The West Lake. (Photo provided to China Daily)
The hotel, almost smack in the middle of the CBD, is a stroll away from shopping areas and scenic spots such as Yuewang Temple. If you prefer getting around on two wheels rather than two feet, rental bike stations are ubiquitous.
Recently the hotel has been extensively refurbished and includes an indoor swimming pool, a gym and spa and two restaurants serving Hangzhou and international cuisine and French wines.
The decor blends Chinese and Western styles seamlessly, so after having devoured that Chinese food and French wine, admiring a painting of the moon over West Lake and one of the Eiffel Tower－both in the same suite－seems to be just as seamless an exercise.
Thirty minutes or so away by car from downtown Hangzhou is Lingyin Temple. It dates back 1,700 years and its traditional pagodas and Buddhist grottoes with religious rock carvings draw countless visitors. Many locals visit the temple as an act of religious veneration.
The Hall of 500 Arhats has that many bronze statues of Arhats, Buddhists who have attained Nirvana through rigorous discipline, in various appearances, expressions and postures.
