Top 10 Best Things to Do in Hangzhou: Cruising, Praying, Birding...

Memory of Jiangnan, the most memorable is Hangzhou. Here embraces five hundred miles of mountains and rivers, and has built a renowned southeastern metropolis with five thousand years of civilization. Here is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: West Lake, the Grand Canal, and the Liangzhu Ruins. Here, mountains and waters are intertwined, the lake and city harmonize, the tidal waves of the Qiantang River surge, the Thousand Islands gather in beauty, Longjing tea is fresh and mellow, silk is light and splendid. It is the poetry and distance in the hearts of people. Following are the best things to do in Hangzhou.

Top 1: Watch the Sunset at the West Lake

The sunset at the West Lake is a unique and captivating view. From the moment the setting sun bathes the sky in a warm glow, casting its last rays across the heavens, to the final moments before the sun dips below the horizon, the entire sunset lasts about eight minutes.

Among the many scenic spots around the West Lake, Changqiao Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy the view. Here, you can quietly wait for the sun to set and witness the majestic sight of "Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow". As the sun sinks lower, the lake gradually becomes more translucent, sparkling with shimmering waves of golden and orange light. The evening sky slowly transitions into twilight, painting the heavens with soft purple and pink hues. The last rays of the sun gently fall on the ancient Leifeng Pagoda, casting a warm and radiant glow, making it appear more dignified and mysterious.

Jixian Pavilion is also a perfect choice to enjoy the sunset over the West Lake. As the harsh light of the sun softens, a brilliant display of clouds appears on the horizon, reflecting on the rippling lake. The swaying lotus flowers and leaves, bathed in the sunset, look especially delicate, while the solitary pavilion on the lake contrasts with the surrounding scenery of the water and mountains.

Another fantastic way to enjoy the sunset is by taking a boat ride on the lake. As you glide across the shimmering surface, the rippling water reflects the warm glow of the setting sun. The willows along the shore gently sway, as if dancing to the rhythm of the golden light. It feels as though time stands still, and all things are enveloped in this splendid color.

Top 2: Enjoy the Snow at the West Lake

It is often said that at the West Lake, the beauty in clear weather is not as good as that in rain, and rain is not as good as snow. A long-awaited snowfall has blanketed the entire West Lake in a layer of pure white snow, transforming the world into a silver wonderland. Even the locals, who usually rarely visit the lake, can't resist coming out to enjoy this serene beauty, braving the cold, just to experience this tranquility and splendor.

The plum blossoms at Lingfeng Peak are in full bloom, and the fragrance drifts with the wind to the lakeside, causing passersby to smile involuntarily. From a distance, the Broken Bridge is covered with a light layer of white, like an elderly figure who has weathered the hardships of time. It stands, unyielding and steadfast, guarding the lake for a thousand years. Its silhouette seems to harbor countless untold stories.

The beauty of "Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge" arises from the unique moment after the snowstorm when the sky clears. On the vast, snowy landscape, the sunlight breaks through the clouds and reflects on the lake's surface, alternating light and shade. At this moment, the snowflakes on the lake glisten with a radiant glow, as if a silver velvet blanket has been laid out. The Broken Bridge, like a quiet line stretching across the lake, complements the snowy scene, outlining a poetic picture. Walking across the bridge feels like stepping into a dreamlike world, where one becomes lost in the tranquil beauty of winter.

Top 3: Watch the Tides of Qiantang River

The best time for watching the Qiantang tide is around the 18th of the eighth lunar month each year. During this period, the sea dyke of the Qiantang River is crowded with visitors, eager to witness the spectacular sight. There are three prime locations for observing the Qiantang tides. The first prime spot is a section of the sea dyke in the southeastern part of Haining Yanguan, characterized by the tide crest appearing in a straight line. As the tide approaches, a white ribbon of water appears on the horizon, accompanied by a thunderous sound, like a flock of pure white swans flying in a line. The tide roars louder as it nears, forming a towering 3-4 meter-high water wall standing upright on the river surface. The waves crash, splashing water like pearls and jade, as though ten thousand horses were galloping. When the tide reaches the sea dyke, it creates a tidal wave as high as 9 meters, which swallows all sounds.

