Home to China's first wetland park, Hangzhou is an ideal destination to escape a busy working life, where people can enjoy relaxed strolls and practice tai chi by West Lake, go for blood-pumping hikes in the mountains and embrace the breathtaking views of the bamboo forests.
HANGZHOU, CHINA – As part of its ongoing efforts to introduce the world to what Marco Polo once called “The finest and most splendid city in the world,” the Hangzhou Tourism Commission has hosted a Blogger Media Tour in Hangzhou, China, during which ABC travel correspondent Stephanie Oswald, former anchor of CNN‘s Travel Now, Emmy-winning producer and co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelgirl introduced the charms and balanced lifestyle of the inspiring destination to a group of US bloggers.
Oswald took an immersive tour of Hangzhou in order to experience the city’s unique landscape and cultural activities before she spoke with Top Buzz, Hype Magazine, Tosh Patterson, Candace Rose and LA Story from the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, a Travel+Leisure 2017 World’s Best Hotel. During her sessions she guided them through Hangzhou’s iconic natural and cultural attractions including West Lake, Lingyin Temple and its collection of museums.
“Western media often depict the stereotypical image of China being a heavily-polluted country, but during my stay in Hangzhou, I didn’t see dirty streets, muddy air or a damaged environment; on the contrary, I adored natural sights like the Xixi Wetland. It was fascinating to see all the grey egrets, wild fishes and crabs and the beautiful reed marshes,” Oswald said.
Home to China’s first wetland park, Hangzhou is an ideal destination to escape a busy working life, where people can enjoy relaxed strolls and practice tai chi by West Lake, go for blood-pumping hikes in the mountains and embrace the breathtaking views of the bamboo forests. “The beauty of Hangzhou changes with each season; you can enjoy exclusive views like the whispering willows in the spring and ancient bridges decorated with winter snow,” said Oswald.
The city’s rich culinary traditions also correspond with the four seasons, like enjoying Longjing tea in the spring and savoring xieniangcheng in the autumn, a dish featured at the G20 Summit state banquet that includes steamed crab meat inside an orange.
During Oswald’s discussion with Wandering Educator, she introduced Hangzhou’s history and local craftsmanship. Visitors can learn the history of and practice tie-dye, pottery making and tea brewing at the China National Silk Museum, Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum and China National Tea Museum.
“Through this Blogger Media Tour we hope to unveil the best of Hangzhou through travelers’ own perspectives and introduce the city to a global audience,” said Zhao Hongzhong, deputy director of the Hangzhou Tourism Commission.
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