Hangzhou & West Lake

[JohnB]

Hangzhou & West Lake
As it is, I am planning a China visit sometime October. My wife lives near Shenyang and I thought about a visit
to Dalian. But the thing is, Dalian has lost it's attractiveness.   
For some time I have an interest in WestLake, Hangzhou. Suppose to be one of the more beautiful places as a
“can't miss” visitation. So that is where I think this moment. Arnold has a few nice things to say. My port of entry is
Beijing. In a little more than 5 hours by 'fast train' we can be in Hangzhou.
I would appreciate any comments in regards to West Lake- Hangzhou. Much thanks.

[Pineau]

Can I go?

[yvictor]

Hangzhou & West Lake
As it is, I am planning a China visit sometime October. My wife lives near Shenyang and I thought about a visit
to Dalian. But the thing is, Dalian has lost it's attractiveness.   
For some time I have an interest in WestLake, Hangzhou. Suppose to be one of the more beautiful places as a
“can't miss” visitation. So that is where I think this moment. Arnold has a few nice things to say. My port of entry is
Beijing. In a little more than 5 hours by 'fast train' we can be in Hangzhou.
I would appreciate any comments in regards to West Lake- Hangzhou. Much thanks.

I visited Hangzhou recently and I liked it a lot!
If you go there, there is no way to not see West Lake though, since it's virtually everywhere :-)

There are many pagodas around the lake you can visit, take some boat tours too (some will drop you on the island in the middle of the lake).
Very highly recommended is the residence of Hu Xueyan, a businessman from the past: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298559-d1808103-Reviews-Former_residence_of_Xueyan_Hu-Hangzhou_Zhejiang.html

Also Lingyin temple area is very nice: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298559-d378945-Reviews-Lingyin_Temple-Hangzhou_Zhejiang.html

Also take a boat ride on the Grand Canal that used to connect Beijing with Hangzhou in the past, it is part of the public transportation system so it only costs 3 RMB or so.

[JohnB]

yvictor,
much thanks for your encouraging response to Hangzhou. the more I read about Hangzhou in Tripadvisor,
the more I want to go there. I was looking at Wikipedia about the weather. I am thinking mid- October or so.