The second prime location is at 8 kilometers east of Yanguan at Babao, with a unique view of the collision of two tide heads. When the Southern Tide strikes the southern bank and is pushed back, it turns and heads north, colliding head-on with the incoming Eastern Tide. In an instant, a loud crash is heard, like a mountain collapsing or the earth splitting, seeming to rise as thousands of snow-capped peaks, truly awe-inspiring.

The third prime spot is located 12 kilometers west of Yanguan at the Old Yancang, with the chance to see the "Reverse Tide". Here, there is a T-shaped dam resembling a giant arm holding back the raging tide. By the time the tide reaches, it surges like a hundred lions roaring, then turns and rushes back toward the shore, heading straight for the viewers gathered at the dyke's top.

Top 4: Cruise on Qiantang River at Night

If the tides of the Qiantang River during the day resemble a brave warrior, surging and galloping fiercely, then the river at night transforms into a giant dragon stretching across Hangzhou city, shimmering with light and exuding a gentle, tranquil beauty. The dazzling lights make it appear like a brilliant pearl embedded in the heart of Hangzhou.

In the evening, as dusk falls, the banks of the Qiantang River become crowded with people. Tourists gather here, eagerly awaiting the start of the night tour. As night deepens, the lights along both sides of the river gradually illuminate, and the cruise ships slowly depart from the dock. Standing on the deck, the cool breeze brushes against your face. The river surface shimmers softly in the dim light, and the towering skyscrapers and bustling night markets on both banks reflect each other, creating a dreamlike scene. The bridges in the distance appear especially magnificent under the glow of the lights, as if they are connecting the realms of reality and dreams.

Top 5: Pray in the Lingyin Temple

In the land of Hangzhou, four of the most efficacious temples, shine like four brilliant pearls in the paradise of the human world. Lingyin Temple, Lingshun Temple, Fahixi Temple, and Jingci Temple, each of them carry the hopes and wishes of countless devotees. Whenever the incense smoke rises, believers, with sincere hearts, come to express their wishes to the Buddha.

Lingyin Temple, founded in 326 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, is famous as the "World's Number One Temple of Wealth" and attracts numerous followers seeking blessings for marriage, career, and safety. It is said that this is the place where the Reincarnated Buddha Ji Gong once practiced, and every year thousands of tourists come here, hoping for divine protection. The ancient trees tower above, and the stone paths wind through the temple grounds, where one can walk and feel the weight of history and the accumulation of time.

Buying a stick of incense, one silently makes a wish, then bows three times, and offers the incense. Each prayer is not only a longing for the future but also an appreciation for the present life. These ancient temples are not only places for religious devotion but also locations where people express their feelings about life. In the busy and noisy modern world, we often need a peaceful sanctuary for our souls to rest.

Top 6: Watch Birds at the Xixi Wetland

Birdwatching, photographing birds, capturing the shape of flying birds, and pausing to appreciate the beautiful scenes as they cross the sky—this is not just a quest for nature, but a deep exploration of the self.

The Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou is vast, with abundant water resources. The tall subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests, lush shrubs, reeds, and rich sources of food like clams, snails, fish, and shrimp all come together to create a peaceful sanctuary for birds. Wading birds with long legs and beaks, swimming birds flowing with waves, agile scansorial birds, fierce raptorial birds, all gather here in harmony.

The Lotus Beach Ecological Protection Area, located in the heart of the West Stream, is the main birdwatching zone. The area is full of natural charm and vitality, where nearly two hundred species of rare birds can be observed.

The birdwatching area is equipped with a birdwatching tower, attracting countless photographers and bird enthusiasts year-round. Through binoculars or telescopes, you can observe the enchanting world of birds: adorable creatures that are either quietly independent, playfully frolicking, perched on branches, or foraging in the water.

