Hangzhou - Zhejiang Province

Described by Marco Polo as one of the most splendid cities in the world, Hangzhou was at one time fantastically prosperous. Unfortunately, first the Taiping Rebellion and later the Cultural Revolution have put paid to the majority of its fine buildings and historic temples. Nowadays the city is a fairly quiet, modern affair but most people come here for the sublime scenery around the glorious West Lake which has inspired poets & painters for generations and now inspires tourists, both Chinese and Western alike. A wonderful place to ride a bike, soak up the scenery or perhaps write your own verse!