What to see and do in Hangzhou, China: from beautiful ancient sites to a jazz bar

The natural charm of Hangzhou in China was immortalized more than 1,000 years ago in the poems of Bai Juyi and Lin Bu, and it remains attractive to this day, even as the city has emerged as a center of innovation.

The West Lake, usually calm, was overcrowded. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, the freshwater lake is known for its manicured gardens, islands, pagodas and temples and is surrounded by lush green hills. It is classified as a 5A tourist attraction, the highest rating given to the most impressive attractions by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The lake measures about 3 km (1.9 mi) by 3 km and is oval in shape. During peak season, the journey can take up to an hour.

The 10th-century poet Lin Bu lived most of his final years as a hermit on Gushan, or Lonely Hill, the largest natural island in the lake. The 8th century poet Bai Juyi, who served as governor of Hangzhou, wrote in Lake in spring: “I can’t tear myself away from the beautiful Hangzhou, half of my heart beckons this lake.”