Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Hangzhou, China
1. West Lake (Xi Hu)
A scenic freshwater lake with numerous temples, gardens, and classic Chinese landscapes. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the city's traditional beauty while promoting sustainable practices.
- Preservation: Regular cleaning and protection of the lake from pollution
- Eco-friendly Transportation: Promotion of electric boats for touring the lake
- Wildlife Protection: Protection and conservation efforts for local species living in the lake area
2. Longjing Tea Plantations
Famous green tea plantations nestled amidst beautiful mountains and valleys. The area is committed to organic farming practices, promoting eco-friendly tea production.
- Organic Farming: Use of natural fertilizers and pest control methods
- Sustainable Harvesting: Regularly pruning the tea plants to ensure their longevity
- Educational Tours: Visitors can learn about traditional farming methods and tea-making process while supporting local farmers
3. Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda)
An iconic wooden pagoda offering panoramic views of the city and West Lake. The restoration process emphasizes preservation and sustainable building materials.
- Historic Preservation: Restoration using traditional methods while minimizing impact on the structure
- Sustainable Materials: Use of environmentally friendly materials in maintenance and construction
- Educational Exhibits: Exhibitions showcasing the historical significance, restoration process, and sustainable practices
4. Xixi National Wetland Park
A unique urban wetland park with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The park focuses on habitat conservation and eco-education for visitors.
- Habitat Conservation: Protection and restoration of wetland habitats for native species
- Eco-Education: Guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops about the park's ecosystem
- Community Involvement: Encouraging local communities to participate in conservation efforts
5. Leifeng Pagoda
A historical pagoda with a long history and beautiful surroundings. The site is committed to sustainable practices in both tourism and maintenance.
- Historic Preservation: Restoration using traditional methods while minimizing impact on the structure
- Eco-friendly Transportation: Promotion of electric vehicles for touring the area
- Local Crafts Support: Supporting local artisans by selling their crafts and promoting traditional skills
6. Suzhou-Hangzhou Grand Canal Bike Tour
A bike tour along the world's longest canal that connects Hangzhou and Suzhou. This activity promotes eco-friendly transportation and cultural exchange.
- Sustainable Transportation: Promotion of cycling as a green mode of transport
- Cultural Exchange: Visiting historic sites and learning about the rich history along the canal
- Community Interaction: Interacting with local communities to understand their culture and lifestyle
7. Qiantang River Tidal Bore
Experience the world's third-largest tidal bore at Qiantang River. The area focuses on conservation and eco-education to protect this natural phenomenon.
- Natural Phenomenon Conservation: Protection and management of the tidal bore's habitat
- Eco-Education: Guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops about the tidal bore and its ecosystem
- Community Involvement: Encouraging local communities to participate in conservation efforts
8. Huqingyu Tang Herbal Garden
A traditional Chinese medicine herb garden with over 500 varieties of medicinal plants. The garden emphasizes sustainable cultivation and education.
- Sustainable Cultivation: Use of organic farming methods and natural pest control
- Herbal Medicine Education: Exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations about traditional Chinese medicine
- Medicinal Plant Research: Research collaborations with universities to discover new medicinal uses for plants
9. Hangzhou Botanical Garden
A beautiful botanical garden showcasing over 6000 species of plants. The garden prioritizes conservation and education.
- Plant Conservation: Protection and propagation of endangered plant species
- Eco-Education: Guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops about various ecosystems and plants
- Research Collaborations: Collaborations with universities for plant research and conservation initiatives
10. Hangzhou Bamboo Sea
A breathtaking sea of bamboos located in Xianghu Scenic Area. The area promotes sustainable bamboo harvesting and habitat conservation.
- Sustainable Harvesting: Harvesting only mature bamboos to ensure the forest's longevity
- Habitat Conservation: Protection and restoration of bamboo forests for local species
- Eco-education: Guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops about the bamboo ecosystem
11. Song Dynasty Town
A living museum showcasing the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD) culture and architecture. The town promotes eco-friendly practices in construction and maintenance.
- Historic Preservation: Restoration using traditional methods while minimizing impact on the structures
- Sustainable Construction: Use of environmentally friendly materials in construction and maintenance
- Cultural Education: Exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations about Song dynasty culture and traditions
12. Hangzhou Silk Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and production of Chinese silk. The museum promotes sustainable silk farming and production practices.
- Sustainable Silk Production: Use of organic farming methods, ethical treatment of silkworms, and eco-friendly dyeing processes
- Silk Making Workshops: Workshops teaching traditional silk-making techniques
- Silk Art Exhibitions: Exhibitions showcasing Chinese silk art and history
13. Hangzhou Biological Island
An island dedicated to wildlife conservation and education, featuring various endangered species. The island focuses on habitat protection and rehabilitation.
- Wildlife Conservation: Protection, care, and rehabilitation of endangered species
- Habitat Restoration: Restoration and maintenance of natural habitats for wildlife
- Eco-education: Guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops about the island's wildlife and ecosystem
14. Hangzhou Greenways
A network of green spaces that connect various attractions in Hangzhou. The greenways promote eco-friendly transportation and recreation.
- Sustainable Transportation: Promotion of cycling, walking, and public transportation along the greenways
- Urban Greenery: Preservation and enhancement of urban greenery in Hangzhou
- Recreational Opportunities: Opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and exploration along the greenways
15. Hangzhou Eco-Resort
A sustainable eco-resort offering luxurious accommodation in harmony with nature. The resort prioritizes conservation, renewable energy, and local engagement.
- Conservation Practices: Protection of local ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources
- Renewable Energy: Use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power
- Local Engagement: Supporting local communities by employing locals and sourcing goods locally