Top 5 Attractions in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is considered one of China’s most famous and most beautiful destinations. Home to the legendary West Lake—resembling a traditional Chinese garden, but on the grandest scale—the city is a must-see for anyone interested in the Far East. And now it’s even more tempting with the new Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.

According to Rudolf van Dijk, the Hotel’s General Manager, “China has so much natural beauty that most people outside the country have never discovered. The landscape is like parts of Europe, fresh and clean with green hills.”

Known as one of China’s most prosperous business centres, Hangzhou (pronounced “hung-jo”) is a city of more than 6.5 million people, located on the country’s east coast, just 90 minutes by bullet train southwest of Shanghai.

“Hangzhou has been named one of China’s best places to live for several years,” says van Dijk. “It is clean and well-organised, like a model Chinese city.”

Four Seasons provides Hangzhou’s most desirable location—convenient to business, as well as international designer shopping centres that cater to the city’s successful entrepreneurs. But it’s just as close to historic sights.

Here are the top five attractions that epitomise Hangzhou culture:

1. West Lake

Four Seasons places you right at the edge of this vast enchanted lake—covering 650 hectares (1,600 acres)—framed on three sides by mountain peaks and on one side by the city skyline. The richly green shoreline is dotted with ancient temples, towering pagodas and delicate bridges, creating a perfect picture of China’s past. The Concierge can arrange a guided boat tour of West Lake’s most scenic views. Or join the Hangzhou locals who flock to lakeside parks to walk, cycle and meet for tea.

2. Tea House Tradition

Tea has always been an important part of Hangzhou’s economy. The area is well known for originating Longjing, the precious green tea that is often called the national drink of China. Let the Four Seasons Concierge point you to historic tea houses where you’ll experience traditional tea service in ancient style, and sample a variety of sweet and savoury snacks. If you’re a true tea connoisseur, ask about visits to nearby tea plantations.

3. Pagoda of Six Harmonies

One of China’s most significant ancient pagodas—completed in AD 970—this octagonal brick-and-wood structure seen from the outside appears to tower 13 storeys on the hillside; inside there are seven storeys. This early version of a skyscraper offers postcard views of the river and city.

4. Buddhist Temples

Of Hangzhou’s several temples and monasteries, the most renowned is “Lingyin Si” or “Soul’s Retreat.” The temple once housed 3,000 monks who worshipped in more than 70 halls. The unforgettable highlight is China’s largest sitting Buddha, shining in gold.

5. Silk Street Shopping

Hangzhou has been known for centuries as China’s Silk Capital. The silk streets of Xinhua and Jiankang make up the largest wholesale and retail silk market in China. In these pedestrian-only boulevards, you’ll find a bustling mix of old and new stores, showcasing all 14 categories of Chinese silk. Four Seasons can arrange for a personal shopper to help you find the best variety and value.

After your Hangzhou adventures, head back to Four Seasons, where you unwind in the perfect blend of Chinese tradition and chic 21st-century style.