If you have half a day for Liangzhu in Hangzhou, decide whether you want to study the jade or walk the terrain of the ancient city. Liangzhu Museum and the archaeological park are about four kilometers apart and have separate visitor arrangements. The museum gives you time to look closely on a cold or rainy day. Clear weather and a group that enjoys walking make it easier to see how the place names on the gallery map relate to the landscape.
Start with a jade cong at the museum
Look for the square outside and the round opening through the middle. Change your angle and see how fine lines form a design around a corner. Then look at a pottery vessel and compare how its handle, mouth and feet fit together. Finish at the city map and locate Mojiaoshan and Fanshan. These three stops connect the objects with the places where they were found.
Take the site map into the park
Set Liangzhu Ancient City Archaeological Park as a separate destination. Check which routes are open, find the way to Mojiaoshan and decide whether you also have time for Fanshan. At Mojiaoshan, use the map to compare the raised ground with the lower land around it. At Fanshan, look for the positions of the tombs. Where the remains are chiefly visible in the terrain, read the sign and look back at the ground it describes.
Count the time between the two sites
If you go from the museum to the park, allow time for the ride and for getting from the park gate to the part you want to see. With a short window, give one site a complete visit. Even in sunshine, pay attention to the wind. With children, agree on a place to turn back. Before you leave, look at the map once more and connect the spot you walked with the jade you saw indoors.
