Beautiful scenes from the show ‘Impression West Lake’ 印象西湖

The beautiful outdoor show in HangZhou, ZheJiang province ...

Hangzhou, located in eastern China's Zhejiang province, is renowned for its picturesque West Lake, traditional tea culture, and historic sites. Here's a guide for tourists visiting Hangzhou:

West Lake and Scenic Areas:
West Lake (Xi Hu): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Hangzhou's natural beauty, with its serene waters, pagodas, gardens, and surrounding hills. Visitors can take boat cruises, stroll along the lakeside paths, or rent bicycles to explore the area.

Leifeng Pagoda: Situated on the southern shore of West Lake, this historic pagoda offers panoramic views of the lake and the city skyline.

Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul's Retreat): One of the most important Buddhist temples in China, Lingyin Temple features ancient rock carvings, serene courtyards, and a large statue of Buddha.

Xixi Wetland Park: Explore the tranquil waterways, traditional villages, and lush greenery of this scenic wetland park, located on the outskirts of Hangzhou.

Tea Culture:
Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Plantations: Hangzhou is famous for producing Longjing tea, one of China's most prized green teas. Visitors can tour the tea plantations in the nearby hills, learn about the tea-making process, and sample freshly brewed Longjing tea.

National Tea Museum: Learn about the history, cultivation, and cultural significance of tea in China at this informative museum located on the outskirts of Hangzhou.

Historic and Cultural Sites:
Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda): This ancient pagoda offers panoramic views of the Qiantang River and the surrounding countryside. It also houses a small museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts.

Hefang Street (Qinghefang Ancient Street): Stroll along this historic street lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and snack stalls selling local delicacies and handicrafts.

China National Silk Museum: Discover the art of silk production and the history of the silk trade in China at this museum, which features exhibits on silk weaving, dyeing techniques, and cultural artifacts.

Modern Attractions:
Hangzhou Grand Canal: Take a boat cruise along the Grand Canal, the world's longest and oldest canal, to admire the historic architecture and bustling waterfront scenes.

Hangzhou CBD (Central Business District): Explore the modern side of Hangzhou with its skyscrapers, shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Hangzhou has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, subways, and taxis. Bicycles and electric scooters are also popular options for getting around the city.

Weather: Hangzhou has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, damp winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English may not be widely spoken outside of tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic phrases or carry a translation app.

Hangzhou's blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities makes it a captivating destination for tourists. Whether you're exploring historic sites, indulging in tea culture, or simply enjoying the tranquility of West Lake, Hangzhou offers a memorable experience for visitors of all interests.

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The awesome and beautiful Summer Palace in BeiJing

With WestChinaGo ... With BeijingBuzzz ... With Ross ... With China Walking Tour ... With Chris ... Summer Palace Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the HaiDian district of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a royal garden and retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting There Location: 19 XinJianGongMen Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 4, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D. Alternatively, Line 10, Xiyuan Station, Exit C2. Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Summer Palace, including routes 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, and 584. Opening Hours April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 4:00 PM) November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 3:00 PM) Tickets April 1 to October 31: Entrance Fee: ¥30, Through Ticket (includes Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Hall): ¥60 November 1 to March 31: Entrance Fee: ¥20, Through Ticket: ¥50 Main Attractions The Summer Palace is rich with historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the main attractions: Kunming Lake: This large lake dominates the Summer Palace and is ideal for boating. It covers about three-quarters of the park's area. Longevity Hill: Standing 60 meters high, it provides excellent views of the lake and surrounding area. Important buildings such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense are located here. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A long, beautiful bridge that connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. Long Corridor: A 728-meter-long covered walkway decorated with intricate paintings, connecting the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Marble Boat. Marble Boat: A lakeside pavilion built from marble and wood, symbolizing stability and the enduring nature of the Qing Dynasty. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: The administrative center of the Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs. Suzhou Street: A charming area designed to resemble the canals and traditional shops of Suzhou, complete with waterways and bridges. Activities Visitors to the Summer Palace can engage in various activities: Boating: Rent a paddleboat or take a dragon boat tour on Kunming Lake. Walking and Hiking: Stroll along the scenic paths, the Long Corridor, or hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views. Photography: Capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and historical sites. Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Summer Palace. Dining and Refreshments Several cafes and snack stalls are available within the Summer Palace, offering light refreshments, drinks, and local snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can dine at restaurants near the park entrances. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is vast, and exploring it involves a lot of walking. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hotter months. Respect the Site: The Summer Palace is a cultural heritage site. Avoid touching artifacts, stay on marked paths, and do not litter. Plan Your Visit: Due to its size, plan which sections you want to visit in advance to make the most of your time. Nearby Attractions Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Located nearby, this former imperial garden offers ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore. Beijing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and Weiming Lake. Tsinghua University: Another top university in China, with an expansive and scenic campus. Conclusion The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent site rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, stunning architecture, or beautiful landscapes, the Summer Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.

