Things to see in Hangzhou

Close to the southwest of the lake, this 60m-high (197ft) octagonal pagoda, first built in 960 CE, overlooks the Qiantang River. It once served as a lighthouse, and was supposed to have magical powers to halt the tidal bore, which still thunders up the river twice a month. Behind the pagoda stretches a charming walk through terraces dotted with shrines. Taking the bus from Nanshan Lu to get within walking distance to the pagoda.

Daily 0630-1730.

Yes

Located in leafy woods, on a hill overlooking the northern lakeshore, this splendid Taoist temple is peaceful, colourful and charming. The only Taoist temple in Zhejiang province, it features incense smoke drifting around the courtyards and ornate carved wooden facades, while its upturned grey slate roofs echo a China rapidly receding into history. That final point is a fitting metaphor for Ge Hong, the famous Chinese alchemist who resided here while he looked for immortality. He never found it, of course, though he lives on through a statue found inside the temple.

Daily 0730-1730.

Yes

This region was once the centre of China's silk industry and this museum, just south of the lake, charts the history of silk culture and the clothing products that helped make Hangzhou one of nation's wealthiest and most cultured cities. The story of silk unravels before your eyes with displays and historical context around China’s weaving, painting and embroidery techniques. The museum also welcomes a number of visiting exhibitions each year.

Mon 1200-1700, Tue-Sun 0900-1700.

No

The only museum in China dedicated to tea, this place charts all aspects of Chinese tea-tasting customs as well as the provenance and history of several of the nation's most famous infusions. Visitors will find a broad selection of tea pots and drinking vessels on display and can take in the manicured gardens and surrounding tea plantations too. Naturally, there’s an opportunity to try (and buy) some green tea as well. Take bus Y3 from West Lake.

Tue-Sun 0830-1630.

No

This museum, located on Gushan Island, in the northern section of West Lake, counts a collection of more than 100,000 cultural relics and pieces from across the province. Among the artefacts, visitors will find decorated pottery, some of the oldest varnished bowls in the world and a great number of objects made from jade. There is also a hall dedicated to the works of the celebrated Chinese painter, Huang Binhong.

Tue-Sun 0900-1700. Closing starts at 1630.

No

Set against the hillside across the road from Leifeng Pagoda, this peaceful Buddhist monastery houses a vast effigy of Sakyamuni in the main hall and, in an adjacent hall, a magnificent 1000-arm statue of Guanyin. It is said this is where the Japanese monk, Nampo Jōmyō, learned about Zen before returning to Kyoto with his newly discovered knowledge.

Daily 0630-1700.

Yes

Standing proud over the southern lakeshore is the octagonal, five-storey Leifeng Pagoda. Originally constructed in 975 CE by king of Wuyue, Qian Hongchu, to celebrate the birth of a son, the structure was completely rebuilt in 2002 after collapsing in 1924. However, the uncovered brick ruins of the original building are open for viewing. Climbing to the top floor yields fabulous views across the lake, islands, bridges and gardens, plus the sprawling city beyond.

Daily 0800-2030.

Yes