Indulge in the charm of Hangzhou’s art and culture

A famous Chinese poem once said: “Above Is Heaven And Below is Suhang”. The word “Su” refers to the city of Suzhou and “Hang” refers to the city of Hangzhou, of which both are beautiful on par to heaven on earth.

Hangzhou is the capital and most populous city of Zhejiang province, China. It is located in the northeastern part of the province, sitting at the head of Hangzhou Bay, which separates Shanghai and Ningbo. Hangzhou is about 180 kilometers from Shanghai, which can be reached by high-speed train in just 45 minutes. Hangzhou, a major economic and e-Commerce hub, is steeped in rich history and beautiful nature.

The Ideal Lake, Landscape of the Future

Hangzhou is home to Xihu Lake or West Lake as a symbol located in the heart of the city. The lake is surrounded by hills on all three sides, while the other side is the city. This beautiful landscape has served as the inspiration for poets, artists and philosophers for thousands of years. Lake Xihu has influenced several landscape designs in other cities of China, Korea and Japan, because it represents the utopian ideals of human beings and nature blended together harmoniously – leading to Hangzhou recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2011.

Apart from being a beautiful lake city, Hangzhou is an important industrial city. Famed Venetian merchant and explorer Marco Polo once spoke of Hangzhou’s beauty and allure by saying, “It is without a doubt the finest and most splendid city in the world.” During the Silk Road era and its golden years, Hangzhou’s sea ports were full of merchants and sailors from across the continent. On the other hand, even though it is an ancient city, Hangzhou is considered one of China’s fastest-growing cities with the highest growth potential, a top financial center, and home to large global tech companies.

Ancient Architecture and Culture

Hangzhou is a destination for religious pilgrims. There is an old temple of the Buddhist Mahayana or the Lingyin Temple dating back over 1,600 years old. The temple is also the birthplace of the Chan Buddhist monk Daoji, better known as “Ji Gong”. Hangzhou is also famous for its tea leaves. Luscious tea plantations stretch over peaks within West Lake or Xihu Lake. Tea lovers from all over the country come to this place.

If you come to Hangzhou to visit Xihu Lake, Lingyin Temple and tea plantations – it is recommended that you visit Hangzhou Botanical Garden, a green research space in the heart of the city filled with a variety of plants. Also, don’t miss Hefang Old Street which features a collection of local food and ancient cultural sights that blend in with modern buildings.

Contemporary Times

Amidst thousands of years of history in Hangzhou, the city has evolved into a destination for young entrepreneurs. It has a plethora of contemporary pubs, bars and cafes that blend in with the city’s ancient vibe and greenery. There are many art galleries. The city is also home to the China Academy of Art, one of the best art schools in China. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit this destination.

Plan to visit Hangzhou? Fly to Shanghai with Thai Airways!