The West Lake. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou recently launched its first batch of five barrier-free tourism routes, local media outlets reported.

The routes allow tourists to explore cultural and educational venues, take sightseeing boats on the water, and include facilities such as barrier-free elevators, accessible restrooms, resting areas, and parking for people with disabilities.

The seemingly ordinary five one-day barrier-free travel routes have attracted significant attention. Apart from being the first of its kind in Hangzhou, the complete set of barrier-free facilities matching the routes have opened a path to "poetry and distant places" for disabled tourists.

The routes are themed as follows: West Lake Scenery and Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) Splendor, Encounter with Hangzhou's Ancient Tea Culture, A Millennium Canal and Intangible Cultural Heritage, Civilization Dawns and World Heritage Liangzhu, and Tides Rise on the Qiantang River and Impressions of Xianghu Lake.

The routes cover 15 scenic spots, cultural and educational venues, including Yuewang Temple, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, the China National Tea Museum (Shuangfeng Branch), Songcheng Scenic Area, Xianghu Scenic Area, the Liangzhu Museum, and the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park.

Key tourist sites on the routes are equipped with barrier-free facilities. For example, Lingyin Temple Scenic Area has implemented separate routes for those with barrier-free requirements and regular tourists. The barrier-free sightseeing boat on West Lake features sign language interpretive videos, and the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park provides barrier-free sightseeing electric cars that can be conveniently reserved.

Hangzhou's efforts in building a barrier-free cultural and tourism environment are pushing the city towards a brighter future, making cultural and tourism destinations more loving and accessible for all.

Places reserved for people with disabilities. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]