Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top attractions in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2025, with their official English names and highlights:
1. West Lake (西湖)
Location: Hangzhou
Type: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Highlights:
- Iconic "Ten Scenes" like Spring Dawn on Su Causeway and Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake .
- Cultural landmarks: Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and the historic Su Causeway.
- 2025 update: AR 导览系统 (AR navigation) enhances visitor experiences, with interactive displays at key sites like the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon .
2. Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇)
Location: Jiaxing
Type: Ancient water town
Highlights:
- Well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, canals, and bridges.
- Xizha District’s nighttime light show and traditional operas.
- 2025 focus: Eco-friendly tourism initiatives, including electric boat tours and carbon-neutral accommodations .
3. Putuo Mountain (普陀山)
Location: Zhoushan
Type: Buddhist holy site
Highlights:
- Sacred temples like Puji Temple and Fayu Temple.
- Scenic hikes and coastal views.
- 2025 update: New meditation retreats and eco-tours promote sustainable tourism .
4. Yandang Mountain (雁荡山)
Location: Wenzhou
Type: UNESCO Global Geopark
Highlights:
- Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls (e.g., Dalongqiu Waterfall), and nighttime peak illuminations.
- Cultural performances like Lingyan Rock’s tightrope walking shows .
5. Hengdian World Studios (横店影视城)
Location: Dongyang
Type: Largest film studio globally
Highlights:
- Replicas of ancient cities (e.g., Qin Palace, Ming and Qing Palaces).
- Live-action shows and immersive experiences like The Dream Valley nighttime spectacle .
6. Qiandao Lake (千岛湖)
Location: Chun’an
Type: Scenic lake with 1,078 islands
Highlights:
- Boat tours, cycling routes, and eco-resorts.
- 2025 update: New underwater observation tunnels to explore submerged ancient towns .
7. Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center (杭州奥体中心)
Location: Hangzhou
Type: Modern sports complex
Highlights:
- "Big Lotus" stadium and "Small Lotus" tennis center.
- 2025 transformation: The venue becomes a 4A-level scenic area with a visitor center, torch park, and interactive displays of the 2022 Asian Games .
8. Lishui Ancient Villages (丽水古村落)
Location: Lishui
Type: Traditional villages
Highlights:
- Songyang’s ancient tea plantations and Shouning’s stone houses.
- 2025 focus: Cultural exchanges with ethnic She communities, including tea ceremonies and handicraft workshops .
9. Mount Tiantai (天台山)
Location: Taizhou
Type: Buddhist and Taoist pilgrimage site
Highlights:
- Guoqing Temple, birthplace of Tiantai Buddhism.
- Scenic trails like the Qiantong Ancient Town route.
10. Shaoxing Waterways (绍兴水巷)
Location: Shaoxing
Type: Canal city
Highlights:
- Rowing boat tours along ancient canals.
- Cultural sites: Lu Xun’s former residence and the Orchid Pavilion.
2025 New Attractions
- Pan'an Cliff Village (磐安悬崖村): A mountain village with cliffside Ming-Qing architecture, offering panoramic views and cultural homestays .
- Wuyi Niutoushan Cloud Ladder (武义牛头山雾中天梯): A glass skywalk above the clouds, connecting peaks in Wuyi County .
- Xiazhu Lake Wetland (下渚湖湿地): A birdwatching haven with floating boardwalks and eco-cruises .
Annual Events (2025)
- Zhejiang International Tourism Festival: Celebrates cultural diversity with ethnic performances and food fairs .
- Huan Zhe Cycling Tour (环浙骑游): A scenic cycling event across Zhejiang’s mountains and coastlines .
Practical Tips
- Transport: High-speed rail connects major cities (e.g., Hangzhou to Shanghai in 1.5 hours).
- Language: Most signs in tourist areas have English translations, and guides often speak basic English.
- Best Time: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather.
For updates, check the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism website or follow their social media channels.