West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its natural beauty and classical Chinese landscape and is the highlight of Hangzhou. You can explore the renowned "Ten Scenes of West Lake," stroll around the lake, or enjoy a boat ride from popular piers such as Broken Bridge or Hubin Park. Given boats are involved, Theodore gives his seal of approval, having gone pretty much every year of his life. 

A must-see evening spectacle of light and water directed by filmmaker Zhang Yimou that combines music, dance and natural scenery. It's very easy to book tickets in advance online. Theodore was utterly mesmerised and surprisingly sat through the whole show which lasts about an hour. ​

​​​​​

​

Leifeng Pagoda sits on the southern shore of West Lake and is one of Hangzhou’s most iconic landmarks. You can climb up to get some great panoramic views of the lake and city. Theodore was too lazy on several occasions to go up there. 

​​

​

This is a touristy and crowded pedestrian street with a variety of shops selling local snacks, crafts and souvenirs. It's historically known for traditional medicine shops, including the Huqing Yutang Chinese Medicine Museum, where you can learn about traditional Chinese medicine. Theodore got bored of the museum but enjoyed the snacks. 

Lingyin Temple or "Temple of the Soul’s Retreat" is one of China’s oldest and prominent Buddhist temples with an enormous golden Buddha in the main hall. However, be prepared for lots of stone steps and uneven paths, which can make it challenging with a buggy or stroller. A baby carrier is a better option if you want to fully explore the temple grounds. We had to tag team with the stroller and Theodore was not happy to go all the way up. Lingyin Temple is right next door to the wedding venue. 

Just across from Lingyin Temple there are around 500 Buddhist carvings that date from the 10th to 14th centuries lining the riverbanks and hillsides in an area called Fei Lai Feng. It's located on the doorstep of Amanfayun, the wedding venue. Children will enjoy spotting the carvings tucked in the caves and rocks. Theodore was really naughty the day we visited and did not do any good spotting... 

​

​

Hangzhou is renowned for Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea and the wedding venue is surrounded by Longjing tea plantations. There are hiking trails and quiet family-run tea shops leading from Wengjiashan Village and Dragon Well Tea Village – two of the larger villages in the plantation area. 

Peaceful escape just outside central Hangzhou with shady paths through bamboo groves. Perfect for a relaxing stroll as it’s cool, quiet, and less crowded than other spots. Theodore loved exploring. A lovely nature break, especially if you’re pairing it with nearby tea plantations.

Wuzhen is an ancient water town about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, with stone bridges, canals, and traditional wooden buildings. There are lots of traditional artisan shops, tea houses and snacks and you can take a boat ride, or sip tea by the water. Laura went a bit OTT with the shopping here and got up-sold at every shop. It’s touristy but still worth the visit. Boats were involved so Theodore was very happy here. 

Xiaohe Zhijie is a picturesque historic street lined with beautifully preserved old houses, cafés, and boutique shops. It’s great for a stroll and a coffee break, but there’s quite a bit of shopping—not exactly thrilling for a two-year-old. Laura's funds were thankfully depleted by this point to do more spending. Theodore got a bit restless, but it’s a nice stop if you’re in the mood to browse.​​​

Named after Grant Su.. This is of course the reason we are having our wedding in Hangzhou. 

​

​

​

Hangzhou Botanical Gardens is a peaceful, green space perfect for families and a great spot for a picnic or a break from sightseeing. It’s stroller-friendly, quiet, and just a short walk from the tea plantations—ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

Last time we went to Hangzhou, Samuel, who is the designer for Laura's wedding dress, recommended she visit B1OCK. You’ll find up-and-coming local designer boutiques, cool cafés, and some indoor markets selling antique Chinese ceramics and trinkets on certain days. Also, there are clean baby changing areas here which is a plus!

​​​​

If you’re heading to Wuzhen, you can check out the Mu Xin Art Museum—a beautifully designed space dedicated to the work of writer, painter, and philosopher Mu Xin. Peaceful, thought-provoking, and architecturally stunning, it’s a cultural highlight of the town. 

​

​