Hangzhou

West Lake is a shallow freshwater lake enclosed by wooded hills and the historic city of Hangzhou, shaped over centuries into China’s most influential cultural landscape. Causeways divide its waters, islands create depth, and temples, pagodas, gardens, bridges and flowe...

Lingyin Temple is one of China’s most renowned Buddhist monasteries, founded in 326 by the Indian monk Huili in a wooded valley west of West Lake. Its name, often translated as Temple of the Soul’s Retreat, reflects an enclosed landscape of forest, springs and steep hil...

Feilai Peak is a compact limestone formation beside Lingyin Temple, renowned for caves, grottoes and hundreds of Buddhist images carved into its shaded rock faces. The peak’s pale, eroded stone differs markedly from the surrounding sandstone hills, inspiring the legend ...

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon occupies waters south of West Lake’s largest artificial island, Xiaoyingzhou, where three small stone towers rise in a triangular arrangement. Each hollow, gourd-shaped structure has round openings near the top; according to tradition, lam...

Su Causeway runs for nearly three kilometers across West Lake from the northern to the southern shore, linking six stone bridges in a long, tree-lined sequence. It was created in 1090 when poet-official Su Shi governed Hangzhou and used silt dredged from the lake to res...

Xixi National Wetland Park protects a rare urban wetland of streams, ponds, reed beds, orchards and low wooded islands west of central Hangzhou. Its dense water network was shaped by both natural processes and centuries of fish farming, agriculture and village settlemen...

Impression West Lake, now presented as Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, is a large outdoor performance staged directly on the lake near Yuehu. A submerged platform allows dancers and musicians to appear to move across the water, while lighting, projection, mist and the da...

The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City preserve the core of a sophisticated late Neolithic society that flourished in the lower Yangtze delta between about 3300 and 2300 BCE. Across a broad landscape of low hills, wetlands and rice fields, archaeologists have identif...

Founded in 1848 during the Qing Dynasty, Lou Wai Lou is the most iconic restaurant in Hangzhou, famously situated on Solitary Hill. It has served world leaders and literary giants for over a century. The restaurant is the guardian of traditional 'Zhejiang Cuisine' (Zhe ...

Established in 1913, Zhi Wei Guan's motto is 'the taste of the food will make you stop your carriage to take a bite.' This historic brand is beloved by locals for its authentic Hangzhou snacks and dim sum. The ground floor is a bustling, casual hall serving quick bites,...

Founded in 1867, Kui Yuan Guan is known as the 'Noodle King of China.' It has a deep cultural heritage, having hosted famous scholars and artists. The restaurant is famous for its unique 'Jiangnan-style' noodle preparation, where the toppings are stir-fried separately t...

Tucked away in the Manjuelong village, this restaurant is famous for its 'Osmanthus-themed' fine dining. The architecture blends seamlessly into the hillside, surrounded by osmanthus trees that fragrance the air in autumn. The interior is minimalist and Zen-like, focusi...

Xin Bai Lu is a household name in Hangzhou, known for providing high-quality local cuisine at incredibly affordable prices. The restaurants are usually modern and vibrant, catering to a younger crowd and families. The menu is vast, featuring both traditional Hangzhou fa...

What started as a single small restaurant has grown into a national phenomenon. 'Waipo Jia' offers 'Grandma’s' style home-cooked meals in a stylish, often dimly lit, industrial-chic setting. It is famous for its consistent quality and low prices, making it a go-to for l...

This branch of Green Tea is particularly special as it is located near the tea plantations. The restaurant features a picturesque 'water village' design with boats and wooden bridges inside. The food is a mix of Zhejiang, Cantonese, and Sichuan influences, all adjusted ...

Named after the 'Old Man' (Lao Tou Er) who started it, this restaurant is a legendary local institution. It became famous for its simple, perfectly executed 'Fried River Shrimp with Tea Leaves.' The setting is no-frills and focused entirely on the food. It’s one of the ...

Often cited as one of the best Four Seasons in the world, this property is a masterpiece of Jiangnan garden architecture. It features private lagoons, winding canals, and traditional pavilions spread across a lush landscape. The service is impeccably personal, and the a...

Located within the Xixi National Wetland Park, this resort is built in the 'water town' style with tiled roofs and ivory walls. Each suite is a spacious sanctuary overlooking the tranquil wetlands. The sensory experience is defined by the proximity to water and the soun...

Following a massive renovation from the former Hyatt Regency, the Grand Hyatt sits on the absolute prime real estate of West Lake. It blends modern luxury with subtle Chinese motifs. The rooms offer the best front-row views of the lake's musical fountain and the evening...

Occupying the upper floors of the iconic 'Sun' building in Qianjiang New Town, the Park Hyatt offers a futuristic contrast to the old city. Designed like a sophisticated 'Manor in the Sky,' it features high-end materials and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Qian...

Known as the 'Golden Globe' or 'The Sun,' the InterContinental is an architectural landmark of the city's new CBD. Its massive golden sphere design is mirrored by the moon-shaped Grand Theater nearby. The interior features a soaring 20-story atrium that is visually stun...

Part of the Luxury Collection, The Azure Qiantang focuses on the 'River Culture' of Hangzhou. The hotel features an elegant, blue-toned interior that reflects the Qiantang River outside. It offers a more boutique and artistic luxury experience compared to the larger cha...

Located in the Raffles City twin towers, the Conrad is a pinnacle of modern design with its undulating 'wave' architecture. The rooms are tech-forward and offer expansive views of both the river and the city. The sensory experience is refined, bright, and very contempor...

Located in the heart of the Wulin CBD, the JW Marriott is a cornerstone of luxury for business travelers. The hotel features an elegant, grand lobby and spacious rooms with a classic aesthetic. Its central location provides easy access to the Grand Canal and the city's ...