Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a beautiful space where residents and visitors come to relax among the huge variety of plant life. The garden was established in 1956 as a research base and as a place for quiet contemplation in the city. It isn't as busy as some of the city's other major parks because there is an entry fee. As a visitor, it's well worth the one-off payment.
Stroll down Yuquan Avenue and see magnolias, camellias and peach trees. In the summer, enjoy the pink and purple hues of the lotus flowers. If you are visiting in autumn, admire the rust-colored osmanthus flowers. It's commonplace in China to mix osmanthus flowers with black or green tea leaves as a drink. Be sure to try one of these brews while in the region.
Explore the Bamboo Garden, home to more than 150 varieties of bamboo. Here, you'll find the incredible damaozhu bamboo, which can grow 3 feet (1 metre) overnight. Visit the Medicinal Garden and breathe in the heady scents of herbs. Learn more about the Botanical Garden's array of species at the Plant Resources Museum located within the grounds.
In the Botany Appreciation Garden, stroll through the Lingfeng Tanmei, a collection of more than 5,000 plum trees. Visit during the spring to witness the trees in full pink blossom. Take a closer look at the plum petals, which are believed to symbolise happiness, joy, longevity, success and peace. In winter, snowflakes settle on the branches and shimmer in the sunlight.
Take a rest at one of the waterside pavilions and enjoy lunch, tea or coffee. During the summer, swing from one of the hammocks strung up under the shade of trees. After exploring the Botanical Garden, travel to the nearby Jade Spring to watch fish jump out of the crystal-clear waters.
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is open daily. The entry fee doesn't apply before 7 a.m. If you don't mind rising early, this is a quiet time of day to visit.
The easiest way to get to the garden is by bus from the centre of the city or by taxi.
