Hangzhou

Two hours from Shanghai, circling a lake and sitting happily with its reputation for beauty is Hangzhou.

From the north peak you can look down over the lake (Xihu) and the city, watching the sunlight sparkle off the water. A walk through the botanical gardens is very pleasant. On a hot weekend day when there is blossom on the trees you can enjoy watching hoards of people enjoying themselves chinese style, playing cards, badmington, eating and taking photographs. Also the chance of being pounced upon by a tv crew who want an interview for the local evening news.

A walk or a cycle around the lake is well worth it, so is the museum. Sitting and listen to musicians and singers in 1st park is a pleasant way to while away an afternoon.