One of China’s cultural epicentres, Zhejiang province has earnt its prominent historical standing. The province was (and still is) the spawning ground for all types of artistic advancements: calligraphy, engineering, agriculture, poetry, gastronomy, literature and painting (any many more). The provincial capital city, Hangzhou, is one of the most visited in China: the volume of tourist-worthy sites here is impressive. Hangzhou can be very easily reached from Shanghai and this only adds to the appeal. If time permits, exploring the regions beyond Hangzhou are a rewarding experience. The dramatic nature and historical sites scattered throughout this province make for a true lesson in Chinese cultural-enlightenment.
Hangzhou
Let’s face it, Hangzhou is what a trip to Zhejiang province is all about for most people (and to be honest, that is understandable). Marco Polo himself labelled Hangzhou as the ‘City of Heaven’, and even went so far as to describe it as “without a doubt the finest and most splendid city in the world”. Well, what more could we possibly add to that?
The entire city is dissected by the Hangzhou Grand Canal: 1,764 kilometres (1,200 miles) long, this is the longest and greatest man-made waterway in the world (earning it a place in the UNESCO World Heritage List).
The West Lake basically encapsulates the beauty and ambience of Hangzhou. Not surprisingly, West Lake is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though stacked with tourist-alluring sites, Leifeng Tower during sunset may just be the most picturesque view.
A few kilometres away from West Lake, Xixi National Wetland Park is a fantastic combination of urban life, farming and culture. The city-central Lingyin Temple is a 1,700 year old Buddhist temple housing magnificent effigies: a must visit.
Head just outside of the urban area to the Thousand Island Lake, a huge man-made reservoir covering an area of 580 square kilometres (223 square miles). There are literally over one thousand islands here. Whether flexing some muscles with water sports, or just chilling, be sure to take in the view from above via cable car.
A favourite with Hangzhou locals, Damingshan Scenic Area boasts all the majestic scenery you would come to expect from the region. Impossibly deep caverns, spiralling mountain peaks, natural springs, waterfalls and lush meadows make for a pretty self-explanatory experience.
For the history geeks among us, Liangzhu Ancient City is a 5,300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site revealing an early regional state with a unified belief system based on rice cultivation in Late Neolithic China. These ruins are an outstanding example of early urban civilization expressed in urban planning and water conservation.
Zhoushan
China’s largest archipelago (made up of some 400 islands) is best known for the Putuo Mountain Scenic Area. A sacred Buddhist mountain, Putuo Mountain is a unique seaside Buddhist temple.
Jiaxing
With a history dating back over 2,000 years, Jiaxing has seen its fair share of activity. The water towns that are Wuzhen and Xitang are the undisputable highlights of the region. Retaining many of their original styles and features, the waterways, ancient residences, bridges and meandering stone roads of these towns are a photographers dream. A moonlit boat ride winding through the red-lantern-shimmering canals matches anything Venice can offer.
Huzhou
Northerly Huzhou is a small city known for its tea and calligraphy brushes. The regions main attractions are found within reach of the downtown area. Nanxun Ancient Town is a beautiful old town renowned for its elegant and exquisite gardens. The dense bamboo forests and charming villas of Moganshan make for a perfect retreat (as many urbanites have already discovered).
Shaoxing
Simple yet refined Shaoxing is the hometown of Chinese yellow wine: a fragrant rice wine used in traditional Chinese cooking. Variously referred to as the ‘City of Bridges’, ‘City of Calligraphy’, ‘City of Tea’ and ‘City of Scholars’ (did we miss anything!), Shaoxing is also the hometown of one of China’s most famous authors, Lu Xun – and no visit to the region is complete without a visit to Lu Xun’s Former Residence. But perhaps Shaoxing’s most famous attraction is the Shaoxing Keyan Scenic Area and the impressive stone Buddhas it houses.
Taizhou
Home to some truly magnificent natural scenery, Taizhou is also the birthplace of the Tendai School of Buddhism (the first sect of Buddhism in China). The national parks in this region are unmissable. Shenxianju Scenic Area is a large-scale volcanic show of natures might (peaks, cliffs, streams, waterfalls and all). The Taizhou Qiongtai Xiangu Scenic Resort is a beautiful collection of lakes and rivers.
Ningbo
Most visitors to the province will skip over Ningbo, but for those willing to make the effort, the city is home to some worthwhile curiosities. Ningbo was once a prosperous port city, and these bygone port city vibes live on through the pleasant mix of Chinese and western architectural styles on show across the city’s riverbanks. The Tianyi Pavilion Museum may well be the must-see here. Tianyi Pavilion Museum is one of the oldest private libraries in the world, and here you will find one of the greatest book collections in China. The museum is also home to an impressive Mahjong gallery (a great place to learn about the origins and development of China’s favourite pastime).
The waterfall-rich mountain landscape that is the Xikou Scenic Area is home to one of China’s most famous Buddhist mountains: Xuedou.
Lishui
With over 80% of the region covered by rainforest, Lishui is a real natural sanctuary. The area is also home to more than three and a half thousand mountain peaks with an altitude of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). There are also a number of historical sites in the region, including cultural relics from the late Neolithic period. Begin a tour of the area with the Yunhe Rice Terraces: one of the largest terraces in eastern China. Early May to late June is a great time to see the mirror-like flooded pools.
Be sure to head over to the Guyan Huaxiang Scenic Area in Dagangtou. The small town that is in Dagangtou is known as the “painting town”, due to the many art colleges which have chosen the town as a base. To fully take in the nature on offer in Lishui, pay a visit to the Xiandu Scenic Area.
Wenzhou
An affluent port city, Wenzhou is famed throughout China for its historically mercantile populace. Downton Wenzhou is an impressive blend of modern steel structures and lush mountain backdrops. If you make the journey to Wenzhou, be sure to trek amongst the jagged peaks, age-old stone pillars and magnificent stone walls of Yandang Mountain.
Quzhou
A famed cultural city with a history spanning more than 1,800 years, Quzhou is home to many hidden treasures, including the Nanzong Confucius Temple (one of only two Confucian temples in China that belong to the descendants of Confucius himself). Encircled by mountains, Nianbadu Ancient Town is home to an impressive range of cultural attractions and ancient architectural styles. For a spectacular display of natures beauty, do not miss the Jianglang Mountain Scenic Area. Three unmissable enormous rocky peaks dominate the skyline here. For those more fitter-types among us, brave the near-vertical trail to reach the top of the mountain.
