Hangzhou, China: The West Lake and a Dragon Well Tea Plantation
Marco Polo once called Hangzhou “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world,” and centuries of poets and artists have gone on to nickname it “Paradise on Earth.” After a few days wandering its shores, I understood exactly why.
The West Lake
Everything about Hangzhou seems to orbit its famous West Lake — widely considered the most beautiful lake in the country, and it’s easy to see why. My daytime hours here were quiet and serene: slow walks along the water, pagodas rising out of the mist, small boats drifting past like the whole city was in no hurry at all. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to set the camera down for a minute and just look (I didn’t, but I understood the impulse).
Come nightfall, downtown Hangzhou flips a switch entirely. The lakeside calm gives way to bright lights, packed shopping streets, sizzling food stalls, and more energy than I expected from a city known for its serenity. Quiet mornings and electric nights — Hangzhou somehow does both extremely well, and that contrast is exactly what I love to chase with my camera when I travel.
Dragon Well Tea at the Tea Plantation
One of the best afternoons of the whole trip was spent touring the number one tea plantation in the region and tasting — and admittedly buying way too much of — “Dragon Well” tea, widely considered the best green tea in China. Our guides walked us through the health benefits of green tea and even ran a small experiment so we could watch its antioxidant properties in action, which was as fascinating as it sounds if you’re a tea nerd like me.
Hangzhou has been described by poets and artists as “Paradise on Earth,” home to the West Lake, the most beautiful lake in the country.
I came home with a suitcase that smelled like a tea shop and a memory card full of misty lake mornings and glowing city nights. If a trip that mixes still water, centuries-old tea traditions, and neon-lit streets sounds like your kind of travel story, Hangzhou absolutely belongs on the list — and I’d love to help you tell yours, wherever it takes you next.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hangzhou, China worth visiting?
Yes — Hangzhou is home to the famous West Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in China, plus renowned Dragon Well tea plantations and a lively downtown, all in one trip.
What is Dragon Well tea?
Dragon Well (Longjing) tea is a prized green tea grown in the hills around Hangzhou, known for its delicate flavor and antioxidant benefits — you can tour the plantations and taste it fresh.
What’s the best time of day to visit the West Lake?
Mornings are the quietest and most serene time to walk the West Lake, while evenings bring downtown Hangzhou to life with shopping, food, and lights.
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