Cover West Lake (Photo: Four Seasons Hangzhou)
West Lake (Photo: Four Seasons Hangzhou)
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From sailing down West lake to sipping a cup of Longjing tea, don’t miss these iconic experiences unique to Hangzhou
While Hangzhou may be first associated with the tranquil and serene West Lake, the capital of Zhejiang Province has so much more to offer—namely a myriad of delicacies, from vinegar fish to one of the most premium green teas in the market, Longjing tea.
During a recent trip for a collaboration between Jin Sha at Four Seasons Hangzhou and Hong Kong’s Forum Restaurant, our dining editor shares some of her top picks for things to eat and do while staying in the area, which is steeped in culture and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors and looking for an adventure or are on the hunt for your next best meal, we have you covered.
Read more: 6 popular bakeries beloved by Seoul locals
Above Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake
Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake
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Walk through the terraced hills of Longjingcun
Above Tea fields
Tea fields
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Longjingcun, or Dragon Well village, is the birthplace of Longjing green tea, one of the most premium teas to exist. If you’re a tea aficionado, a stroll through the terraced fields is a dream. Watch as locals handpick baby tea leaves and purchase fresh leaves from nearby shops.
Try West Lake vinegar fish, a local delicacy
Made with grass carp from West Lake, which gives the dish its name, this iconic Hangzhou delicacy features poached fish served alongside a glossy vinegar-based sauce, and can be found at most local restaurants. However, many chefs also have their own take on the traditional dish—during a collaboration between Jin Sha and Forum Restaurant, it is reimagined as a cold appetiser with sweet vinegar sauce and ginger.
Sail down West Lake
Above West Lake
West Lake
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Glide across West Lake with a cup of tea in hand and sightsee from the calm waters, surrounded by weeping willows and Mandarin ducks. Traditional wooden boats, manned by a local guide, can be found at Four Seasons Hangzhou for a more intimate experience, but larger cruises are also available for bigger groups.
See also: Island Fever: Canggu is officially Bali’s most exciting dining destination
Visit a tea house
Above Tea farmers
Tea farmers
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After trekking through tea plantations, a trip would not be complete without sipping a cup of Dragon Well tea. Whether at a traditional teahouse or alongside a meal, order a pot of the city’s most prized green tea and enjoy its grassy, nutty aroma. Many teahouses also pair the beverage with snacks, such as preserved fruit or seasonal pastries, to complement the tea.
End your trip with a meal at Jin Sha
Above Shanghainese braised pork with abalone in sweet soy sauce
Shanghainese braised pork with abalone in sweet soy sauce
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For refined Hangzhou cuisine, enjoy a meal at the stunning Jin Sha, located just next to West Lake. A personal standout dish is the Shanghainese braised pork, which is coated in a sweet soy sauce—the fatty meat bursts with juices and yields effortlessly upon bite.
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Credits
Images: Four Seasons Hangzhou
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
