About The Port Of Hangzhou-Shanghai
Hangzhou sits inland along the lower reaches of the Qiantang River, its heart shaped by West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site framed by willow-lined causeways, arched bridges, and pagoda-topped hills. A sampan crossing reveals the lake's classical gardens and pavilions, while nearby Lingyin Temple, one of China's most storied Buddhist sites, draws visitors into a landscape of grottoes and carved cliffside statuary. The surrounding hills have long supported tea cultivation, and local farms offer a look at traditional processing methods tied to the region's centuries-old reputation for fine green tea.
From Hangzhou, the route continues overland to Shanghai, China's largest city and a hub of commerce and culture along the Yangtze Delta. The drive between the two cities takes travelers from lakeside tranquility to urban skyline, making Hangzhou a graceful counterpoint to Shanghai's fast-paced modernity. Comfortable walking shoes serve well for exploring West Lake's paths and temple grounds.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Hangzhou-Shanghai.
Cruise West Lake by Sampan
Glide past willow-lined causeways, arched bridges, and pavilion-dotted islets on a traditional flat-bottomed boat, the classic way to take in West Lake's UNESCO-listed scenery.
Explore Lingyin Temple
Wander one of China's oldest and wealthiest Buddhist temples, set among forested hills with grottoes and cliffside carvings dating back centuries; allow at least an hour to see the grounds properly.
Tour a Local Tea Farm
Watch artisans hand-process green tea leaves using methods passed down for generations, then sample a fresh brew straight from the hillside farms that made Hangzhou's tea famous.