Things to Do in Hangzhou

At a mere 2200 years old, Hangzhou is not only China's oldest city, but its distinctive beauty has attracted many, from emperors to famed Venetian traveler, Marco Polo who has hailed Hangzhou as - heaven on earth - It is best described as a shining pearl in southern China. Currently it is a place where you can find both serenity and excitement, both the joys of nature and the bustle of a modern city. It exhibits a perfect example of a unique combination of humanistic and natural scenery.. So Hangzhou is definitely the call for all those who want to bask in the ultimate ecstasy and delight. Once in Hangzhou the city offers you with multifarious options of things to do in Hangzhou . This city has its share of interesting sites, thriller theme parks, spectacular sporting events, and lovely parks that you don't want to miss on your trip. Visitors will find plenty to occupy them in the city , from sight seeing to exploring the night life , to go shopping and sampling other sources of entertainment and amusements.

Sight seeing and tourist attractions :

Hangzhou offers more sights and places to visit in such a small area, a week would be necessary to visit everything .The most preffered stop is a cruise across West Lake to experience peace and serenity like no place else in the Shanghai area. The boat ride begins at Fish & Flower Harbor, then you'll see such unforgettable scenery as the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Bai and Su Causeways and Solitary Hill. You can visit Guo Villa, one of the nicest garden villas in Hangzhou.. History aficionados will find the ancient Buddhist Lingyin Temple and Six Harmonies Pagoda, a national relic built in 970, on their list of favorite places. Museums such as the National Silk Museum and the Chinese Medicine Museum offer glimpses of the city's past and a fuller understanding of its present. Other top tourist attractions and best sight seeing places in Hangzhou are:
- Fei lai Feng
- Dragon well or Longzing tea village.
- Hangzhou botanical garden
- Peak that flew from Afar
- Solitary island
- Tiger spring.
- Xixi wetland.

Nightlife: The nightlife scene is also appealing, offering a network of intimate bars or lively discos. The dazzling night life of Hangzhou gives a good taste of the local culture. Good place for starting out is Hong Feng Jiu Ba, a place which offers something comparable to a western happy hour. From there, travellers who want to go bar hopping and check out the local bars of this city should check out Nanshan Road .If you want to let you hair down and groove your self to the the foot tapping music all night ,then check the top club of Hangzhou- Club Max, LA Disco or G Plus. Another good option is to go to the Paradise Rock bar if you prefer to lounge in a local bar & mingle with locals. By venturing out at night to the bars and clubs and mingling with the people who live in the area you would discover that Hangzhou nightlife is active & lively.

Shopping: Hangzhou is regarded as the - shoppers paradise - . Shopping venues abound, from the silk wholesale market known as Hangzhou Silk City to upscale shopping centers like Hangzhou Mansion Department Store. Travellers interested in combining shopping with education about the area should check out the Chinese National Silk Museum.

Annual Events : You really get a sense of Hangzhou by attending one of its homegrown annual events, when the locals put their best foot forward in welcoming guests and have a blast. From antique fairs to holiday galas, there is every possible thing , one can think of in annual events . Some Best Featured Selections are:

- China International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Festival
- Dragon Well Tea Festival
- Food Festival
- Hangzhou Lantern Festival
- Hangzhou Silk Cultural Festival
- New Year's Eve Bell Tolling
- West Lake Carnival .

With such array of activities, tourists attractions and source of amusements it really becomes difficult for the travellers to chose between such varied options .Hangzhou is truly a heaven on earth providing multifarious options to the travellers about things to do in Hangzhou.