Hangzhou Travel Forum

We are planninga two day retreat from Shanghai to get out of smog and heat. Is Hangzhou a good retreat. Looking at Lakeview Hotel, looks good, has anyone stayed there? We are alsointerested in swimming in teh lake..is this possible near the hotel. Waht are the MUST SEES from teh locl point of view, we ill have been touring fro two weeks, so downtime and relaxation will be a priority. But, don't want to misss the MUST SEE'S. Thank you so much.

There're many other hotels around West Lake other than Lakeview, in various price ranges. Lakeview is rather dated and some of the cheapest rooms are quite claustrophobic.
No, it's NOT possible to swim in the lake!!!
Cycling around West Lake would be a good respite. Bicycles are easily rented around the area.
You can also wander and "get lost" in the Longjing tea hills to the west of West Lake.
Hefang Jie is quaint and worth a stroll, especially when it's lit up in the evening.
Lingyin Temple is probably one of the most worthwhile temples to visit in this region, so you shouldn't miss that as well.

Thank you for your help. Do you have suggestions for other hotesl around the lake?As we will only be there two days and will be coming by trin, loction is important. Thank youa gain!

What's your budget like? When would you be going?