Zhejiang in China offers a wide variety of landscapes and cultural attractions: Hangzhou’s West Lake and Qiandao Lake represent two distinct lake landscapes, while Yandang and Shenxianju are characterized by mountains, rocks and waterfalls. Historic places such as Liangzhu, Xitang and Wuzhen add to the range of options. When planning your trip, it helps to decide on your main focus first, rather than prematurely treating the individual places as one combined route.
Lakes and historic waterscapes
The cultural landscape of Hangzhou’s West Lake encompasses the lake and the hills that surround it on three sides. Its ten poetically named scenic areas have been regarded as embodiments of idealized classical landscapes since the Southern Song dynasty. Here, the water and surrounding hills together form the described landscape; its historical significance is also reflected in the names and traditional interpretations of the individual areas.
Qiandao Lake, also called the Xin’an River Reservoir, is an artificial lake. It was created by a hydroelectric dam on the Xin’an River. When the reservoir filled, hilltops remained as numerous islands. Those interested in how landscapes form will find a different story here than at West Lake: the islands are part of the history of the filled reservoir.
In Xitang, an old waterside landscape combines numerous bridges, narrow lanes and covered walkways. The old town encompasses extensive, well-preserved groups of traditional architecture, dating mainly from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Wuzhen also preserves a riverside landscape and traditional buildings. Both places thus represent a connection between water and historic architecture, although their distinctive features are described differently.
Mountain landscapes and religious heritage
The area around Mount Yandang covers 450 square kilometers. Its landscape includes volcanic rocks, deep valleys, steep peaks, caves and unusual rock formations. The mountain is also known for its impressive peaks, waterfalls and caves. More than 500 attractions are spread across eight major scenic areas.
Shenxianju is known for mountain landscapes with cliffs and waterfalls, and features numerous waterfalls and deep pools. Its name also has a traditional cultural connection: it dates back to an edict by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty, issued after he read the poet Li Bai’s prose, which describes the area as a dwelling place of deities. Plan to carry water and food in your backpack when visiting, as neither is available in the mountains. Check local supplies in advance, as conditions may change.
Mount Putuo is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains and has been regarded by Buddhists since ancient times as a sanctuary of the bodhisattva Guanyin. Its described features include lush trees, unusual rocks, temples and large inscriptions carved into stone. The Mount Putuo scenic resort can be reached by air, road or sea. If you are considering this access for your plans, check the specific connections for your travel dates.
Early history and waterways
The archaeological ruins of Liangzhu date to approximately 3300–2300 BCE. They provide evidence of an early regional state with a unified belief system based on rice cultivation. As an outstanding example of early urban civilization, Liangzhu is represented by earthen monuments, urban planning and a water-management system. Different burial practices also point to a social hierarchy. Liangzhu thus brings together archaeological traces of everyday life and the organization of an early society.
The Grand Canal extends from Beijing in the north to Zhejiang Province in the south. In the 13th century, it consisted of more than 2,000 kilometers of artificial waterways that connected five of China’s major river basins. The canal also remains an important transportation route today. Its historical extent and continuing function are two distinct aspects: the length of the waterways describes the original construction, while present-day use reflects its ongoing role in transportation.
Choosing where to stay
The attractions span different places and travel interests. So first consider whether your priority is lake landscapes, historic water towns, mountains or Buddhist cultural heritage. Then decide which places your trip will actually include, and check suitable connections and travel times before choosing accommodation. This way, your hotel search can focus on your specific interests without combining different landscapes and cultural sites into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Ningbo, Jiaxing, Wenzhou, Shaoxing, Taizhou, Jinhua, Lishui, Huzhou, Zhoushan, Yiwu, Quzhou, Hangzhou
For the broader travel overview: China.
