China Silk Museum / 中国丝绸博物馆

This educational museum tells the fascinating story of silk - from silk worms to finished product (some exquisite exhibits are on display), with demonstration of traditional weaving techniques. Admission is free, and explanations in English are provided.

• Web:

  www.chinasilkmuseum.com

• Address:

  73-1 Yuhuang Shan Lu, Hangzhou

• Phone:

  +86 571 8703 5150

• Opening hours:

  9h - 17h

• Tickets:

  Free to the public

Chinese Medicine Museum / 胡庆余堂中药博物馆

Acquaint yourself with mysterious and rather exotic remedies collected in this authentic museum housed inside a traditional mansion right on the commercial Hefang street. Explore herbs and roots and see stuffed animals (some - a sight not for the faint of heart) used in traditional healing.

• Address:

  95 Dajing Alley, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou

• Phone:

  +86 571 8701 5379

• Opening hours:

  9h - 17h

• Tickets:

  5 RMB

Evening Bell at Nanping Hill / 南屏晚钟

In old times, the temple bell resounded throughout Nanping Hill every day, summoning to pray for good fortune at Jingci Temple. Emperor Kangxi once said that the temple rouses one into deep thoughtfulness, and today monks of Jingci Temple still adhere to their daily sutra-chanting and meditation.

• Address:

  Nanshan Lu, Nanping Hill, Hangzhou

• Opening hours:

  8h - 17h30

• More info:

  Across from Leifeng Pagoda

• Tickets:

  15 RMB

Fei Lai Feng & Lingyin Temple / 灵隐寺

Bring time to the serene Fei Lai Feng mountain park and marvel at the area's hundreds of Buddha stone carvings, surrounded by lush greenery and an indescribable tranquil atmosphere. Much of the walk will entail hiking uphill to Lingyin Temple, so bring comfortable shoes.

• Web:

  www.lingyinsi.org

• Address:

  Lingxi South Roadin, Xihu Distict, Hangzhou

• Opening hours:

  7h - 18h15

• More info:

  In the Lingyin area

• Tickets:

  75 RMB

Leifeng Pagoda / 雷峰塔

This 1,000-year old pagoda continues to capture the imagination of the Chinese for the legend behind it - one of captivity, magic and a triumph of good over evil. The top of the five-storey pagoda is accessible by lift and the view over the West Lake from here is truly amazing.

• Web:

  jing.leifengta.com

• Address:

  15 Nanshan Road, Hangzhou

• Phone:

  +86 571 8798 2111

• Opening hours:

  8h - 17h30

• Tickets:

  40 RMB

Longjing Tea Fields / 龙井茶园

To immerse yourself into China's age-old tea tradition, visit the Longjing Tea Fields (or any of the other tea fields further to the west). Longjing is an exquisite variety of tea native to the region, and visitors will get a chance to sample the noble drink during a tea ceremony.

• Address:

  141 Longjing Lu, Xihu District, Hangzhou Shi

• Opening hours:

  24/7

• Tickets:

  Free to the public