Hangzhou

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Hangzhou

Hangzhou is an easy day trip from Shanghai, just 45 minutes by bullet train from Hongqiao Station. Hangzhou is the home of China's prized Longjing green tea, which you can taste at the China National Tea Museum. The city is also known for its temples and for beautiful West Lake, captured in countless photos and classical Chinese paintings. Lingyin Temple is one of China’s largest Buddhist temples, which dates back to the 4th century (although most of the buildings that visitors see today are contemporary reconstructions of Qing Dynasty structures). In front of the temple is the Feilai Feng grotto, with more than 300 rock reliefs of Buddha, some dating from the 10th century.

By Sophie Friedman , AFAR Local Expert

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Sophie Friedman

AFAR Local Expert

over 5 years ago

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is known for its many temples; as the home of longjing green tea, which is prized across China; and for beautiful West Lake. The loveliest way to see West Lake, the subject of countless classical Chinese paintings, is on a boat ride. Lingyin Temple is one of China’s largest Buddhist temples, which dates back to the 4th century (although most of the buildings visitors see today are contemporary reconstructions of Qing dynasty structures). In front of the temple is the Feilai Feng grotto, with more than 300 rock reliefs of Buddha, some dating from the 10th century.