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Top 9 Popular Attractions in Hangzhou

1. West Lake (西湖)
   West Lake is the iconic landmark of Hangzhou, often referred to as “Heaven on Earth.” It boasts scenic beauty year-round, with the spring view of Su Causeway in the morning mist, summer lotus flowers in Quyuan Garden, the autumn moon over Pinghu Lake, and winter’s “Broken Bridge and Snow.” The natural beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains is breathtaking. Visitors can take boat rides on the lake to enjoy classic sights such as Broken Bridge and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, or choose to bike along the lakeside to experience the serene and beautiful scenery. However, popular spots like Su Causeway and Broken Bridge can get crowded, especially during peak hours. It’s recommended to visit during off-peak times for a better experience. The lake is easily accessible, with the Dragonxiang Bridge station on Metro Line 1 within walking distance. The lake covers an area of approximately 6.39 square kilometers, with an average depth of 1.8 meters and a maximum depth of 2.8 meters.
2. Faxi Temple (法喜寺)
   Faxi Temple is a tranquil sanctuary, bathed in the sounds of chanting and bells, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. It is home to a 300-year-old ancient magnolia tree and features classic viewpoints perfect for photography. The temple is famous for its association with fulfilling marriage wishes, attracting many visitors who come to pray for love and relationships. The architecture is solemn and elegant, with yellow walls and black tiles, making it a great spot for photos. However, some areas may get crowded due to popular photo spots, and parking can be challenging and expensive. Additionally, the service attitude at the temple’s shops may sometimes not meet expectations. The temple is easily accessible by multiple bus routes. The entrance fee is 10 yuan, which includes three incense sticks. Vegetarian meals are available at an affordable price, with lunch and dinner served at 5 yuan per person.
3. Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)
   As one of Hangzhou’s most famous landmarks, Leifeng Pagoda boasts a rich history and unique architectural style, closely tied to a beautiful love story. From the top of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake, embracing both its tranquility and grandeur. Leifeng Pagoda is one of China’s nine famous towers. Climbing to the top offers a stunning view of West Lake. For the best photography, it’s recommended to view the pagoda from Jingci Temple, where the surrounding environment is serene and provides excellent photo opportunities. Despite its beautiful legend, the interior of the pagoda may not meet expectations, as it primarily consists of post-renovation structures with little of the original architecture remaining. The entrance fee is 40 yuan, and the pagoda is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The pagoda’s structure is an octagonal design, resembling Tang and Song dynasty architectural styles, with copper-tiled roofs and upturned eaves.
4. Xiaohezhijie (小河直街)
   This is an old street brimming with artistic atmosphere, quiet and serene, where a stroll feels like stepping back into the past. The street is lined with unique studios and many artistic little shops, making it perfect for a Citywalk or enjoying an afternoon coffee. Xiaohezhijie retains the characteristics of a Jiangnan water town, with its pink walls, dark tiles, and blue stone streets, all exuding a strong sense of culture and art. It’s especially atmospheric in the evening, with numerous trendy shops offering great photo opportunities. However, the area has become quite commercialized, with many flower shops and popular spots for influencers, and some visitors have noted that the prices are higher, with businesses often offering similar products. The area is conveniently accessible via the Metro Line 10, with a short walk from Beidaqiao Station. Many late Qing and early Republican-era buildings remain, adding to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the area.
5. Xixi Wetland (西溪湿地)
   Xixi Wetland offers stunning scenery, with the free and paid areas both featuring beautiful autumn views, swaying reeds, and offering activities like hiking, birdwatching, and photography. As China’s first national 5A-level wetland park, the area is rich in ecological resources, and the five cultural themes—Buddhism, seclusion, mundanity, leisure, and nature—are truly impressive. However, some visitors have noted that the scenery can be repetitive, and the park is less ideal for visits during the summer and winter months. The 80 yuan entrance fee is considered by some to be not the best value, and transportation improvements are still needed. The wetland is divided into free and paid zones, accessible via Metro Line 3 or Line 19, making it a great place to connect with nature and relax.
6. Taiziwan Park (太子湾公园)
   Located in the West Lake District of Hangzhou, Taiziwan Park offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. In spring, tulips bloom, and in autumn, the maple leaves turn red, providing stunning scenery year-round. This park is a natural oasis with lush trees, clear lake waters, and a peaceful environment, making it ideal for photography, family outings, or picnics. To avoid traffic issues, it’s recommended to take public transportation or ride a shared bike instead of driving. The park is free to visit, with no need for reservations, and is open all day. Visitors can easily reach the park by subway or bus.
7. Huagang Guanyu (花港观鱼)
   Here, visitors can closely observe colorful fish swimming peacefully in the water, enjoying a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere. In autumn, it’s also a great place to admire the red maple leaves. You can take a boat from Three Pools Mirroring the Moon to Huagang Guanyu without purchasing a new ticket, and enjoy the scenic view of “Golden Light Piercing the Hole.” Combining a boat ride with a walk makes for the best experience. However, it can get crowded, especially with photo shoots taking up prime spots, which may affect others’ ability to take pictures. In March and April, the presence of willow catkins can interfere with the viewing experience. You can easily reach the park by getting off at the “Yuhuwan” bus stop, and it’s a great place to take a walk or have tea, as it’s one of the Ten Views of West Lake.
8. Quyuan Fenghe (曲院风荷)
   Located on the west side of West Lake, Quyuan Fenghe is an excellent spot to admire lotus flowers. During the summer, the lotuses bloom beautifully, creating a pleasant atmosphere, and there are tea houses nearby for rest. The best time to visit is from June to August when the lotuses are in full bloom, offering a picturesque and poetic scene. You can conveniently reach the area by taking a sightseeing electric cart. In autumn, the gardens are full of charm and are perfect for capturing the essence of Jiangnan’s fall scenery. The park features moon gate arches and square window frames, adding to its unique beauty. However, be aware that summer brings a lot of mosquitoes, and some areas might have insufficient lighting. During the flowering season, some lotus leaves may be withered, affecting the overall view.
9. Nan Song Imperial Street (南宋御街)
   Nan Song Imperial Street is a historical and cultural landmark in Hangzhou, preserving many traditional buildings and handicraft shops, offering a feel of stepping back into ancient times. The view at night is particularly enchanting, with a perfect blend of commercialization and historical atmosphere. The street is lined with many unique stores, featuring distinctive decorations and traditional architectural styles, making it an ideal place for photography. There are also various Hangzhou local snacks and cafés, perfect for both shopping and eating. Though it is a popular attraction, the area is quite commercialized, and some shops may have inflated prices. Nevertheless, it remains a great place to experience the history and culture of Hangzhou. The location is easily accessible by metro, with lines 1 reaching Ding’an Road or Longxiangqiao stations, followed by a short walk. This street also forms the central axis of Lin’an City during the Southern Song Dynasty, rich in historical charm.

Additional Information

* For certain attractions, foreign passport holders can buy tickets directly on-site without the requirement for advance reservations.

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