Life of Tranquility: Hangzhou

My mom called me before I departed: “Are you going to Hangzhou in December? Well I don’t think you will enjoy the weather and views there.”

Emm…maybe she’s right. Because Hangzhou is in the southeast part of China, very near Shanghai, so you could expect the winter there would be windy/rainy, super cold (sometimes under zero celsius) but with very few snow. However, I didn’t have time to consider this cause my poor winter break just started a week before and Hangzhou, especially the Lingyin Temple has been on my travel Wishlist for over 5 years.

The Sights

I only visited a few sights this time so I couldn’t tell much about it but  I would strongly recommend you to chill at the Lake Xihu area. You got the most famous lake Xihu and  Lingyin Temple. And also you could enjoy the nature with some nice teahouses, bars and luxury hotels in this region.

The first time I noticed the Lingyin Temple was 5 years ago when I saw the print ads of Amanfayun, a luxury resort in Lingyin temple by Aman group. The resort reserves the Chinese and Buddha elements and it just looks like an old Chinese village. It’s the exact right place to slow me down and to be more “Zen” I think.

 

Near Lingyin Temple, there are some tea houses for you if you want to try the famous Longjing Tea from Hangzhou.

After visiting Lingyin Temple, just go down the mountain then you see the Lake Xihu.

The Hotels

There are so many good hotels in Hangzhou but here I just wanna recommend those successfully blend the Chinese culture into their service and design.

Amanfayun

A luxurious Aman resort reconstructed from an old village and located right next to the Lingyin Temple, attractive enough. The only problem is the location may not be that convenient, and, it is just EXPENSIVE 🙂

Four Seasons 

We struggled a lot between Four Seasons and Pins de la Brume before, and finally we decided to stay at PB and to take an afternoon tea at the garden of Four Seasons. I think it’s a right choice cause the garden in Four Seasons seems a little bit desolate in winter. However, if you are coming in summer or spring, I think the view here would be awesome 🙂

 

Pins de la Brume

Another French resort located near Lingyin Temple, it’s not that big compared to those two but I prefer its excellent location and environment.

Dashe

A local small hotel in Hangzhou’s old style. In the room you could see the bricks and the wooden beams just like the old buildings 200 years ago.

After all, it’s the end of 2015 and I want to thank you all for supporting my blog since May. Wish you all a very Merry Christmas and see you in 2016! 😀 (@Fashionmimo)

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