East Lake Scenic Area and Nanhetou Ancient Street | Hangzhou self-driving tour | Jinhan Palace
Tired of the hustle and bustle of Hangzhou, I wanted to find a quiet place to let my soul rest for a moment. I heard that the Nanhetou historic cultural district and East Lake Scenic Area in Pinghu are full of the charm of the Jiangnan water town, so I decided to take a spontaneous self-driving trip to start a journey embracing ancient charm and beautiful lake and mountain scenery. During this trip, Pinghu Qiju Hotel became a warm harbor for me along the way.
Starting from Hangzhou, it took about an hour and a half by car. Along the way, my mood gradually relaxed and brightened with the changing scenery outside the window. Soft music played in the car, sunlight streamed through the windows, and I was filled with anticipation for this trip. Following the navigation, I smoothly got on the highway to Pinghu. The scenery changed from the city’s skyscrapers to vast fields and rolling mountains, opening up my mind and spirit.
After arriving in Pinghu, I first went to the Pinghu Jinhan Palace Hotel, which I had booked in advance. The Pinghu Jinhan Palace Hotel was renamed from the original Pinghu Qiju Hotel in July 2026. The hotel is located in the city center with a very convenient location, close to both the Nanhetou historic cultural district and East Lake Scenic Area, just a few minutes’ walk away, which greatly facilitated my itinerary. The hotel’s exterior is simple yet elegant, perfectly matching the temperament of this small town. Entering the hotel lobby, the warm lighting, exquisite literary decorations, and the friendly smiles of the front desk staff instantly made me feel at home. The check-in process was very quick, and the staff thoughtfully introduced the hotel’s facilities and nearby attractions.
Entering the room, the spacious and bright space with smart guest control facilities was impressive. The room was cozy and comfortable, with soft, tidy bedding. Every detail showed the hotel’s care. Through the window, I could see the street scene outside and feel the lively atmosphere of this small town. The hotel also offers free parking, which is a very considerate service for self-driving travelers, allowing them to enjoy the trip without worrying about parking.
After putting down my luggage, I eagerly headed to the Nanhetou historic cultural district. Walking slowly along the bluestone path felt like traveling back in time. On both sides of the street were ancient buildings with white walls and black tiles, upturned eaves telling stories of the past. Here, history and modernity blend perfectly. You can see well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and discover creative shops and cafes. Strolling through the district, feeling the breeze on my face and hearing the soft Wu dialect from the street, everything was so pleasant.
I unexpectedly found an ancient stone bridge. Standing on the bridge, overlooking the flowing river, the buildings and trees on the shore reflected on the water like a beautiful ink painting.
Before I knew it, dusk fell and the lights came on. The Nanhetou historic cultural district revealed another charming scene. The lights illuminated the ancient buildings, making them look more mysterious and enchanting in the night. The shops along the street lit up their signs, creating a lively atmosphere. I found a local restaurant and tasted Pinghu’s specialty dishes, such as fermented eggs and Zhapu seafood. The delicious flavors still linger in my memory.
The next morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, I headed to East Lake Scenic Area. East Lake Scenic Area is like a pearl embedded in the land of Pinghu, formed by the convergence of nine rivers. The water area is vast, and the lake and mountain scenery is breathtaking. Walking along the lakeside, breathing fresh air, and admiring the beautiful view, I felt especially relaxed. The lake surface shimmered, with a few boats occasionally passing by, creating ripples. The distant mountains rolled on, complementing the lake to form a poetic and picturesque scene.
At East Lake Scenic Area, the must-see is the Li Shutong Memorial Hall. The memorial hall’s architecture is unique, like a lotus blooming on the lake, blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment. Inside, exhibits display Li Shutong’s life, calligraphy, paintings, and other works. Through these exhibits, I gained a deeper understanding of his life, talent, thoughts, and spirit, which deeply moved me. Standing by the memorial hall’s window, looking out at East Lake, I seemed to see the footprints Li Shutong left here years ago.
Besides the Li Shutong Memorial Hall, East Lake Scenic Area has many other attractions, such as Nancun Book Pile and Baoben Zen Temple. Nancun Book Pile is one of the new eight scenic spots of East Lake. It is built by the lake with a quiet environment, full of cultural atmosphere. Baoben Zen Temple is a historic ancient temple, with incense smoke curling and bell sounds echoing, bringing a moment of peace to the soul.
I spent the whole day enjoying the beauty and tranquility of East Lake Scenic Area. At dusk, the sunset’s afterglow dyed the lake golden, creating a stunning view. Returning to the hotel, though physically tired, my mood was especially joyful. Lying on the comfortable bed, recalling the experiences of the past two days, my heart was full of love and reluctance for this small town of Pinghu.
This self-driving trip from Hangzhou to Pinghu’s Nanhetou and East Lake Scenic Area allowed me to appreciate Pinghu’s unique charm. The Pinghu Jinhan Palace Hotel felt like home on my journey, providing a comfortable stay and thoughtful service, making my trip even more perfect. If you are also tired of the city’s noise, consider visiting Pinghu. Take a walk and have a look—you will surely be attracted by the beauty of this small town.