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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Looks totally amazing. Hangzhou definitely is a destination I’d like to visit rather sooner than later. The luxury hotels must be amazing 🙂
Author
Thank you, hope this review could help when you visit hangzhou! 😀
I’m sure it will. Thanks a lot 🙂
The colors look absolutely beautiful! The greens and the reds seem like Christmas!
Author
Thank you! Belated Merry Xmas 😀
Love Hangzhou, the quintessential Chinese Jiangnan. Your photos make me want to visit Hangzhou again.
Author
Thank you so much 🙂
Wishing you a very happy 2016! 🙂
Author
You too, have a great year ahead 😀
Thank you for the brief journey of a place I don’t know … and a Merry Christmas to you as well.
That looks beautiful! Maybe I will pay it a visit when I’m in China. Well done for wearing a kanken backpack, all cool kids do 😉
Author
Happy New Year! And YES I would recommend you to take a Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou trip if possible. I have another Kanken in mini size and that’s the coolest one hahah
We are going to Shanghai before we move on to Sichuan (where we will teach and live) sadly won’t have enough time to do Hangzhou, is that the west lake? Aw cute! What colour?
Author
Sichuan is also a nice place with lots of attractions, hope you enjoy! 😀
I might be asking you for advice and suggestions when I’m out there! 😉
Author
Sure! Though I haven’t been to Sichuan lol, I still have some friends from there 🙂 always welcome!
Lovely pictures! Haven’t visited Hangzhou in China yet but I’d love to someday. It looks beautiful!
xo, Lynna / howlynnaful
Author
Hope you enjoy the reading, thank you 😉
Yet another awesome post! Love the photos. Have an amazing 2016 and looking forward to your next post.
Author
Thank you sooooo much for appreciation! Have a great year ahead!
Truly oriental beauty!!! I’ve been to Hangzhou once and I loved it. Wonderful images!!
Vivienne X
Author
Thanks! 😉
What a beautiful trip!
Author
Thanks! xx
I love reading travel blogs that have pretty pictures of local scenery. Yours is one of those. Please travel more and upload more pictures hihi. Cheers.
Author
Hahaha I’m glad that you enjoyed reading my blog! Will work harder to earn my traveling expenses 😉