Nestled in the heart of Shangcheng District, Hefang Street is one of Hangzhou’s most iconic historic pedestrian streets—a vibrant tapestry of tradition, commerce, and everyday charm that has thrived for over 800 years. Often described as “the living room of old Hangzhou,” it runs perpendicular to Southern Song Imperial Street, together forming the cultural core of the ancient capital of Lin’an...
Hangzhou life
Chenghuang Pavilion, located at the peak of Wushan (Chenghuang Hill) in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, is a landmark classical-style pavilion offering unparalleled views of West Lake, Qiantang River, and panoramic vistas of Hangzhou. It stands not only as a scenic viewpoint but also as a repository of deep-rooted folk beliefs and urban memories. Historical Background Wushan has been the site of...
Nestled in the historic core of Shangcheng District, Wushan Square sits at the foot of Wushan Hill (also known as Chenghuang Hill) and faces the bustling Hefang Street. It serves as a vital cultural bridge between the West Lake Scenic Area and the ruins of the Southern Song Imperial City, making it both a beloved gathering place for locals and a must-visit gateway for visitors exploring Hangzhou’s...
Jiuxi Eighteen Ravines | Hangzhou’s Most Poetic Mountain-Water Escape “Misty Trees of Jiuxi” is one of the New Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake. Nestled in the southwestern corner of West Lake, Jiuxi stretches from Longjing Village in the south to the Qiantang River in the north. Its name comes from nine streams that converge and meander through eighteen ravines, weaving a tranquil tapestry of...
Longjing Village, Hangzhou | The Birthplace of West Lake Longjing Tea Nestled in the southwestern part of Hangzhou’s West Lake Scenic Area, Longjing Village is surrounded by misty hills on three sides, with clear streams trickling through. It is the original and most prestigious producing area of West Lake Longjing tea—China’s most celebrated green tea—and has been cultivating and handcrafting...
Founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 AD), Lingyin Temple has enjoyed uninterrupted incense offerings for over 1,700 years and is one of China’s Ten Great Chan (Zen) Buddhist Temples. Must-See Highlights: The 24.8-meter-tall wooden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in the Mahavira Hall—one of the tallest in China Feilai Peak Grottoes: Over 380 cliff-carved Buddhist statues from the Five Dynasties...
Hupao (Hupao Mengquan), officially known as "Hupao Dream Spring," is nestled in the southwestern corner of West Lake in Hangzhou. Renowned as the "Third Best Spring under Heaven," its water is crisp, clear, and subtly sweet—famously paired with Longjing tea as the "Two Treasures of West Lake." Surrounded by lush forests and babbling mountain streams, Hupao is where Master Hongyi (Li Shutong)...
Because— Even the rain looks like an ink-wash painting, The scent of coffee and osmanthus greets you around every corner, You can ride freely and quietly daydream by West Lake, And when the riverside lights in Binjiang come on at night, your heart finds peace. In Hangzhou, everyone who lives earnestly is met with gentleness. Hangzhou? It’s truly...
West Lake is located in the heart of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is one of the country’s most iconic freshwater lakes and the cultural soul of Hangzhou. Renowned since ancient times for its poetic beauty and harmonious blend of water, hills, and gardens, West Lake embodies the famous saying: “Above there is heaven; below are Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Covering a scenic area of...
If you’re a foreigner planning to settle down in eastern China, Hangzhou is absolutely one of the most ideal choices. Blending ancient Chinese charm with modern urban convenience, this gentle city offers a balanced, cozy and vibrant lifestyle that easily captures every expat’s heart. Hangzhou is blessed with world-famous natural scenery. The iconic West Lake presents poetic views all year...