This spectacular and serene garden has a wide variety of native plants, such as plum trees, as well as kiosks, decorative pavilions and a lake.
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a lovely area where both visitors and locals can unwind amongst the large array of plant life. Established in 1956, this garden serves as both a research base and as a place for peaceful meditation within the bustling city. Due to the entry fee, the garden is less crowded than some of Hangzhou’s other parks. Seeing the park’s beautiful interior is well worth the onetime fee.
Walk down Yuquan Avenue and marvel at the magnolias, camellias and peach trees. During the summer months, take in the lotus flowers’ shades of purple and pink. If visiting in August, enjoy the rust-coloured petals of osmanthus flowers. In China, it is common to add osmanthus flowers to black or green tea. While in the region, be sure to sample one of these delicious beverages.
Stroll through the Bamboo Garden, which contains more than 150 varieties of bamboo. Keep an eye out for the amazing damaozhu bamboo, which can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet) overnight. Be sure to smell the aromatic herbs in the Medicinal Garden. Visit the Plant Resources Museum, which is located within the grounds to learn about the wide variety of species contained within the Hangzhou Botanical Garden.
In the Botany Appreciation Garden, wander through the Lingfeng Tanmei area. This area is home to over 5,000 plum trees. In spring, when the trees bloom, the garden is awash in pink. Take a close look at some plum tree petals, which symbolise joy, happiness, longevity, success and peace. In winter, snowflakes settle on the tree branches and the contrast between the white of the snow and the dark bark of the trees is hauntingly beautiful.
Relax in one of the waterside pavilions, where you can get lunch, coffee or tea. In the summer, lounge in one of the hammocks that hang in the shade under the trees. After walking through the Botanical Garden, visit the nearby Jade Spring to watch fish jump out of the pristine waters.
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is open every day. If you don’t mind rising early, entrance to the garden is free before 7 a.m. and the morning is a peaceful time to visit. To get to the garden, take a bus or taxi from the city centre.
