Spring in China

Under the peach blossoms

We love exploring places inside of Shanghai, and outside of Shanghai.  Hangzhou is a beautiful destination 45 minutes on the speed train, (190 miles per hour!) southwest of Shanghai. The cost is about $12 per person per way. Shanghai's train system is incredible:  fast and cheap.

We left on a Friday evening and returned on Sunday night.  This weekend trip was well worth it.



 Hanghzhou has its roots in the Qin dynasty (221 BC).  In the 13th century, Marco Polo passed through, and described this city  as "one of the finest and most splendid cities in the world."

Biking across the lake on the Causeway

Moon gate in the Jingci Temple

Hangzhou is a big city of 6 million people, and the main tourist destination is its West Lake.(Xi Hu)  Miles of walking trails, around the lake and across the lake (causeways) abound.  Bike and boat riding are also very popular.

Sorry, Kaz, no kayaks!

Always dancing....

We enjoyed leaving 23 million people in Shanghai and finding room to breathe (clean air!) and relax.  When we have visitors in Shanghai, we'll be sure and take you to Hangzhou.

Weeping Willows line the canals

Classical Chinese beauty

Even in the rain, it's lovely

Jingci Temple, originally built in 954 AD

Better than fireworks!

Nightly water shows on lake

Next Up:  Cherry Blossoms in Japan, April 4-11

Have a Blessed Easter,

Ken and Jeanie