A trip to QingHai 青海 province

Including the capital, XiNing, and QingHai Lake ...

The awesomely beautiful Summer Palace in BeiJing

With Beijing Old Liu ... Visitor guide to the Summer Palace in BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the Haidian District of BeiJing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a summer retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors. Renowned for its beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of BeiJing's top tourist attractions. Getting There Location: The Summer Palace is located in the northwest of BeiJing, about 15 kilometers from the city center. By Canal Boat: For a unique and scenic route, take a canal boat from the Purple Bamboo Park (ZiZhuYuan) or Beijing Zoo wharfs. The boat ride takes about an hour and provides a relaxing way to reach the Summer Palace, offering views of the city's waterways. By Subway: Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Beigongmen Station (Exit D), which is close to the North Palace Gate. By Bus: Several bus routes, including 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 394, 563, 584, 601, and 608, stop near the Summer Palace. By Taxi: A taxi ride from central BeiJing takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Entrance and Tickets Main Gates: The three main entrances are the East Palace Gate, the North Palace Gate, and the New Palace Gate (South Gate). Entrance Fee: The entrance fee varies by season. Generally, it ranges from 30 to 60 RMB. Combined tickets, including entry to special sites like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street, are also available. Opening Hours: The Summer Palace is open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March). Main Attractions Kunming Lake Kunming Lake covers approximately three-quarters of the Summer Palace area. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty and visit the South Lake Island. Longevity Hill Rising behind Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill is dotted with splendid halls, pavilions, and temples. Key sites include the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Sea of Wisdom Temple, and the Hall of Dispelling Clouds. Seventeen-Arch Bridge This iconic bridge connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. It is known for its unique design and the 544 stone lions carved on its railings. Long Corridor The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that stretches for 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake. It is adorned with thousands of beautiful paintings depicting Chinese legends and landscapes. Marble Boat The Marble Boat, also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease, is a lakeside pavilion made of marble. It symbolizes stability and is a unique and photogenic structure. Suzhou Street Suzhou Street is a charming area with shops and buildings designed to mimic the style of the famous water town of Suzhou. It offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese commerce and architecture. Activities and Experiences Boat Rides: Rent a paddle boat or take a dragon boat cruise on Kunming Lake for a relaxing and scenic experience. Photography: The Summer Palace offers countless picturesque spots, especially at dawn and dusk when the light is soft and golden. Walking and Hiking: Explore the numerous trails and paths around Longevity Hill and the lakeshore for a leisurely or invigorating hike. Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic in one of the many tranquil garden areas, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and historical architecture. Dining and Refreshments Palace Restaurants: There are several restaurants within the Summer Palace grounds offering traditional Chinese cuisine and snacks. Tea Houses: Enjoy a traditional tea experience at one of the tea houses overlooking Kunming Lake. Outside Dining: Numerous restaurants and cafes are located near the main entrances, offering a variety of dining options. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Various shops within the Summer Palace sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts, souvenirs, and books. Market Streets: Nearby shopping streets outside the palace offer local snacks, handicrafts, and other unique items. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the Summer Palace are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Plan Your Visit: The Summer Palace is vast, so plan your visit to focus on the main attractions you want to see. A map of the palace grounds can be very helpful. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hot summer months, as the extensive grounds require a lot of walking. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of cultural and historical sites. Avoid touching artifacts and follow posted signs and instructions. Conclusion The Summer Palace in BeiJing is a stunning testament to Chinese landscape gardening and imperial architecture. With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, it offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your visit and immerse yourself in the splendor of this magnificent heritage site.