China – A Trip to Remember from Beijing to Hangzhou

Jump to:

• Travel to China: Current Entry Requirements
• Beijing: China’s Gateway
• Hangzhou: A City of Nature
• Conclusion

Introduction

Going to China is on many people’s bucket list and I was lucky enough to do it before the pandemic changed the way we travel. My trip started at Arlanda and ended up in Beijing and then Hangzhou. I will share my personal stories and some practical advice for those who are planning to go to China.

Travel to China: Current Entry Requirements

For those going to China, please check the current travel rules. Right now, travelers from many countries including most European countries can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days until December 31, 2025. For longer stays or from other countries, a valid visa is required. Most restrictions have been lifted so no negative test results or health declaration forms are needed. But if you show symptoms of infectious diseases, please report voluntarily. Once in China, domestic travel restrictions are minimal so you can move freely.

Beijing: China’s Gateway

Arriving in Beijing was fun. The city is a mix of old and new. Beijing is a good introduction to China but I was in Beijing for a short time so I won’t go into details of my trip there.

Hangzhou: A City of Nature

My trip continued to Hangzhou, a city famous for its West Lake. Although less visited by Western tourists, Hangzhou has a nice mix of nature and culture.

Broken Bridge (Duanqiao)

My first stop was the famous Broken Bridge, known for its romantic history and beautiful views. Broken Bridge or Duanqiao as it’s called in Chinese is one of the most beautiful spots at West Lake in Hangzhou and also has a rich history and many legends. The most famous legend associated with Broken Bridge is the romantic story of the “Legend of the White Snake” (Bai She Zhuan). According to the myth, a white snake turned into a beautiful woman, Bai Suzhen, and met her lover, Xu Xian, on this very bridge. Their love story is one of China’s most beloved legends and has been adapted into many books, plays, and films.

The name “Broken Bridge” is misleading as the bridge is not broken. The name comes from the optical illusion when the snow on the bridge melts in the middle and it looks like it’s broken. This phenomenon has made the bridge a symbol of reunion and eternal love, and many visitors, especially couples, come to experience the romantic atmosphere.

Standing on Broken Bridge and looking out at West Lake you feel like you are part of something bigger, a place where history, myths, and nature come together in perfect harmony.

Leifeng Pagoda

This ancient pagoda has great views of West Lake. The climb was steep but the view from the top was worth it. The pagoda itself is an architectural wonder with many myths and legends surrounding it.

Culinary Adventures

One of the most challenging but also fun parts of my trip was navigating the local food. Most menus were in Chinese and few people spoke English. So I had some funny and adventurous meals as I had to guess what I was ordering. Each dish was a surprise and added to the authenticity of the trip. Note I often opted for something familiar like McDonald’s.

Boat Tour on West Lake

One of the best parts of my trip was the boat tour around West Lake. The calm water with small islands was a great escape from the city chaos. Each island was unique and the boat tour allowed me to fully enjoy Hangzhou’s nature.

Despite the language barrier and the fact that I was one of the few Westerners in the area, I found the people in Hangzhou to be friendly. Many children pointed at me and laughed as Western tourists are not common here.

Conclusion

The trip from Beijing to Hangzhou was amazing. The combination of historical sites, natural beauty, and the locals’ warmth made my trip so special. If you are planning to visit China, be prepared for an adventure with surprises and great views. Check the latest travel guidelines, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to dive into the Chinese culture.

Whether you are into Beijing’s ancient wonders or Hangzhou’s scenery, China will be an adventure like no other. Happy travels!