Tyler Terrance O’Neil, from the United States

Hangzhou was the second city I ever visited in China. At the time I was essentially a helpless tourist stumbling around from one Lonely Planet recommendation to the next, but in the few hours I spent there I was able to cruise on the West Lake, wander through a market area, and near sunset my travel companions and I climbed a hill to take in a magnificent panoramic view with temples, the pagoda, and the lake. There is a reason why it’s such a popular tourist destination; Hangzhou is gorgeous.

Lingyin Temple. [Photo from en.gotohz.com]

Lingyin Temple. [Photo from en.gotohz.com]