Hong Garden
It is known for its kaleidoscope of colors all year around. Rapeseed flowers, maple, cornflowers, sunflowers and persimmon fruit paint the park a mix of yellow, orange, red and gold over the four seasons.
The garden is a part of Xixi Wetland. In history, the Hong family lived here since the Song Dynasty and flourished in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Many court officials came from this prestigious family. Today the garden still remains the family's ancestral halls and palaces.
After viewing the floral vista, visitors usually visit the retained Hui-style buildings and neighboring Wuchang Village, which features temples, a traditional Chinese opera theater and celebrities' memorial halls.
How to get there: Take Bus No. 83 and get off at Wuchang stop.
Shan Gou Gou
In Luniao Town, it is well known to tourists and locals for idyllic landscapes filled with lush vegetation, water, gullies and hills.
Shan Gou Gou means ravine and gully. Since it's not polluted, it attracts many fireflies in spring and summer. Family-run guesthouses provide food and accommodation.
How to get there: G60 Expressway — Raocheng Expressway — No. 104 National Road — Penggong Road
Shuangxi River
It offers a perfect course for lazy paddling, which runs through the flanked bamboo forests. It is broad, calm and clear enough to see fish and the riverbed below. Aquatic birds fly overhead or pick their way along the banks. Lush vegetation on either side helps keep the air fresh and provides a peaceful retreat.
There are tea plantations, dark green bamboo forests and hilly landscapes extending for kilometers along the paddling course.
How to get there: S14 Expressway — get off at Jingshan Exit
Tangqi Town
It is a great example of a traditional watertown in Jiangnan region. It is crisscrossed by the Grand Canal and tributaries, and flanked by black-roofed and white-wall olden houses.
Except for buildings, Tangqi has also preserved folklore over centuries. During Spring Festival, throngs of Hangzhou locals flock to Tangqi to experience centuries-old Chinese New Year customs. Local residents make handmade glutinous rice cakes and dumplings and hold temple fairs.
How to get there: Desheng Road — Qiushi Road — No. 320 National Road — Yunhe Road — Renmin Road
