There’s a Chinese saying to the effect of “heaven above, Hangzhou on earth”, and there’s some justification for that boast. This is a most attractive, laid-back city. The West Lake area is very popular, for good reason, and you will find lots of folks strolling along the numerous paths surrounding the lake area.

The Buddhist temple on the hills above the lake is among the most amazing I’ve ever seen: an enormous smiling Buddha statue on one side of the soaring temple, and on the other, an amazing tall stone wall carved with dozens and dozens of figures. Fantastic spot and well worth a visit.

Stroll along the tree-lined boulevards, take a boat ride on the lake, visit the stone carvings near the temple – it’s all mellow, all beautiful, all good.