Hangzhou’s tranquil beauty is not just a hit with modern-day visitors; the city has long held almost legendary status in China for both its stunning landscapes and as a place for retreat. Since becoming one of China’s most affluent cities in the 12th century, Hangzhou has delighted visitors and residents alike with its genteel environment and relaxed pace of life. No visit to the city would be complete without exploring some of its impressive natural wonders – here are five of the most spectacular.
West Lake
The jewel in Hangzhou’s crown is undoubtedly West Lake, which sits at the heart of the city – both physically and emotionally. Surrounded on three sides by emerald green hills, West Lake offers Insta-perfect views of quintessential Chinese bridges, teahouses and temples.
Over the centuries, many of China’s most famous painters and poets have sought inspiration on its peaceful, willow-fringed banks. Not only is the freshwater lake the subject of hundreds of effusive poems, it in fact owes its legendary good looks to two of China’s most renowned ancient poets – Bai Juyi (AD 772-846) and Su Dongpo (1037-1101) – who each took their turn to manage the lake’s development and maintenance. Today, visitors can enjoy the lake’s timeless beauty by walking or cycling across its three causeways or taking a boat ride on its still waters.
Prince Bay park
Located on the south-west edge of West Lake, Prince Bay park was a royal garden for two Southern Song dynasty princes, Zhuangwen and Jingxian – both of whom are said to have been buried there. A traditional Chinese landscaped garden, the park features small streams, diverted from nearby West Lake, crossed by graceful bridges. Romantics flock to the park in spring, when thousands of colourful tulips and snow-white cherry blossoms make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos and ceremonies.
Tea plantations
Hangzhou’s hundreds of teahouses owe their supply of fine green tea to the acres of plantations that cover the hills to the west of the city; its famed longjing green tea has been cultivated in the area for more than 1,000 years, thanks to the fertile soil, mild climate, and abundant supply of fresh water.
As well as producing one of the world’s best green teas, the plantations are also home to hiking trails and natural caves, and offer stunning vistas out over the city. During spring – the best time to visit the plantations – straw-hatted workers pick tea leaves by hand, while baskets of fresh leaves are left out to dry in the sun.
After a day spent exploring, slow down and contemplate life’s big questions at the small family-run teahouses that dot the hills. It’s said that Jack Ma, famous Hangzhou resident and CEO of Chinese tech giant, Alibaba, made many important business decisions in the city’s teahouses in the early days of his company.
Xixi wetland park
While West Lake is famed for its carefully cultivated charms, Xixi wetland park offers a slightly less manicured beauty. The area dates back 1,800 years to the Han dynasty and has long been home to farmers and fishermen. Nowadays the lush wetlands are fringed by wild weeds, making them a haven for birds and wildlife – as well as human visitors. China’s first national wetland park, it covers an area of approximately 11.7 sq km (4.5 sq miles) and was opened in 2008 with the aim of enhancing the area’s biodiversity and maintaining its cultural heritage.
Hangzhou botanical garden
With great swathes of towering bamboo, trees laden with delicate plum blossoms, and a cornucopia of other plants and flowers, Hangzhou’s vast botanical garden is a delightful place to wander and unwind. Spread out over a massive 245 hectares (605 acres), the garden was built in 1965 and houses a research centre dedicated to the cultivation of plants and environmental protection. As well as a cooling bamboo forest, the garden is filled with beautiful plum trees, which flower in late winter and early spring. As one of the most beloved flowers in China, plum blossoms have been depicted in painting and poetry for centuries. Like their predecessors before them, visitors flock to the city each year to appreciate the delicate pink blooms, ensuring Hangzhou’s enduring reputation as a natural wonderland.
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