West Lake is the undisputed heart of Hangzhou. Enchanting gardens, pavilions, pagodas and temples create a magnificent landscape along the lake shore that keeps gardeners throughout China, Japan and Korea inspired. It also earned West Lake a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.
The lake is at its most magical early in the morning, when fog covers the hills and groups of Tai Chi devotees gather along the shore. Allow five hours to enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, or kick into higher gear and grab a bike. In spring, the elevated paths around the lake are framed by a canopy of peach and cherry blossoms. For the ultimate romantic outing head out on the water: book a candlelight dinner cruise or rent a rowboat and dock at one of the islets.