The 7 Wonders of Hangzhou
Hangzhou has been named "China’s Best Domestic Tourist Destination" six times in Ctrip’s annual online poll. With iconic attractions like the following seven wonders, it’s easy to see why it’s a top choice for travelers!
#1 West Lake 西湖
No list of Hangzhou’s wonders is complete without West Lake—its most famous attraction and the heart of the city’s tourism. Beyond its stunning scenery, the lake is steeped in ancient myths and stories, which add depth to landmarks like the Broken Bridge once you learn their history.
Visit in the evening to catch the enchanting West Lake Light Show, a must-see experience for night travelers.
#2 Lingyin Temple 灵隐寺
A renowned Buddhist temple near West Lake, Lingyin Temple is a treasure trove of historical shrines and ancient rock carvings. Climb to the upper part of the temple to enjoy traditional Buddhist tea and a vegetarian lunch in the on-site teahouse—an authentic cultural experience.
Avoid national holidays, as the temple draws huge crowds of worshippers and donors during these times.
#3 Longjing Tea Village 龙井村
Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea—one of China’s top green teas—and Longjing Tea Village is the best place to experience it. Here, you can taste the tea, buy high-quality leaves to take home, or even pick fresh tea leaves yourself during the harvest season (spring is ideal).
The village is surrounded by lush tea plantations, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
#4 Xixi Wetland National Park 西溪国家湿地公园
A short distance from the city center, Xixi Wetland is a vast expanse of natural beauty, home to diverse wildlife and lush foliage. It’s the perfect spot to escape urban chaos and immerse yourself in Hangzhou’s natural side—take a boat tour through the wetlands to fully appreciate its serene charm.
The wetland is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves turn golden, and spring, when flowers bloom.
#5 Hangzhou Grand Canal 京杭大运河（杭州段）
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the world’s longest artificial river, stretching from Beijing to Hangzhou and passing through four Chinese provinces. What makes it even more remarkable is that it was completed in 618 AD—a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.
Take a relaxing cruise along the Hangzhou section, or extend your trip by boat to Suzhou, another beautiful water town.
#6 China National Tea Museum 中国茶叶博物馆
For tea lovers, the China National Tea Museum is a must-visit. As China’s top museum dedicated to tea culture, it offers a deep dive into the history of tea, from ancient cultivation methods to modern preparation techniques. You can also learn to distinguish different tea varieties and taste rare teas here.
The museum’s grounds are designed like a traditional Chinese garden, making it a peaceful place to explore.
#7 Baochu Pagoda 保俶塔
Perched on the edge of West Lake, Baochu Pagoda was built around 960 AD to pray for the safe journey of a local king to central China. Today, it stands as an iconic landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Hangzhou’s ancient past.
Climb the mountain where the pagoda sits to enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake and Hangzhou city—the view at sunrise is particularly breathtaking.
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