Zhejiang, located on the southeastern coast of China, is a province rich in history, cultural heritage, and a diverse range of scenic landscapes. From the poetic beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou to the ancient charm of Ningbo and the picturesque water towns, Zhejiang offers travelers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and modern convenience. This article introduces some of the province’s most famous attractions along with practical travel tips on weather, language, transportation, and safety.
一、 Top Tourist Attractions in Zhejiang
1. West Lake (Hangzhou)
Highlights: One of China’s most iconic lakes, famous for its poetic scenery and classical gardens. Don’t miss the “Ten Scenes of West Lake” like Broken Bridge in Snow, Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset, and Su Causeway in Spring.
Tip: Rent a boat to explore the lake, especially at sunset or during an evening cruise.
2. Wuzhen (Jiaxing)
Highlights: One of the six famous water towns in southern China, known for its riverside houses, arched bridges, and tranquil canals.
Tip: Wuzhen has two main areas—East and West. The West Scenic Zone is more developed with better facilities and is ideal for an overnight stay.
3. Thousand Islands Lake (Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou’s Chun’an County)
Highlights: Known for its over 1,000 islands dotting a crystal-clear lake. A major source of drinking water and natural beauty.
Tip: Consider a boat tour, cycling around the lake, or hiking in the surrounding areas.
4. Mount Putuo (Zhoushan)
Highlights: One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, often called the “Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea.”
Tip: It can get crowded during religious holidays—visit during weekdays for a more serene experience.
5.Yandang Mountain (Wenzhou)
Highlights: A national 5A scenic area known for its dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and peaks. One of China’s top ten famous mountains.
Tip: Wear proper hiking shoes—some trails are steep or slippery.
二、Practical Travel Advice
1. Climate & Best Time to Visit
Zhejiang has a subtropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons:
Spring (Mar–May): Mild and blooming, perfect for sightseeing.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid, ideal for water activities and mountain retreats.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Comfortable weather, ideal for travel.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but less crowded; some places offer serene winter views.
Tip: Avoid public holidays like National Day (Oct 1–7) and Labor Day (May 1–3) due to large crowds.
2. Language
Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken.
Local dialects (e.g., Wu dialect, Ningbo dialect) are common, but most people understand Mandarin.
English is spoken at some hotels and tourist services, but not as widespread as in tier-one cities.
Tip: Bring a translation app or a list of common phrases in Chinese for smoother communication.
3. Transportation
Rail: High-speed trains connect major cities like Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou.
Metro: Hangzhou and Ningbo have convenient subway systems.
Buses: Long-distance coaches connect towns and scenic areas at a low cost.
Ride-hailing: Apps like DiDi are widely used and affordable.
Biking: Hangzhou was one of the first cities to promote bike-sharing—great for exploring West Lake.
Tip: Use Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps for real-time navigation and transport routes.
4. Safety & Travel Cautions
Zhejiang is generally very safe for travelers.
Be cautious of pickpockets in busy areas like train stations and tourist hotspots.
Avoid undeveloped mountain areas or entering closed sections of trails.
Watch your step on rainy days, especially in hilly or stone-paved places.
In emergencies, dial 110 for police assistance.
三、Travel Essentials
Accommodation: Popular attractions have many hotels and boutique inns—book in advance, especially on weekends.
Payment: Mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted—even in small shops.
Food: Zhejiang cuisine tends to be mildly sweet and light in flavor. Local dishes include West Lake Vinegar Fish, Dongpo Pork, and Ningbo Tangyuan (sweet rice balls).
Shopping: Popular souvenirs include Hangzhou silk, Longjing tea, and Shaoxing yellow rice wine.
Eco-friendly tips: Bring your own reusable bottle, use e-tickets, and follow local conservation rules.
Summary
Zhejiang is a captivating destination where natural beauty meets rich cultural history. Whether you’re drawn to serene lakes, ancient towns, Buddhist temples, or coastal scenery, Zhejiang has something to offer for every type of traveler. With a bit of planning, an open mind, and a few local tips, you’re sure to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable trip.
