Hangzhou Cycling: History Meets Street Life

Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) – Founded in AD 328, this ancient Zen temple blends Eastern Jin spirituality with Ming-Qing architecture. The nearby Feilai Peak features 300+ Buddhist stone carvings, including the famous Laughing Maitreya from the Song Dynasty. China National Tea Museum (中国茶博物馆) – Set among tea fields and bamboo groves, the museum highlights 5,000 years of tea history, with a focus on Longjing tea. Its curved rooftops and natural setting reflect traditional harmony with nature. Taizi Bay Park (太子湾公园) – Once a royal garden in the Southern Song Dynasty, now a seasonal favorite with cherry blossoms, tulips, and golden ginkgo trees. Designed with both Chinese and Western landscape styles. Hefang Street (河坊街) – A lively historic street dating back to the Southern Song era, filled with old pharmacies, silk shops, and traditional crafts. Its architecture reflects classic Jiangnan water-town charm. Practical Info: • Cycling distance: ~14 km, mostly flat and shaded • Entrance fees: Lingyin Temple 75 yuan; others free • Note: Tickets, transportation, and meals are at your expense.