-
Ancient City of Water Country
Diverse Liangzhu Part 1Let Wang Ningyuan, Director of the Scientific Archaeology Department at Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, show you how to view Liangzhu through an archaeologist's perspective.
-
1. Liangzhu Ancient City Site Park
Enter through the only land gate from 5,000 years ago to begin a pilgrimage through time. From city wall ruins, the power center at Mojiaoshan Platform, the highest-ranking Fanshan Royal Cemetery, to Zhishan Viewing Platform and experimental archaeology areathis journey through the ancient city is complete with both endless imagination from wilderness ruins and hands-on archaeological simulations and workshop experiences.
Daqiao Road, Pingyao Town, Yuhang District
85855300
09:00~17:00
60 yuan
-
-
2. Liangzhu Museum
Visit this archaeological site museum that integrates collection, research, exhibition, and promotion of Liangzhu culture to further experience Liangzhu civilization. Here you can view precious artifacts including jade, stone tools, pottery, and lacquered wooden items, while also learning about Liangzhu culture's past and present through various interactive experiences.
3.Laohuling Site Park
Explore the "newest exhibition board" of Liangzhu Ancient City at Laohuling Dam. The dam belongs to the valley high dam system of Liangzhu Ancient City's outer water conservation system and is currently the only site open to the public showing cross-sectional structure of the water system. The ancient people's diligence and wisdom are fully demonstrated through highlights such as using natural mountains to create spillways and building dams with collapse-resistant grass-wrapped mud.
-
Inside Meilizhou Park, Liangzhu Street
Open Tuesday to Sunday
88773875
Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00
Peng'an Road, Pingyao Town, Yuhang District
88531081
09:00~17:00
-
·Expert Insight·
"They made mud packages wrapped in reeds and grass, then stacked these packages horizontally and vertically. This was their common technique for building earthen platforms and embankments, which demonstrates the Liangzhu people's understanding and ability to utilize seasonal water level changes and plant material properties."
—Wang Ningyuan
-
·Tour Routes·
1. Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park
Reservations can be made through the "Liangzhu Ancient City" WeChat public account
-
Island of Culture
Diverse Liangzhu Part 2Explore the artistic spaces that have grown and flourished on this "beautiful islet" of Liangzhu.
-
1. Liangzhu Culture and Art Center
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando and nicknamed "The Big Roof," this center is surrounded by cherry blossom groves, creating an especially romantic atmosphere in spring. Besides the book-scented Xiao Library, it offers various exhibitions and regular art events for cultural enrichment.
150 meters northwest of the intersection of Binhe South Road and Yuniao
Road,
Yuhang District
Open Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays
88763685
Open from 10:00 to 21:00 from Tuesday to Sunday,
closed on
Monday.
-
-
2. Mengxi Garden
Known as "The Most Beautiful Courtyard in China's Jiangnan Region," it borrows scenery from Dongming Mountain to the north, features "Dream Lake" at its center, and is surrounded by fragrant rice fields, stone bridges, flowing water, and local residences, immersing visitors in a Jiangnan landscape. As a contemporary "functional" traditional Chinese courtyard garden, it complements the Liangzhu Ancient City ruins, demonstrating the continuation of China's 5,000-year civilization in modern society.
3. Hangzhou National Archive Library
Finally, visit the Hangzhou National Archive Library, also known as Wenrun Pavilion, featuring stunning celadon screens. The remaining quarried mountainside interweaves with pavilions, creating winding paths that capture the essence of Song Dynasty gardens. As a seed bank of Chinese civilization, the exhibition hall is divided into 5 areas, including Jiangnan publishing culture overview, Zhejiang historical and cultural figures exhibition, and digital displays, encompassing various historical and contemporary resources bearing the imprint of Chinese civilization.
-
Wenrun Road, Yuhang District
Admission: 80 yuan
13157111015
9:00-17:00
Wenrun Road, Yuhang District
09:00~17:00
88531081(Advance reservation required by phone or through "Hangzhou
National Archive Library" WeChat public account)
-
Tales of Nanping
Beyond West Lake Part 1Join Xi Xunqiang, a cliff inscription enthusiast, as we shift our gaze from the lake to the mountains to explore the historical stories of Nanping Mountain.
-
1. Xiaoyoutian Garden Ruins
On the southern slope of Nanping Mountain lies a little-known historical site. It was a private garden built by Wang Zhe'e of Hangzhou during the Qing Dynasty on the ruins of the Song Dynasty's Xingjiao Temple. It was Emperor Qianlong's favorite garden at West Lake. Within this relatively compact site, visitors can discover multiple cliff inscriptions dating from the Northern Song to Qing dynasties.
