西湖周围令人不可思议的地方

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For most people coming to Hangzhou, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the West Lake, which is picturesque throughout the year. But please do not leave in a hurry after visiting the lake as there are many hidden gems around it, which are beautiful and tranquil and well worth exploring. Today, follow me to check them out!

Huiyin Goryeo Temple 慧因高丽寺
Address: (Close to Bapanling Road) No. 149-1, Santaishan Road 三台山路149-1号 (近八盘岭路)



It is a small secret place hidden not far from the west of Santaishan Road. Built in 927, the temple was originally called Huiyin Temple. In 1085, Monk Yitian, a prince of the Goryeo Kingdom, travelled all the way to the temple to seek Dharma. He donated a lot of sutras and funds to the temple and made it very famous. Thus, it is commonly known as Goryeo Temple.



Although the temple itself is not officially approved as a cultural relic, it is rich in cultural heritage and has the historical mission of continuing to carry forward and witness the development of Buddhist culture in a contemporary spirit, and is a tourist attraction that showcases in-depth Buddhist culture.

Unlike Lingyin Temple and the three Tianzhu temples which are often bustling with visitors, the temple is very quiet. The ancient Song-style buildings seem to be nestled in the middle of a dense forest, with light yellow walls, dark grey tiles and creepers intertwined. The bell tower, the main hall and the courtyard... They all seem to be growing out of the trees. If you are lucky, you can even meet some squirrels living in these tall trees!



Mulan Mountain Tea Garden 木兰山茶园
Address: No.2 Yugu Road 玉古路2号



Just opposite the south gate of Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Mulan Mountain Tea Garden is an area that few people have ventured into, except for locals. Choose a small path at will, and enjoy the tranquility all to yourself. Walking in the woodland leading to nature, you can feel the fresh aromas of plants coming directly to your face.



Compared to the attractions inside the botanical garden such as Jade Spring and Han Meilin Art Museum, which are often packed with tourists, the tea garden is much quieter and the plants there are growing more freely.



Mituo Temple Park 弥陀寺公园
Address: No. 53 Mituosi Road 弥陀寺路53号

This lesser-known temple in the center of the city is quite an interesting place. Mituosi Lane is neat and clean, and further inside it is full of surprises.



There are white walls, dark grey tiles, carved beams and painted pillars, and it houses some special intangible cultural heritage such as Xizi needlecraft artwork and woodblock printing. This is a form of cultural expression handed down from generation to generation, and also represents the pride of a nation.


Qingzhiwu 青芝坞
Address: No.61 Yugu Road 玉古路61号



In the southwest direction not far from Mituo Temple, there is a place named Qingzhiwu which is full of local flavors and characterized by the stylish guesthouses and restaurants there. 



You may have heard about the famous West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼) and Longjing Tea Shrimp (龙井虾仁), but “Hang Er Feng” (杭儿风) have come to many featured kitchens. Local people in Hangzhou are known for loving to do the same thing that others have done. This phenomenon is known in local dialect as “Hang Er Feng.” When you are in Qingzhiwu, you must try the Lotus Puff Pastry and Huadiao Wine Crab and let the gourmet satisfy your discerning palates.



Lingshan Fengqing Town 灵山风情小镇
Address: Lingshan Scenic Area, Shuangpu Town 双浦镇灵山风景区

All the fantasies for the poetic and picturesque Jiangnan can be fulfilled in Lingshan Fengqing Town. There is also the only geological cave in Hangzhou, Lingshan Cave, which is full of strange rocks that have been formed naturally through many years. And you can also ride a horse here!