Hangzhou is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. It is often known as one of the most beautiful
cities in China, also ranking as one of the most scenic cities. Although Hangzhou has been through many
recent urban developments, it still retains its historical and cultural heritage. Today, tourism remains an
important factor for Hangzhou's economy.
West Lake
One of Hangzhou's most popular sights is the West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for the
scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. The "Ten West Lake
Prospects" have been specially selected to give you the outstanding views of the lake, mountains and
monuments:
☺ Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring
☺ Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer
☺ Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn
☺ Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter
☺ Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset
☺ Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds
☺ Orioles Singing in the Willows
☺ Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond
☺ Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon
☺ Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill
Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer
Remnant Snow on the Bridge in Winter
In addition to West Lake, temples, pagodas and churches are specialties of Hangzhou as well.
People are queuing in the worship of the Buddha in Jingci Temple.
Jingci Temple
Off Nanshan Road, built in 954, the Jingci Temple has a huge 10-ton bell inside. Located on Nanping Road,
they ring the bell 108 times here to ring in Chinese New Year. It is also rung every evening for much fewer
times. Jingci Temple is the site of the legend of the miraculous well, which can be seen on the grounds of
the temple.
Leifeng Pagoda
Located on the shores of the southeast side of the West Lake and originally built in the year 977, all that
remains of the original pagoda is the crumbling foundation, viewable from outside the glass case that it is
housed in (Pagoda Remains Memorial Museum at the bottom floor of the pagoda). With escalators,
elevators, and a totally new pagoda places on top of the foundation, there is not much to see within the
pagoda itself; it was most recently rebuilt in 2000. However, the view of the city skyline is one of the best
from here, and some of the smaller seating areas around the perimeter of the pagoda have a nice breeze
and view of the structure. One of the 10 Scenes of the West Lake is "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow",
but this is best viewed from a distance (across the lake) just after sunset. The entry fee for the Leifeng
Pagoda is RMB 40/person.
Chongyi Church
For Christians, you can visit Chongyi Church, one of the largest Protestant churches in China. The name,
translated into English, means "Worship the one and only true God." It was dedicated in 2005 and can
accomodate up to 7000 attenders, welcoming many International visitors and guest preachers including
Franklin Graham , the son of evangelist Billy Graham.
Besides, you can also experience the charm of nature in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou Botanical Gardens
If you're a fan of flowers, these gardens aren't bad, especially in the spring and during the brief period when
the leaves change in the fall. There is also a peacock farm, some nice ponds, and basically a wide range
of plants and ecosystems to walk through.
Dreaming of the Tiger Spring
It is a spring as well as a scenic and historic destination. The area includes wooded pathways, streams,
bamboo groves, tea houses, historic structures, as well as the spring itself and other sights. Admission
is RMB 15. Tea brewed with the high-quality Tiger Spring water may be purchased for about RMB 20 a glass.
