Four Charms of Zhejiang: A Journey Through Time and Space, Blending Zen and Everyday Life

Zhejiang, a land where poetic landscapes meet millennia-old culture, always has a scene to capture your heart. The following four destinations offer a blend of nature and culture, immersing you in the unique charm of Jiangnan and presenting you with a journey of depth.

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### **1. West Lake (Hangzhou)**

Synonymous with "paradise on earth," West Lake is beautiful in all seasons. Stroll along Su Causeway in spring to admire peach blossoms and willows, enjoy a boat ride on the lake in summer to watch the lotus shadows, climb Leifeng Pagoda in autumn for a panoramic view of the colorful foliage, and experience the unique tranquility of the Broken Bridge covered in residual snow in winter. We recommend renting a bicycle for a ride around the lake or taking a traditional wooden boat to explore lesser-known waters like Maojiabu, embracing the poetic beauty that is "always just right, whether lightly or heavily adorned." If you visit during the Lotus Festival in July and August, you can experience folk activities like picking lotus pods and savoring lotus-themed feasts. Don't miss Hangzhou specialties like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy and Dongpo Pork, while the Ding Sheng Cake and Cong Bao Hui on Hefang Street are the essence of street food.

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### **2. Wuzhen (Jiaxing)**

Known as "China's last remaining water town," Wuzhen offers two distinct experiences. The East Scenic Area preserves the original water town lifestyle, where the morning stone-paved streets and curling smoke create a sense of traveling back in time. The West Scenic Area's nightscape is a different kind of splendor, with shimmering lights and boat rides that feel like a journey through a thousand years. We suggest staying in a riverside guesthouse, where you can wake up to the ripples of passing boats. Enjoy local delicacies like Gusao Cakes and Sanbai Rice Wine with a cup of tea while relaxing under the covered walkways, experiencing the authentic slow-paced life of Jiangnan. If time permits, try tie-dyeing with indigo or attend a water town wedding performance to experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage.

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### **3. Mount Putuo (Zhoushan)**

This sacred Buddhist island is not only a place of worship for Guanyin but also a hidden paradise where mountains meet the sea. From the morning and evening bells of Puji Temple to the devout prayers offered beneath the statue of the South Sea Guanyin, every step is imbued with Zen. We recommend hiking the Xiangyun Road, shaded by ancient trees, and climbing to the top of Foding Mountain for a breathtaking view of the scattered islands. The Chaoyin Cave in the Purple Bamboo Forest and the Baibusha Beach showcase the magnificence of nature. The island's vegetarian cuisine features the "Three Treasures of Putuo" (Guanyin Cakes, seaweed, and Buddhist tea), which are both healthy and refreshing. To avoid the crowds, visit Luojia Mountain in the early morning or evening to enjoy the tranquility of this Buddhist sanctuary.

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### **4. Lu Xun Former Residence (Shaoxing)**

From the Hundred Plant Garden to the Three Flavors Study Room, the Shaoxing depicted in Lu Xun's writings comes to life. Stone-paved paths connect Lu Xun's former residence, ancestral home, and memorial hall, where the character "zao" (meaning "early") is still visible on his desk. Stroll along Cangqiao Straight Street, savor some fennel beans with a pot of warm yellow wine, and immerse yourself in the everyday scenes of Kong Yiji. The nearby Shen Garden is famous for the poem "Chai Tou Feng" by Lu You and Tang Wan, and a Yue opera performance during a night visit adds to the poignant atmosphere. If you have time, take a traditional wupeng boat to explore Anchang Ancient Town, where the aroma of sausages and preserved duck blends with the creaking of oars, creating an authentic Shaoxing experience. The beauty of Zhejiang lies in the elegance of ink painting and the warmth of everyday life. These four destinations are like four keys, opening doors to different eras.