Top Hangzhou Hotels

The PEAK FLYING-FROM-AFAR opposite the Lingyin Temple should be ranked as one of the "must-see" in China. There are over 340 Buddhist statues carved into the hillside from five dynasties. This is also a great site for climbers. Fantastic!

This was my 3rd time in Hangzhou. Found it the best this time with all the construction works around the lake finally (mostly?) finished. No doubt HZ is a pretty place and we will definitely go back again. Had lunch at Lou Wai Lou (opposite our hotel) which was OK but not fantastic. Dinner at Jade Crystal, a restaurant located at Xihu Xintiendi, which is a new and must-see area for visitors. Recommend to shop at the state-owned silk museum/factory for upmarket scarves, blouse, quilt, etc, while cheap scarves, pajamas, underwear, etc can be found in Silk Street, which is only 15 minutes away by taxi from Shangri-La Hotel.

I highly recommend a day trip to Wuzhin, "the Venice of China". This town, built on a river and canals, offers an opportunity to see a traditional folk village with lots of antiquities (and the usual souvenir shops!).

Be sure to go to the silk market (actually north of where it is marked in the Lonely Planet book) and try the Peking Duck Restaurant, which is quite a production. You get great views and scenery and photo-ops all around the lake. We especially were amazed by the young couples getting their photos taken in rented wedding garb put on over their jeans!

On Nanshan road, opposite the west lake is a really lovely bar called Night and Day. It is just a really friendly nice bar, that has an excellent band.

A very beautiful place. Would recommend the Paradise Restaurant, excellent food and live music. Also if you go to the museum be sure to go to the old part which was a summer palace.

Hangzhou was by far the best city we visited in China (We went to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing as well). If you visit, make sure you stay at one of the hotels by the lake.<br> <br> We went to the silk shop which sells good quality silk, although a lot more expensive than the markets. We were informed that they were expensive but of TOP quality. If you are just looking for cheap silk scarfs to give away as souvenirs, visit the silk market and bargain HARD! It opens at around 4am!!! And shuts early. (I forgot the exact time).<br> <br> We got ripped off everytime we took a taxi, until we learned a fabulous tip from our local contacts - ALWAYS ASK FOR A RECEIPT. Since then we weren''t ripped off even once :) The taxis in Hangzhou are fabulous as they were all brand new! Always take the metallic green taxis, they are great!<br> <br> The best way to visit the whole lake with its beautifully paved path is via the mini ''train shuttle''. We had heaps of fun as we sat in the very back and travelled backwards! We also recommend taking the boat on the lake. Hangzhou is called the Venice of China and you will know why when you get there. If visiting in winter, wear extra clothes cos it was so cold I couldn''t even feel my thighs when I got off! (my fingers/ears were even worse off). Remember to bargain for the boat - a 1+ hour boat ride with 4 people cost us about 100RMB (no bargaining for the train). Other places to visit: The Thunder Peak Pagoda by the Westlake which has the legend of the Lady White Snake.<br> <br> We didn''t do much shopping except at night as we were busy (we were there on business). The night life is great and is found just 2 streets away from Overseas Chinese Hotel (ask the staff where to go). Be wary of the beggars as they come out to prowl at night near the hotel! They would shove roses on you then ask you for payment! We were chased by one who was determined for us to pay her, even though we threw the rose on the ground and ran hard! We found refuge at Haagen Daas. Mmmm...!

Hangzhou has changed a great deal since the last time I was there earlier this year. Whilst walking around, we can see a lot of regeneration of the inner city and the rise of new buildings. They have built a XianTianDi lookalike right by the lake which gives it the type of ambience which the Shanghai original lacks. Overall, we liked it a lot but try and avoid the weekends ''cause it''s packed! And the traffic will rival that of Beijing and Shanghai!

There is no need to join the tour offered by the train. Most tourist spots are easily accessible by bus.

Tour of west lake by bicycle is easy, cheap and very nice. Also worthy to have some hiking on the surrounding hills. To avoid in peak tourist times (May 1st, October 1st, Chinese New Year): too overcrowded. A very nice place for a week-end if you live in Shanghai (easy to reach by train from Shanghai Southern Station, well linked with subway).