Introducing Hángzhōu
Hángzhōu, capital of Zhèjiāng, is one of China’s most famous tourist sites. Located at the southern end of the Grand Canal and surrounded by fertile farmlands, the city has been a significant cultural centre for hundreds of years. Current-day Hángzhōu, with its characterless architecture, has little to differentiate it from other modern Chinese cities. The main reason for coming here is to visit the legendary West Lake (Xī Hú), a true beauty in the midst of a concrete jungle.
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Praised by emperors and revered by poets, the lake has figured large in the Chinese imagination for centuries. With its willow-lined banks, ancient pagodas and mist-covered hills, being here is like stepping into a classical Chinese watercolour. Despite huge numbers of tourists, West Lake is a delight to explore, either on foot or by bike.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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RE: China in 3 weeks
by jiejie 31 May 2012
3 weeks is enough time to do this. However, I would minimize time in Wuhan except if you need as a transport hub. It's hot even by Chinese…
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RE: Solo traveller and hoping to get to Tibet on October 2012
by smb7110 31 May 2012
Thank you, Ruth for the response. Im thinking of a walking tour perhaps. I used to cycle lot here in Hangzhou and have hiked some muntains…
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China in 3 weeks
by rmack 31 May 2012
First time poster, I am travelling to China for three weeks in June and July with my girlfriend. We arrive into Shanghai and depart…
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