3、Hangzhou

As the old Chinese saying goes: "Above is heaven, below are Hangzhou (杭州) and Suzhou." Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Hangzhou each year, mainly attracted by the famous West Lake (Xi Hu) area with its placid waters, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, lavish temples and lakeside teahouses.

Founded 2,200 years ago Hangzhou is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The city began to prosper and flourish in the Tang Dynasty, and had its political heyday in the Southern Song Dynasty when it was China's capital.

There are many famous historical and cultural sites around West Lake including Solitary Hill, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Lin Yin Temple. Hangzhou is also well known for its silk and tea and a trip to the city can be easily combined with a visit to a tea plantation in the hills near the West Lake.