Boat meditation on West Lake, tai chi classes, lush gardens, royal feasts and much more await at charming Hangzhou
If you like pristine lakes, ancient pagodas and stunning natural beauty, you’ll like Hangzhou.
Known as the cultural capital of Zhejiang province in China, the city is home to West Lake, a Unesco world heritage site—with water that sparkles like diamonds in the sun, lush flora and ancient bridges and pagodas—that inspired Su Shi, a poet from the Song dynasty, and the Chinese folktale of The Legend of the White Snake, which dates back to the reign of the Qianlong Emperor.
Given the city’s natural charms and rich cultural history, it’s no surprise that thousands of visitors flock to Hangzhou every year. And those looking for a full experience of the city’s attractions might want to check into Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, which recently combined luxury accommodations with cultural activities that will please all the senses.
Last month, Tatler was invited to stay for a few days and here is what stood out from our visit.
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First impressions
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, which is a 45-minute ride from the airport, is only a short walk from the very popular West Lake, but it’s tucked away behind greenery, which immediately evokes a feeling of peaceful seclusion. As the car arrives at the hotel, the stone lions at the entrance, traditional tiled roof and the cream-coloured façade pull you in and shut out the city’s hustle and bustle.
Walking into the hotel is like travelling back in time to a royal palace in China—but with a modern twist. The reception hall is full of handcrafted wooden furniture built using a beautiful interlocking beams technique and the spiral chandelier hanging from the ceiling gives the space a refreshing and brighter look. Just as refreshing is how speedy the check-in was, and soon I was entering my room on the second floor, which comes with a balcony that overlooks the colourful garden. I took a moment to enjoy a cup of jasmine tea on the balcony, and relaxed to the sound of birds and rustling leaves.
Exploring the hotel felt like wandering in a maze. Its layout is inspired by traditional Chinese courtyards and feng shui philosophy, and the 81 rooms and suites—spread over two storeys—are all connected by corridors arranged in a symmetrical design. The garden and lagoon that sits at the heart of the hotel is full of bridges, streams and artificial waterfalls that make the landscape look like it’s straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.