Hangzhou

The Grand Canal in China is the largest man-made canal in the world, eclipsing the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal. It once ran from Hangzhou all the way to Beijing, covering a stunning 1,115 miles (1,794 km). The canal played a vital role in Chinese history, not just as a trade route for the transportation of foods and goods, but also as a military asset, and an important cultural and economic link between the north and the south of the country. Unfortunately, today the only section of this 2,000-year-old waterway that is still functioning and navigable is the route from Hangzhou to Jining. The Grand Canal was built section by section over many centuries but the majority of it was developed during the Sui Dynasty, around the 7th century, as a major transportation development. Today it is used mainly for water diversion and tourism. Boat trips along the Grand Canal are a popular way to see scenic river towns in southern China, with many beautiful views and some attractive bridges and old buildings on the riverbanks. It is also lovely to walk or cycle along the canal through central Hangzhou.

The Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is one of the top 10 most famous Buddhist temples in China, and it consistently ranks even higher when voted on by tourists who have been there. It was built in 326 AD, at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, and in its heyday housed around 3,000 monks. Today, it is still one of the largest and wealthiest temples in China and is situated in the breathtaking Lingyin-Felai Feng Scenic Area.The walkway to the temple, which winds through a beautiful forested area, is strewn with hidden grottos, alcoves and sculptures and this collection of ancient art work is a highlight for visitors. The Laughing Buddha sculpture, jovial and beautifully carved, is particularly beloved. The temple's name can be translated as Temple of the Soul's Retreat, or Temple of Inspired Seclusion, both of which aptly illustrate the wondrous atmosphere, and its situation in a lovely wilderness area.Although you can view the famous statues carved into the mountain by gaining admission to the scenic area, the Lingyin Temple complex is definitely worth exploring. One of the many treasures Lingyin displays is a Sakyamuni statue 82 feet (24.8m) tall, which is one of the largest wooden statues in China, and has been covered in gold leaf. The temple also stores an important collection of Buddhist literature that makes it popular with scholars.

Address : 1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Xihu District

Website : www.lingyinsi.org

Telephone : 0571 8796 8665

An area famed for its natural beauty, West Lake in Hangzhou is, in many ways, the landscape most representative of ancient China due to its immortalisation in art. This is where visitors will recognise those dainty 'willow pattern' scenes of waterscapes, bridges, and gardens. The lake itself is sheltered on three sides by mountains where travellers can truly feel that they have escaped the city.West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of historical points of interest, including the various temples, pagodas, and museums. Visitors can easily hire a boat to take them to the islands in the centre of the lake, which is a lovely way to view the area. Many visitors hire bicycles and ride all the way around West Lake, a trip of about six miles (10km) depending on which route is taken.There are so many things to see and do in West Lake that visitors will need at least a day to explore. Famous scenic spots worth seeking out include Broken Bridge (the most romantic spot in West Lake), Su Causeway, Crooked Courtyard and Flower Pond.