Nanping Mountain, West Lake District
-
-
2."Li Feng" Rock Inscription
On a small protruding hilltop, pushing aside branches and dried vines, one can see the characters "Li Feng" inscribed by Ruan Yuan of the Qing Dynasty. The two characters are written horizontally in clerical script, with a crack extending from the upper right corner to his signature. Ruan Yuan was not only accomplished in governance but also supervised the compilation of "Two Zhe Stone Inscriptions," which detailed cliff inscriptions in the Two Zhe region.
3.Lake-Viewing Pavilion Ruins
The highest point of Xiaoyoutian Garden was called the Lake-Viewing Pavilion. Standing on the ruins' platform overlooking West Lake, one can see Su Causeway lying like a swimming dragon on the lake's surface, surrounded by gentle distant mountains, offering a perfect view of Hangzhou's signature "three sides of clouded mountains, one side of city" landscape.
4. Emperor Qianlong's Imperial Poem
During his multiple southern tours, Emperor Qianlong visited this garden each time, leaving numerous poems. This poem "Visiting Xiaoyoutian Garden and Climbing to the Peak" was inscribed in 1765. Due to its high location, it escaped destruction by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom army when they occupied Hangzhou. The verse "Most beloved is Nanping's Xiaoyoutian, climbing the peak to view boundless expanse" reveals Qianlong's expansive mindset while gazing at the lakes and mountains from above. The original rubbing is now collected in the National Library.
-
Nanping Mountain, West Lake District
Nanping Mountain, West Lake District
Nanping Mountain, West Lake District
-
·Expert Insight·
"Stones last ten thousand years, and the inscribed words reveal true history."
—Xi Xunqiang
-
Solitary Hill Gentlemen
1. Baitang Hall
The main building you first encounter when entering the society displays the plaque "Xiling Seal Art Society" written by Wu Changshuo, the first president. Inside, exhibits showcase the lives of the four founding gentlemen and successive presidents.
Nanping Mountain, Xihu
District
Beyond West Lake Part 2Join Xu Jifeng, director of the "Xiling Seal Art Society" documentary, to explore the stories of Xiling and the essence of gentlemanly character on Solitary Hill.
-
2. Stone Friendship Pavilion
Beyond Baitang Hall, ascending the path, you'll spot a small pavilion. Built in 1912 at the suggestion of Ye Ming, one of the society's founders, the "Stone Friendship Pavilion" symbolizes "forming friendships through stone and metal." The pavilion's name is written in Wei-style calligraphy by society member Lai Shaoqi.
3·Yangxian Pavilion
Further up stands an exquisite traditional pavilion with flying eaves and bracket setsthe society's first building, Yangxian Pavilion. The round table inside bears the names of the four founding gentlemen and is considered the society's "guardian treasure."
4. Seal Spring
Soon a clear spring comes into view. The characters "Seal Spring" on the rock face beside it, written by early overseas member Nagao Kin, show Han Dynasty stele influence and symbolize the shared appreciation of stone inscriptions between China and Japan.
5·Dun'an
Built on the southern slope of Solitary Hill, it's named after Wu Yin's (one of the four founding gentlemen) courtesy name and was originally his family temple.
6. Yuele Tower
Near Dun'an stands a two-story building erected by Wu Yin in memory of his ancestor Ji Zha, who once visited Lu State to appreciate its rituals and music. A stone inscription on the east wall, collectively composed by society members, expresses admiration for gentlemanly virtues.
7. The Stone Chamber of the Three Elderlies in the Han Dynasty
The most culturally significant spring in the society, visited specially by Qing Dynasty scholar Yu Yue who inscribed the characters "Literary Spring."
8.Han Three Elders Stone Chamber
A few steps away, this chamber mimics the Wuyue Kingdom's Sutra-keeping Pagoda and houses an Eastern Han Dynasty stone tablet recording the birth dates, death dates, and names of three generations of ancestors from the Han Dynasty. It's acclaimed as "Eastern Zhejiang's First Ancient Stele."
9.Huayan Sutra Pagoda
Finally, reach this tall stone pagoda at the society's highest point, overlooking past and present. It was built under the supervision of Ding Ren, one of the society's founders.
-
·Additional Knowledge·
Ji Zha, Wu Yin's ancestor, was revered by Confucius as "the first gentleman of Jiangnan" and is known for the gentlemanly tale of "Ji Zi hanging up his sword."
