Immerse yourself in Hangzhou’s multiple personalities with a combined stay at Four Seasons’ two sister properties, just a 15-miniute taxi ride from one another. Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre immerses you in the modern heart of this dynamic city, while nearby Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake transports you to a timeless place nestled in a fairy-tale setting.

UNESCO-listed West Lake draws visitors from all over the world who come in search of not only the lake’s natural beauty but also the myths, legends and enigmas that lie beneath its peaceful waters and amid the reeds, weeping willows, pagodas, temples and tea houses that define its landscape. Our local team is intimately familiar with this magical lake – let us arrange a journey aboard a traditional wooden boat or an excursion along its shores, where tradition and beauty converge in every timeless moment.

The Grand Canal, which was built beginning in the 5th century BC, is a marvel of human engineering. Stretching from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, this artery has played a vital role in China’s development, facilitating communications, transport and commerce along its (at its peak) 2,000 km (1,240 miles) of waterways. Today, the UNESCO-listed Grand Canal continues to play an important role in the region’s daily life, making it a living corridor of commerce and culture. Let our Concierge arrange a night cruise along the Grand Canal’s Hangzhou section, which flows right in front of our Hotel, and enjoy a unique perspective of the city from the water.

The downtown area around Wulin Square, the former site of Hangzhou’s commercial and political centre, continues to flourish as a bustling shopping and entertainment district. Wulin Road runs through the area and is well known for offering a wide selection of fashionable clothing stores, the Hangzhou Tower Shopping Mall provides a one-stop shopping destination, and the nearby Wulin Night Market is a colourful bazaar of delectable street food, souvenirs and local crafts. Let our Concierge arrange a private shopping tour to some of the area’s most intriguing boutiques, artisans and shops and discover the best-kept secrets of this budding fashion capital.

The Zhejiang Museum of Natural History integrates popular science, education, research and cultural exchange, providing an interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Just a five-minute walk away, the Zhejiang Science and Technology Museum offers permanent exhibitions spanning subjects ranging from space travel to cutting-edge technologies as well as an array of hands-on activities that blend learning with fun. Especially if you’re travelling with younger family members, let our Concierge arrange an all-inclusive outing to these two leading museums.