Hangzhou

West Lake is the transformation of Chinese ancient beauty, Xi Shi, always amazingly endearing, whether richly made up or lightly so (By Su Dong-Po, Northern Song Dynasty). No wonder Marco Polo praised Hangzhou as "the finest and most splendid city in the world." Indeed, "In heaven, there is paradise; on earth, there is Hangzhou."

West Lake – As the focal point of visiting Hangzhou, West Lake has always been able to inspire the best works from poets and other writers for centuries. Take a sampan ride on the charming lake and immerse in the surrounding beauty of a quiet morning. Then, explore the landscaped islands and stroll along winding paths lined with blossoms and bamboo trees. You can visit the ancient pavilions, temples and pagodas on the tiny islands dotting the lake. Spend some time soaking up the atmosphere, by sipping Longjing Tea at a lakeside tea house!

Lingyin Temple – Also known as Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Lingyin Temple is still one of the most active and religious Buddhist monasteries in China. Local people worship here on the first day of the Lunar New Year hoping the Buddha will bring them luck, fortune and health for the upcoming year. There are two main halls in the temple complex. Inside the Four Major Protectors Hall sits 200-year-old Maitreya Buddha (Laughing Buddha). In the Great Buddha Hall stands Sakyamuni Statue, along with a group sculpture with over 150 images. “The Peak Flown from Afar” is right outside the courtyard. There are more than 300 stone carvings vividly depicting Buddhism figures. This is among the most important group of stone carvings south of the Yangtze River.

Longjing Tea Village & Plantation – It isn’t a trip to Hangzhou unless you make a stop at a Longjing tea village. The greenish villages are hidden in luxuriant tea trees and surrounded by little streams. During misty days, the tea plantations are covered with a soft layer of dew and clouds, creating picturesque scenes usually only found in fairy tales. This prime environment also produces the world famous Dragon Well Tea. There are several different tea villages near Hangzhou, though all have very remarkable scenery. Enjoy the breathtaking view, fresh air and hospitality of the local farmers. You can also hike at the tea plantation to observe the growth and production of Dragon Well Tea. Don’t forget to request tea tasting!