-
Hidden Wonders
Beyond West Lake Part 3Journey into the mountains south of West Lake to experience the profound thousand-year-old art of cave sculptures.
-
1. Ciyun Ridge Sculptures
About 200 meters south along Ciyun Ridge's stone path, you'll find a traditional courtyard housing the Ciyun Ridge sculptures, known as the "Wuyue Kingdom's Treasure." These are the largest sculptures from Hangzhou's Five Dynasties Wuyue period. Built into the mountain are two niches of different sizes: the smaller Ksitigarbha niche features "Six Realms of Reincarnation" relief carvings on its lintel, while the larger Amitabha niche contains seven well-preserved statues despite their age.
TSouth slope of Yuhuang Mountain, Ciyun Ridge
-
-
2. Tianlong Temple Sculptures
Descending Ciyun Ridge, climb the steps right of Baiyun Temple in Baguatian, pass through Pine Gate to find the Tianlong Temple sculptures nestled in dense forest. Three nicheseast, center, and westwere carved into the mountainside in 965 CE by Wuyue King Qian Hongchu. Among the eleven Buddha statues, one Guanyin figure stands out for its graceful elegance. These weathered stone carvings tell of the temple's once-bustling past.
3. Three Caves of Mist and Clouds
Heading west to Stone House Ridge below Manjuelong, you'll find the Stone House Cave, one of the "Three Caves of Mist and Clouds." This spacious cave contains numerous Buddhist sculptures. Nearby Water Music Cave features unique rock formations and is famous for its mountain springs, while Misty Cloud Cave, named for its stalactites that sparkle like morning clouds in sunlight, contains naturally integrated cave sculptures. These three caves' rich sculptural heritage offers glimpses of the Wuyue Kingdom's Buddhist glory from a millennium ago.
4. Flying Peak Sculptures
Flying Peak, also known as "Vulture Peak," is a limestone mountain that seems to soar into the sky. Its bizarre rock formations house over 300 Buddha statues carved between the Five Dynasties and Yuan Dynasty periods, forming southeastern China's largest and most famous grotto art complex. Sculptures from different periods show varying themes and aesthetic styles, each exquisitely carved with unique spiritual charm, making them treasures of southern China's grotto art.
Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road
87968665
07:00~17:30
45 yuan
-
Southern foot of Yuhuang Mountain
Yanxia Ridge, South Peak
-
Buddhist Realm
Beyond West Lake Part 4Starting from Lingyin Temple, unveil a brilliant corner of Buddhism in southeastern China.
-
1. Lingyin Temple
Enter Lingyin Temple"Temple of Soul's Retreat"Hangzhou's most renowned ancient temple founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty by Indian monk Huili. The temple features magnificent halls arranged in perfect order, surrounded by towering trees and misty landscapes. Ancient Buddha statues, scripture pillars, and stone pagodas form its impressive cultural heritage. The latest trend here is obtaining an 18-bead bracelet to create an auspicious Buddhist connection.
No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road
87968665
07:00~17:30
30 yuan
-
-
2. Yongfu Temple
Not far from Lingyin Temple lies Yongfu Temple, also established by Master Huili. Hidden in the mountains, this lesser-known temple offers tranquility with mountain streams, stone paths, bamboo groves, and tea fields creating scenic views at every turn.
3. Fajing Temple
Master Huili not only built temples but also named this mountain range "Tianzhu" (India). The three ancient temples on Tianzhu Mountain are collectively known as the Three Tianzhu Temples. The first, Lower Tianzhu's Fajing Temple, offers otherworldly zen atmosphere away from Lingyin Temple's crowds. Though small, it's elegant, with its Medicine Buddha Hall being particularly distinctive.
4. Faxi Temple
After a brief stop at Middle Tianzhu's Fajing Temple, spend more time at Upper Tianzhu's Faxi Temple. Legend says it's one of Guanyin Bodhisattva's sanctuaries. Built along the mountainside, it's the largest of the three Tianzhu temples. Its 500-year-old magnolia tree, lantern strings hanging from eaves, and creative popular amulets attract many visitors seeking blessings.
-
No. 16 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road
87965671
07:00~17:30 (Flying Peak scenic area ticket required for entry)
No.66 Tianzhu Road
87979832
06:00~17:00
10 yuan
No.338 Tianzhu Road
87986176
06:00~18:00
10 yuan
-
Grand Canal Journey
1. Tangqi Ancient Town
Our first stop is Tangqi, a town that flourished because of the Grand Canal. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty, it became one of the wealthiest towns by the Ming and Qing Dynasties, leading the "Top Ten Famous Towns of Jiangnan." Here you can appreciate historical relics while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of waterfront markets. Connected corridors with curved and straight eaves link the entire town, where you can rest against the "Beauty's Backrest" to watch boats pass by.
