When you are asked, “Where in China you would like to go?” I bet the majority of people would answer Shanghai or Beijing without hesitation, because they are the very few well-known cities of China, and they tend to represent the modern and fast developing China. Indeed, you tend to find many non-Asians touring in these two cities, mesmerized by the culture while surprised how much these two cities have assimilated to the western world.

Yet, the city I visited during winter break showed the other side of China, and it carried a more authentic view of the Chinese culture.

Hangzhou, a city just 1 hour away from Shanghai (by high-speed train), is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in China. Hangzhou is famous for its West Lake, which is located in the center of the city. I took some pictures of West Lake and the surrounding natural sights. Hope those pictures will open up your choices when traveling in China.

Lin Yuhan is the Culture and Politics Editor at Wandering Educators, and a college student at the University of Pittsburgh

All photos courtesy and copyright Lin Yuhan