Hangzhou - once described as 'paradise on earth' has truly lived up it's reputation. The bus journey took us through beautiful tea plantations. The famous west lake area dotted with weeping willows, stone bridges, pagodas, boats and temples. Hangzhou is famous for its tea and silk. We settled down in a backpacker hostel, cheerfully tucked away near the serene Four Eye Well, with a beautiful backdrop of mountains. Waking up to the charming melody composed by bird...

We have now arrived in Hangzhou. First impressions - fantastic. The West Lake is breathtaking and the bus journey around the surrounding hills took our breath away. The beauty of this place seems a bit too much to take in at the moment. This hostel is near the south side of the lake. It seems very nice too: clean, tidy, nice double room for us, free wifi... only £6 each per night - seems good value but KC had to haggle a bit to get that. Well done, KC!