Ticket price: 10 Yuan A Serene Temple Blending History and Nature Dating back to 936 AD, Faxi Temple is considered the birthplace of the Chinese belief in the White-robed Guanyin. Towering ancient trees shade the temple grounds, including a 500-year-old white magnolia tree from the Ming Dynasty. Its stunning contrast with the temple’s yellow walls and dark-tiled roofs creates a tranquil, picturesque scene—perfect for capturing the essence of Eastern aesthetics through your lens.

Ticket price: Free The World’s Only National-Level Museum Dedicated to Tea This unique museum—spanning two campuses (Shuangfeng and Longjing)—showcases China’s six major tea categories and global tea culture. Interactive exhibits like the multimedia installation “The Life of Tea” offer an engaging way to explore tea’s cultural journey. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, visitors can also stroll along the scenic “Twin Fragrance Paths” to learn how tea is cultivated, processed, and enjoyed in a serene natural setting.

Ticket price: Free The “Green Lung” of Hangzhou A beloved, free public park known for its fields of tulips (best viewed in March–April) and blooming cherry blossoms, set against flowing streams, wide lawns, and a charming windmill—creating a romantic, Dutch-style countryside atmosphere. With its ever-changing seasonal beauty—spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter stillness—it’s ideal for picnics, photography, and laid-back afternoons with locals.

Ticket price: 20 Yuan The Lavish Mansion of a Qing Dynasty Tycoon Dubbed the “Number One Mansion in Jiangnan,” this grand 5,815-square-meter estate was meticulously restored at a cost of over 600 million RMB. It’s a masterpiece of Huizhou architecture featuring rare zitan wood carvings, stained glass windows, an artificial cave, and the exquisite Zhiyuan Garden—earning it the nickname “Oriental Versailles.” Step inside for a compelling blend of history and design, as you trace the dramatic rise and fall of Hu Xueyan’s fortune. Don’t miss the Yufeng Tower—once the highest point in Hangzhou—for a panoramic garden view and a glimpse into the discreet elegance of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

Ticket price: Free A Living Cultural Street with a Southern Song Charm Cobblestone lanes and restored buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties host time-honored brands like Hu Qing Yu Tang (now a TCM museum) and Wangxingji Fan Shop. During the G20 Summit, this vibrant street welcomed the spouses of world leaders for cultural experiences. It’s also a paradise for local snacks—try traditional favorites like Dingsheng Cake, Congbao Hui (scallion pancake with fried dough), and Lotus Root Starch Soup. As lanterns light up in the evening, the street exudes even more charm. Visitors can visit workshops on traditional crafts such as paper cutting and clay figurine making, or shop for silk, Longjing tea, and other local specialties.