When summer hits Hangzhou, many locals flee to nearby hills, caves, and rivers to escape the stifling heat. But instead of fleeing the city, why not check out Hangzhou's hottest things to do this summer?
Cool Yourself with Lotus Flowers
It's summer, and the city's eye-catching lotus flowers are in full bloom around West Lake. Their beauty has been celebrated by poets and painters throughout the past millennium, and the best place to view them is at the Winding (Quyuan) Garden, where you will also see the Jiuqu Bridge zigzagging along a sea of lotus blossoms. The scene of green foliage and pinkish-red flowers set against a backdrop of verdant rolling hills evokes an ancient world adorned by China's ruling elite and academics. This scene, heralded as Breeze-Ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden (曲院风荷), is one of the Top Ten Scenes of West Lake. In such a poetic and picturesque setting, you can capture many a moment, and with the air saturated with fragrant aromas, romantic sensations are easily triggered. It's recommended to visit the place either in the morning or at dawn to avoid the crowds of tourists and, of course, the summer heat.
Shuangxi Bamboo Rafting
The Shuangxi River resembles an emerald ribbon dancing along dense bamboo forests. Featuring crystal-clear waters, numerous rapids, and a rich cultural heritage, Shuangxi Bamboo Rafting is known as Jiangnan's number-one rafting trail.
Fast and furious, you will ride through foaming waters and plunging waterfalls. The majority of the rafting runs through a very narrow gorge with sheer rock walls covered in ferns and other native plants, providing a truly stunning backdrop to this exciting tour. You will also sample tea culture, bamboo culture, water culture, agrarian culture, and Buddhist culture during this adventure.
Xianrengu Rafting
From Xianbaikeng Reservoir, this trail is the longest and most thrilling in Yuhang District. With a length of 3.6km, this waterway features mind-blowing 50m-high rapids and intoxicating scenery.