“Up above there is Heaven, down on earth there is Hangzhou and Suzhou”
Huqingyu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum
(huqingyu tang zhongyao bowuguan)
Huqingyu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum is the only museum of its kind in China. It is housed in a historical building which was once the most famous Chinese herbal medicine shop in Hangzhou. The exhibition halls tell the story of the origin, development and applications of traditional Chinese medicine, and also discusses its role in the world history of medicine. Samples of the herbal plants and a workshop where medicines are processed by hand are also on display. The museum also has a working clinic, and a restaurant where food enhanced with Chinese herbal medicine food can be sampled.
Lingyin Temple
(lingyin si)
Lingyin Temple is one of the best known Buddhist monasteries in China. Built in 326AD at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, the main hall is 34 meters (111ft) tall - incredibly high for a 1 story building. In the center of the hall there is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which was carved from 24 pieces of camphor wood. The 2 stone pagodas in front of the hall were built in 960 during the Song dynasty (960-1271).
With magnificent mountains and high trees around the monastery, it is a beautifully scenic area with numerous cultural relics.
Liuhe Pagoda
(liuhe si)
Liuhe Pagoda is located to the south of Hangzhou. This famous octagonal pagoda, first built in 970AD, stands high on Yuelun Mountain by the Qiantang River. The 60 meter (197ft) brick and wood structure is considered a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture. Visitors can climb up the stone staircase to the top of the 7 story pagoda and enjoy the views of the Qiantang River. The nearby Liuhe cultural park has miniature replicas of other famous pagodas in China.
Tomb of Yue Fei
(yue fei mu)
General Yue Fei (1103-1142) was a national hero of the Song dynasty who distinguished himself in battles against northern invaders. His loyalty to the emperor and success in battle went un-rewarded. The general had enemies in the imperial court and was sentenced to death on the strength of false charges. He gained heroic status posthumously and in 1162 was finally laid to rest in this tomb, which is inscribed with the words "endless loyalty and devotion to one’s country". People still visit the tomb to pay their respects to this martyr.
West Lake
(xi hu)
Hangzhou’s West Lake is simply one of the most beautiful sights in China. Covering an area of 6 sq km with a circumference of 15km (9 miles) the sight of this lake has captivated visitors for centuries. There are green hills on 3 sides of the lakes and numerous pavilions and temples on its shores.
The best way to explore the lake is on foot, by bicycle or by boat. The lake can be crossed on 1 of the 2 causeways which traverse the lake. The Bai causeway (baiti) was named after the Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi (772-8461) and the willow tree lined Su causeway (suti) was named after Song dynasty poet Su Dong (1037-1101) .
Attractions to visit around West Lake include Gushan (The Solitary Hill), which has a rich collection of, cultural relics and is possibly one of the best places for viewing the lake scenery. Huxin Ting (Mid Lake Pavilion) has attractive grounds and is only accessible by boat. Boats can be hired at West lake and there are also passenger ferries.
Yellow Dragon Cave Park
(huang long dong)
Yellow Dragon Cave Park was built in 1985 at the Huangong Cave in the northern part of Qixia Hill. The park was built in the style of a park from the Song dynasty (960-1271). There are luxuriant bamboo groves, teahouses and the staff all wear costumes from the Song dynasty. There are also performances of traditional songs, Yue opera and folk music.
China Tea Museum
(zhongguo chaye bowuguan)
The China Tea Museum occupies an area of 3,100 sq meters in Longjing (Dragon Well) Village, which is a tea growing area south of the West Lake. The museum comprises 4 groups of buildings with displays outlining the traditions of growing tea south of the Yangzi River. Here you can learn about the history of tea, the best varieties and the etiquette of tea drinking in China.
The tea plantations are very picturesque and there are opportunities to pick tea and taste a fresh brew.
China Silk Museum
(zhongguo sichou bowuguan)
The China Silk Museum, located close to West Lake, specializes in the 5,000 year history of silk production in China. Covering an area of 10,000 sq meters, this national museum has collections and exhibits dedicated to all the processes involved in silk production from silkworms to weaving, printing and dyeing.
Wu San Market
(wu san sicheng)
Silk Market
(sichou shichang)
Everything you can imagine from silk, this is where you can buy it. (cheap!)
Porcelain Market
(taocipin shichang)
Handicrafts Market
(gongyipin shichang)
(lao jie)
This is a must see in Hangzhou, where an entire street is something out of an old Kung Fu movie, with lots of shops selling nick knacks and souvenirs at bargain prices. Tea-houses abound where you can sit back and absorb the oldie world atmosphere sipping a cup of Longjing tea or the equally famous JuHua Cha for a long and healthy life.
The Irish Pub
(ierlan jiu ba)
The Shamrock Bar Hangzhou: sure aren't we everywhere! Where can you go and not find an Irish pub, music and all.