Best Places to Visit in Hangzhou: Hangzhou Central Area, Haining, Nanxun

Hangzhou, known as the "Paradise on Earth", has long captured the world's admiration, whether through its natural beauty of lakes, mountains, and landscapes or its historic and cultural landmarks. Whether it's the main urban area dotted with scenic spots, the picturesque town of Chun'an County with its blend of mountains and lakes, or the tidal wonder of Haining, each place resonates deeply with visitors, stirring their hearts with its unique charm. Following are the best places to visit in Hangzhou.

Top 1: Hangzhou Central Area

"Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou". This city of Hangzhou, long known as the "paradise on Earth", is home to a complete range of natural wonders, including mountains, springs, lakes, bridges, pagodas, and temples. Located in East China, on the southeastern coast, in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, at the downstream of the Qiantang River, and at the southern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Hangzhou is rich in cultural heritage. West Lake and its surrounding areas are home to numerous natural and cultural landmarks. The most representative cultural elements include West Lake culture, Liangzhu culture, silk culture, tea culture, as well as the many stories and legends passed down through the generations, all of which are part of Hangzhou's cultural identity.

The main urban areas of Hangzhou include Shangcheng District, Xihu District, Gongshu District, Binjiang District, and others. Whether strolling along the Su Causeway at spring dawn, boating under the moonlight on West Lake, or wandering through the Song Dynasty Town of Hangzhou, the city always offers a poetic and unforgettable journey, imbuing every traveler with its unique charm.

Top 2: Chun’an County

In the western part of Zhejiang, there is a magical land surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters. At its core lies Thousand Islet Lake, with Chun'an County serving as its foundation, nurturing endless beauty and legends. Chun'an County is located in the hilly and mountainous areas of southwestern Hangzhou, at the upper reaches of the Qiantang River. It is home to the famous national scenic area, Thousand Islet Lake, and is the largest county by area in Zhejiang Province.

Qiandao Lake Town, located within the county, is praised by visitors as one of the "most beautiful, cleanest, and safest" towns in the country. The Thousand Islet Lake Scenic Area boasts abundant and diverse natural resources, with islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the lake, arranged with varying densities. With a forest coverage rate of 95%, Thousand Islet Lake is known as the "Green Thousand Islet Lake" and is home to unique attractions such as "Fish Leaping over Thousand Islet Lake" and the "Underwater Pyramid".

Top 3: Haining City

Haining, also known as the "Tide City", is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Zhejiang. Located on the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta, it is bordered to the south by the Qiantang River and faces Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou across the river. To the west, it adjoins Yuhang District of Hangzhou, and it is only an hour’s drive from Shanghai. The most famous attraction in Haining is the Haining Tidal Bore, known as a "world wonder", which attracts a large number of visitors every year.

The tradition of watching tides in Haining dates back to the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty, renowned for its high tides, dramatic changes, overwhelming force, and thrilling spectacle. In Haining's Yanguan Town, there is a dedicated tide-watching park, very safe to witness the mighty tide rushing in, without the risk of being swept away by the waves. As the tidal bore approaches, a silver line appears in the distance, surging toward the shore, accompanied by the sound of galloping horses and the force of waves that seem to overthrow mountains. The sight is like a snowy wave soaring into the sky, a rolling torrent crashing forward, overwhelming everything in its path, with an awe-inspiring and ever-changing spectacle.

Top 4: Nanxun Town

Located to the east of Huzhou and south of Taihu Lake, Nanxun Ancient Town is built along the Grand Canal, with the Xunxi Creek running through it. The town’s quaint bridges, flowing waters, and tranquil homes, all soaked in cultural atmosphere.

Nanxun Ancient Town is situated in the Nanxun District of Huzhou City, at the junction of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was a renowned center for silk production in southern Jiangnan. This ancient town is rich in cultural resources, featuring a unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture. The town is nestled by the water, with the water flowing through it, creating a harmonious relationship where the water depends on the town, and the town thrives because of the water. Nanxun’s beauty lies in the water, adding a touch of elegance, while its resilience is rooted in the enduring power of the water, which, like water dripping through stone, embodies the town's natural tenacity.

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