Hangzhou

Brief Introduction

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, is at the southern end of the grand canal and and one of China's seven ancient national capitals. When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century he declared that "it is the most beautiful and elegant city in the world". There is a popular saying: "above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou." Hangzhou's "heavenly" beauty attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to its exquisite west lake (Xi hu) area each year to enjoy the placid lake, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, lavish temples and friendly lakeside teahouses.

First built over 2,200 years ago, Hangzhou is one of the cradles of China's civilization. Hangzhou used to the capital of Wu and Yue states in the 10th century during the five dynasties period. the city began to prosper and flourish in the Tang Dynasty. The city had its political heyday in the southern Song Dynasty when it served as the capital. Hangzhou witnessed rapid commercial boom in the Ming and Qing dynasty.

In and around Hangzhou, tourists find the well-known west lake which is surrounded by forested mountains and many more historical sites. Hangzhou is also well-known for silk and tea. A trip to Hangzhou is easily combined with a visit to a tea plantation in the hills near the West Lake.

Transportation

Being a major tourist city in china, Hangzhou has a good transportation and it can be easily accessible via flights, train travel and highway. public transportation within the city is also very convenient, with plentiful taxis and hundreds of public bus routes reaching each corner of the city proper.

Airplane: Hangzhou is served by the xianshan international airport, which is located some 27 kilometers from downtown Hangzhou. There are daily flights to major cities and bigger tourist cities in china. the airport also offers flights to and from Hongkong and Singapore. Aviation buses are available to pick up passengers from the city center to the airport for 20 yuan. travelers can also take a taxi there for around 100 yuan.

Train:

Hangzhou is a large transport terminal for eastern china. there are also many trains having their starting point in Hangzhou. Daily services from Hangzhou to China's major cities are conveniently available. some trains passing through stop at the Hangzhou eastern train station.

Bus: The city has four long distance bus stations, east, west, south and north bus stations. Buses to the neighboring areas including Nanjing and Shanghai are plentiful.

Local Transportation: Extensive bus routes reach almost each corner of the city proper. Each bus route has designated stops which is well maked for being easily found. fares are very cheap: 1 yuan if the bus is not air-conditioned and 2 yuan if it is. prices for special bus lines and buses running to the neighboring rural areas vary according to the bus condition and distance.

Taxi: Taxis are also widely available and allow for convenient and quick trips around the city. Look for cabs in a green color, marked with 'Taxi'. Meters in the cabs are required by law, and few, if any, of the drivers speak English. Best to be able to point out your destination on a map or have the addresses written in Chinese in order to avoid confusion. A subway system is also being planned for the city, with the first line scheduled for completion in 2012.

Boat: Of course a city with a waterfront like Hangzhou comes equipped with waterbuses and ferries. Take a ferry down the Grand Canal while passing along the Canal Culture Square and check out the new Xiaohe Street, which is sure to make you feel like you have stepped back into historical China.

Bike Round: Even with 1.7 million residents, as well as numerous tourists, the city is well known to be bike friendly. The city's massive public bike system allows for tourists to see the city on the cheap. It is a convenient and fun way to take in the sights around West Lake. If the bikes seem more like your thing, then purchase a stored value card a various places around the city, such as 20 Longxiang Qiao. Each bike station will supply you with a free tourist map of the city that points out all the bike stations in the area, as well as the important tourist sights. Make sure to bring along a photo ID, such as a passport, which is needed to rent a bike, and check to make sure the tires and seat are in good form. Bikes are free for the first hour and accumulate small fees in the following hours rented.

Accormodations

Hangzhou has a host of hotels to meet different needs. An abundance of hotels, hostels, inns and luxury resorts are located in Hangzhou. There is something to meet the needs of every traveler. For those more on a budget, hostels and youth houses such as the West Lake Youth House and the Hangzhou International Youth Hostel, are clean and affordable alternatives to hotels. Many mid-level hotels offer high quality service at an affordable family rate. The Redstar Culture Hotel is not only rated as a 4 star hotel, but it's also surrounded by many of the sights that tourists come to see in Hangzhou. The Lakeview Hotel, gives you just that; a hotel right on the waterfront and close to famous spots in the area. The hotel also boasts rejuvenating hydrotherapy treatment and helpful services for any and all of your needs.

And if luxury is what you are looking for, then you have come to the right place. Hangzhou is home to many 5 star hotels and resorts, sure to satisfy even the most pampered traveler. The Four Seasons West Lake, located at the northwest corner of the lake, takes you to a magical, secluded village, while still only being minutes away from major attractions in the area. Among other things, it offers fine dining, a top-notch concierge service, and everything that Chinese hospitality has to offer.

Check Out Top Budget Hotels

Tourist Attractions

Hailed for centuries" the paradise on earth", Hangzhou offers visitors some sights either of the superlative natural beauty or rich cultural, historical significence or a combination of both. in and around Hangzhou, travelers can find the west lake, symbol of the city for years, some historical heritages sites such as the lingyin temple, the largest and most resplendent buddhism temple in that region, tomb of general Yuefei and other important architecture landmarks as the six harmonies pagoda and the leifeng pagoda. many other sights in the city are also well worth a trip.

Shopping

Whether you've come to Hangzhou for the scenic views, hiking, or just to relax, there is no way you'll want to leave the city without visiting some of the beautiful markets the town has to offer. The Hangzhou China Silk Town, located on Tiyuchang Road, is made up several hundred meters of booths and vendors selling silk any and everything. From ties to pajamas, handcrafts to robes, there is something for everyone in The Silk Town. But for something truly unique, the Night Market, right near Wushan, is a market that springs to life every evening. Within its rows of artisans and vendor booths, you can find Mao memorabilia, jewelry, fans, pipes, and handicrafts. If bargaining is your thing, then this is the place to be. Hangzhou also offers more tradition malls and clothing stores. A brand new high-end mall, called the MIXC, located in the new Central Business District, boasts designer brands, imported foods, IMAX theaters and even an indoor ice skating rink!

And for a more traditional shopping experience, why not check out the Hefang Old Street. It showcases a variety of Chinese crafts, candy, hand-made figurines, century old shops, as well as a wide variety of local snacks and delicacies. The street is packed with teahouses, bonsai shops, caricaturists and artists, and makes for a lively and vibrant walk into the past.

Hangzhou Dining

Of course, with traveling to new and exciting places, comes the taste of the real culture, literally! Whether you are looking for a formal dinning experience or a quick, local street snack, Hangzhou is sure to have exactly what you are in the mood for. Hangzhou cuisine consists of several dishes that have been passed from generation to generation for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.More

Recommanded Hangzhou Tours

• SH-11: 5 Days 5 Days Shanghai and Hangzhou Essence Tour
• SH-10: 5 Days Putuo Island and Shanghai Essence Tour
• SHALC-10: 1 Day Hangzhou Classic Tour