Top 7: Watch The Eternal Love of the Songcheng

The large-scale musical drama The Eternal Love of the Songcheng is hailed as a must-see performance in one's lifetime. Its grand scenes, where gallant warriors and beautiful women intertwine, have earned it a reputation alongside Las Vegas's O Show and Paris's Moulin Rouge, making it one of the "three great shows of the world". The performance draws from historical anecdotes and mythological tales of Hangzhou, blending world-class song, dance, and acrobatics with cutting-edge sound, lighting, and stage technology. Through unexpected presentations, it vividly showcases the hardships of the ancient Liangzhu people, the splendor of the Song imperial palace, the tragic battles of the Yue Fei’s army, the timeless romance of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the iconic love of the White Snake and Xu Xian, as well as the essence of silk, tea, and the misty beauty of the Jiangnan region, with a powerful visual experience and profound emotional impact.

On stage, the actors' superb skills bring each story and character to life, as if they are people from that era, sharing their tales with us. In such moments, you are irresistibly transported through time, as though you are immersed in the flourishing Song Dynasty.

Top 8: Experience a Tea Ceremony

Hangzhou, the gem of the Jiangnan water towns, captivates countless visitors with the gentle beauty of West Lake, the Zen serenity of Lingyin Temple, and the fragrant tea of Longjing. Longjing Village, as the heart of Hangzhou's tea culture, is filled with the fragrance of tea and endless charm.

Nestled by the shores of West Lake, Longjing Village is surrounded by mountains, shrouded in mist, with houses built along the slopes in an orderly fashion. The tea here grows in a superior natural environment, absorbing the essence of nature. Its leaves are vibrant green, the aroma is rich, the liquor is bright, and the taste is fresh and invigorating. Each tea leaf undergoes picking, pan-frying, rolling, and baking, and passed down for centuries, it has become an integral part of the village’s cultural heritage.

Taking a sip of rich Longjing tea, it is both astringent and refreshing. Closing your eyes, a sweet sensation rises in your heart, the taste is pure and elegant, leaving you feeling at ease. A deep breath, and the aftertaste lingers on. The flavor of tea is not as intense as a tulip, but subtle and understated, as if climbing a tall tower alone, quiet, distant, and peaceful.

Top 9: Hike along the Grand Canal

Hangzhou, the Jiangnan city renowned as "Heaven on Earth", is like a slowly unfolding ink painting, with a unique charm that blends history and culture at every turn. The Grand Canal, like a dazzling ribbon woven with millennia of stories, flows through the city, bearing witness to the passage of time and the rise and fall of the urban landscape.

The most flavorful way to experience the Grand Canal is in the evening, starting from the West Lake Cultural Plaza in the city center. The plaza is lively and bustling, with a warm breeze in the air, where the elderly dance to the most energetic music, performing the latest dance moves, creating a joyous atmosphere. With that energy, head north, cross the Yeqingdou Bridge, and continue on. The narrow paths, with their stone steps, are perfect for walking alone, with the sound of water rushing beside you, matching your pace.

After walking for a while, the lights start to glow. This is Dadu Road, once the most prosperous section of the "Ten-mile Silver Hushu Road". To the north stands the famous Ming and Qing canal customs office, Beixin Pass. To the south is the well-known Qing Dynasty granary, Fuyi Granary. To the west lies the largest of the three major temples outside the Ming and Qing Hangzhou city walls—Xiangji Temple, sparkling with lights.

Top 10: Parachute above Thousand Islet Lake

Looking at the vast blue sky, it's easy to imagine the dream of touching it up close. The Thousand Islet Lake Skydiving Base in Hangzhou is one of the places where such dreams come true, attracting skydiving enthusiasts from all over the country.

Thousand Islet Lake, often referred to as the "Most Beautiful Water Under Heaven", is Hangzhou's backyard, with its crystal-clear waters and 1,078 scattered islands. Feeling the wind rush past, the clouds swirling around you, and seemingly embracing the picturesque islands of the lake—this is a rare and unforgettable experience. Overcoming the fear inside, you jump from an altitude of 3,300 meters, feeling the adrenaline of freefalling at 200 kilometers per hour, and then savoring the peaceful calm after the parachute opens, all while viewing the world from a unique perspective. With professional and certified instructors guiding every step, even those with no experience can enjoy the thrilling adventure of soaring through the skies.

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