquil and elegant setting. The historical landscape with massive relief sculptures carved out of the mountainside dates back some 1,000 years. Paths meander throughout, while gravity pulls running water down its hillside, leaving a tranquil sound in its path that will lull you into a sense of calm and well-being. It’s really a zen-like experience. The monastery is part of the Fayun Village and attracts a lot of visitors. I found the Yougfu Temple area to be a lot less busy, allowing me to take in the spirituality that emanates from its pores.
Fayun Village in Hangzhou. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Enjoy a Gondola Ride Across West Lake and Tour a Pagoda
At Hungang Pier, not far from the Wyndham Grand, you can board a Chinese-style gondola and cross West Lake with a seasoned Gondolier at the helm. Even on a warm summer day the cooling affect from being on the water, along with a shaded canopy makes the journey across the lake a relaxing and peaceful one.
After disembarking the gondola, you can take a short walk to the Leifeng Pagoda, a gigantic compound that beckons visitors to climb its many flights of stairs for breathtaking views of West Lake. This pagoda is actually quite new and was reconstructed in 2002, the original pagoda was over 1,000 years old, but collapsed in 1924 after looters stole bricks from its base, compromising the structural integrity. The new version of the Leifeng Pagoda was built atop the same site and visitors can view the ruins that date back to 975 A.D.
Hangzhou Gondola on West Lake. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Explore Xixi Wetland Park
Board a Chinese-style riverboat and float down the silky smooth waters running through the wetland park. The sights are stunning with many different types of trees, foliage and grasses protruding from the riverbanks.
As you float under a number of ornate bridges, you will eventually arrive at an island where you’ll disembark the boat. This area is an old fishing village turned into a living museum for visitors. Many of the devices that are on display, such as a soybean and rice grinder made of stone and wood, showcase the way of life that still exists in many parts of China.
River boats at Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Tour the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan
Built in 1875 by successful Chinese businessman Hu Xueyan, this extraordinary estate is now on display for anyone to see. The property is incredibly ornate and was quite contemporary by 19th Century Chinese standards. The site of the home encompasses nearly eleven acres and is over 62,000 square feet in size. The home is not an obscene sized structure, but rather delicately balanced with nature. The design blends elements of the outdoor gardens, making the entire estate part of a uniform sanctuary. The exquisite furniture and building materials is a testament to the wealth and success of Mr. Hu Xueyan. Touring the home feels a bit like walking through a complex maze with many disorienting features, but it’s a lot of fun exploring all the nooks and crannies.
Hu Xueyan Residence in Hangzhou. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Get the Best View of Hangzhou
From atop Wushan hill, up seven stories of the Chenghuang Pagoda (also known as City God Pavilion) is one of the best views of Hangzhou. With a fantastic look at West Lake in one direction, and downtown in the other, this attraction is one not to miss when visiting the happiest city in China. The grounds are lush with vibrant foliage and the 125-foot high temple (now a teahouse) provides an array of spots to take in the extraordinary views and snap a few photos.
Take a reprieve from all the walking with some tea and refreshments in the air-conditioned tea room, where often traditional Chinese music is performed on an Erju and guzheng string instruments.
View from the Chenghuang Pagoda in Hangzhou. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Witness the Grand Canal
Strolling the streets along the Grand Canal and popping in and out of markets along the way is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Better yet, hop aboard one of the river cruises for an authentic Chinese meal and see the city of Hangzhou from a different perspective. The Grand Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site that begins in Beijing and dates back to the 5th century BC. The Grand Canal is the longest artificial river in the world running from Beijing to Hangzhou, linking the Yellow River and Yangtze River. Don’t miss taking a photo in front of the famous Gongchen Bridge.
Gongchen Bridge over the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China. Photo by: Mike Shubic
Hangzhou is full of charm and ancient intrigue, with breathtaking views of West Lake, interesting pagoda architecture, blissfully quiet temples, charismatic and friendly people with wide pedestrian walkways to encourage wandering, to the vibrant food scene and upbeat nightlife, Hangzhou is increasingly becoming a cosmopolitan destination.
Mike Shubic
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