Tangqi Ancient Town Scenic Area, Linping District
86375531
Living Heritage Part 1Professor Hua Fang, Director of Hangzhou Urban Development and Historical Preservation Research Institute, guides you through the thousand-year evolution of the Grand Canal.
-
2. Emperor Qianlong's Imperial Stele
Tangqi's prosperity was closely tied to the convenient grain transport and trade brought by the canal. During Emperor Qianlong's first southern tour, he visited Tangqi and left a five-meter-tall imperial stele praising Zhejiang's timely grain tribute. Water North Street, where the stele stands, houses century-old establishments including Huichang and Wang Yuanxing restaurants.
Tangqi Ancient Town Scenic Area, Linping District
3. Guangji Bridge
Walk across the only remaining seven-arch stone bridge on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, under which the thousand-year-old waterway still flows vibrantly. The ancient bridge was built with donations collected by Ming Dynasty monk Chen Shouqing, connecting the north and south banks.
Tangqi Ancient Town Scenic Area, Linping District
4. Gongchen Bridge
Taking a boat from Tangqi, you'll see another ancient bridgeGongchen Bridgenear the canal's end. This majestic three-arch camelback bridge with thin piers is the highest and longest stone arch bridge in Hangzhou, marking the southernmost point of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
Qiaonong Street, Gongshu District
5. Bridge West Historical Cultural District
Bridge West Street and Gongchen Bridge together witnessed the canal port's prosperity and the dawn of Hangzhou's modern industry. Today, it encompasses historical buildings, industrial heritage, museums, and intangible cultural heritage experiences. Since 2022, it has added the Grand Canal Digital Documentation Hall, Digital Image Gallery, and Zitan Museum, becoming a living chronicler of canal culture.
Bridge West Street, Gongshu District
-
·Expert Insight·
"The Grand Canal's uniqueness lies in being a large-scale linear living heritage. 'Living' means the canal isn't just a witness to history and culture; it remains active in our social life."
—Hua Fang
-
Eastern Zhejiang Canal Journey
Living Heritage Part 2Starting from Xixing, trace the ancient memories flowing through the Eastern Zhejiang Canal.
-
1. Xixing Ancient Town
Like Su Shi, stand at "Xixing Port" where the Eastern Zhejiang Canal begins, flowing through Shaoxing territory before entering the sea at Ningbo. At this former water transport hub, old docks and wharves tell stories of past water transportation, where countless scholars left their poems. Visit the Guotang Wharf Exhibition Hall to experience this unique cultural product of Xixing's canal heritage.
Xixing Street, Binjiang District
-
-
2. Jiangsi Park
The Eastern Zhejiang Canal flows through Xiaoshan City, where the urban section is called "City River." Jiangsi Temple, built during the Southern Dynasties, stands as a historical relic along the ancient canal. Legend says it was converted from the residence of Jiang Yan's son, a famous scholar of the Southern Dynasties. After renovation, it now houses the Eastern Zhejiang Canal Xiaoshan Exhibition Hall, using original halls and wing rooms as exhibition spaces to showcase water culture and thousand-year poetic heritage.
3. Xintang Ancient Towpath
After visiting the ancient temple, head to Xintang to see the ancient towpath. In ancient times, boats on the Eastern Zhejiang Canal were powered by oars, sails, or towmen pulling from the banks, requiring towpaths. Also known as Official Path or Canal Path, it was once the most distinctive watertown landscape in the Xiao-Shao region. This approximately 3-kilometer section is the only well-preserved "water official path" with water on both sides.
4. Yaqian Old Street
As the Eastern Zhejiang Canal meanders forward, it enters Shaoxing territory at Yaqian. The hundred-meter-long Yaqian Old Street is paved entirely with stone slabs. Buildings along the street maintain traditional brick-and-wood watertown residential architecture, with overlapping eaves creating a harmonious arrangement. The old street has developed cultural facilities including the Official River Cultural Station, Canal Exhibition Hall, and art exhibition spaces, becoming an artistic base rich in cultural heritage.
-
Jiangsi Road, Xiaoshan District
Near Heping Bridge, Xintang Street, Xiaoshan District
Yaqian Town, Xiaoshan District