Where is hangzhou in china

There's now a lift and an escalator to help visitors reach the top. The lush, green scenery around this tea village up in the hills southwest of West Lake makes for a wonderful break from the bustle of Hangzhou. Visitors can wander through the village and up into the tea plantations themselves.

During the spring, which is the best time to visit, straw-hatted workers can be seen picking the tea leaves by hand in the fields, and baskets of the fresh leaves are left out to dry in the sun back in the village. Nanjing offers a well-connected transportation system, including direct international flights.

Citizens of 53 countries transiting through Nanjing can use its hour visa-free policy to enjoy the city. We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

The water towns of eastern China near Shanghai are renowned for their pretty whitewashed houses, arched stone bridges and bustling canal-side streets…. It was once Japan that was famous for its high-speed train network, introducing the world to its Shinkansen, or bullet trains, way back in But while…. West Lake Hangzhou Lake. Lingyin Temple Hangzhou Buddhist Site. Longjing Tea Village Hangzhou Village. Jingci Temple Hangzhou Buddhist Site. Six Harmonies Pagoda Hangzhou Pagoda. Meanwhile, the National Tea Museum offers displays highlighting the history and techniques of tea making, as well as tea ceremonies.

Hangbang cai cuisine. Unlike dishes from northern China, which are heavy in sauces and spices, Hangzhou cuisine is mild but flavorful with a focus on fresh ingredients. You can't leave Hangzhou without trying its signature dish, Longjing shrimp, which combines the city's famous green tea with freshwater shrimp from local rivers.

The shrimps are peeled, seasoned, drained and marinated. Green tea leaves are quickly blanched in oil to bring out a hint of flavor, then the shrimps are fried in a wok. When the shrimps are nearly done, a spoonful of boiled green tea is ladled into the wok to enhance the aroma.

Among the best places to try this dish is restaurant 28 Hubin Road. Another celebrated restaurant serving local Hangbang cai dishes is Longjing Manor. Surrounded by tea plantations, it gained fame internationally when profiled by the New Yorker in Hangbang cai: The little-known Chinese cuisine everyone should try.

Mountain getaways. This sleek room resort is Hangzhou's latest mountain getaway. Looking for a quick city escape? About 40 kilometers away from Hangzhou's city center, Qiandai Resort sits on Jing Mountain -- another tea-growing center. With only 10 rooms, the resort isn't grand or luxurious but every detail has been thoughtfully designed. Built by local architecture firms, the sustainable resort harmoniously merges into the surrounding environment.

Rustic yet delicate, original but imaginative, the minimalist architecture is tasteful. All the wooden furniture, frames and ornaments were made from locally sourced timber or abandoned furniture.

Rocks and stones used in the walls and paths came from the building's original foundation and local stony country roads. The hotel can arrange pick-ups and drop-offs to and from Hangzhou's airport and railway station.

There's no website yet but staff speak English so foreign guests can call for reservations. Hangzhou is the city of silk. Its exquisite silk products have been sold domestically and internationally throughout its long history and have even been recognized by UNESCO.

Scarves are the city's most popular silk souvenir, highlighting its cutting-edge dyeing techniques. The industry leader is Wensli , a homegrown silk brand that's determined to become China's Hermes. In , Wensli was established by Shen Aiqin, whose family has been producing silk in Hangzhou since the Southern Song dynasty.

National and international leaders and dignities have worn the company's products on various occasions. You can also get a tailored dress or suit from Wansli's flagship store in Hangzhou Tower, a shopping center dominated by Western luxury brands.

Hangzhou is also home to China's National Silk Museum. Is Xinjiang the best-kept travel secret in China? Alibaba, the world's leading e-commerce group, is headquartered in founder Jack Ma's hometown, Hangzhou. It's single-handedly reshaped the city, once known for little more than natural scenery and cultural heritage. Following Alibaba's lead, Hangzhou has morphed into a high-tech metropolis, leading some to call it China's Silicon Valley.

Alipay -- Alibaba's mobile payment application -- has changed the way Chinese people shop. Hangzhou residents can easily get by without a wallet as the app allows them to pay bills with a simple swipe of their smart phones -- even at the smallest street restaurants and vegetable vendors. Hangzhou is a major center of Chan Buddhism in southern China and a popular destination for pilgrimages.

Among the top spots for Zen-seekers is Lingyin -- which means "soul's retreat. Even if you're not interested in the religion, the pagodas and pavilions, bridges and statues offer a sense of how Buddhism is woven into the landscape. Open daily, 7 a. Lingyin Temple; No. No coins, no red faces: Apps change Chinese attitudes to splitting bills. Hand fans. It takes more than 80 steps to make one of these detailed fans. It's said that tea, silk and hand fans are Hangzhou's three unparalleled gifts.

The most iconic fans are by Wang Xing Ji. Established in , this time-honored brand has charmed tourists and locals alike with its intricately designed fans. Sandalwood and black-paper styles are the most popular.

The black-paper fans were once used as imperial tributes.