Nanshan Road, stretching from the Hubin intersection in the north to the Xishan intersection in the south, encircles nearly half of West Lake. It is a route that offers a plethora of scenic spots and cultural experiences. Along its path, you’ll find the Fish Viewing at the Flower Port, Su Causeway in Spring Dawn, Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset, and Orioles Singing in the Willows. These are complemented by temples such as Jingci and Qianwangci, and nearby attractions include Wu Mountain Skywind, Longjing Tea Inquiry, Tiger Run Dream Spring, Wan Song Academy, and the Gushu Flowing Rosy Clouds.
Embedded like diamonds along Nanshan Road are historical and artistic institutions such as the China National Silk Museum, China Academy of Art, and Zhejiang Art Museum. To the west of Nanshan Road lies the breathtaking West Lake, providing a stunning backdrop to the road’s vibrant life.
On both sides of Nanshan Road, quiet cafes with floor-to-ceiling windows generously offer the full view of the road’s scenery. Light music sometimes drifts through the air, accompanied by the faint scent of coffee. From the lush foliage filling the sky to the silent road surface, from a leisurely pace to an occasional glance upwards, time here seems to stand still.
A walk along Nanshan Road is a must, as it is a ‘concentration camp’ for the bourgeois, featuring bars, tea houses, galleries, and the China Academy of Art. In these places, ambiance is paramount, and the tea itself is secondary to what one might have at home. The specific opening hours and business status are subject to the daily opening conditions, adding to the unique charm of this area.
