While Hangzhou has plenty to offer visitors to the Games, for those with a bit more time, the city, via its high-speed rail links, is the gateway to explore the wider Yangtze River Delta, Lin Shujuan reports

The 19th Asian Games is more than a continental sports gala. It can also be a great opportunity to get to know the host cities, and if time allows, to explore more of China.

Hangzhou, with its rich history, culture and beautiful landscapes, has long been a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.

It has so much to offer that it can be a challenge to fit it all into a short trip. Fortunately, for those with limited time, the three robot mascots of the 19th Asian Games serve as an ideal guide for first-time travelers.

Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen represent the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, the West Lake, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, respectively, all of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

As a major city located in the Yangtze River Delta, Hangzhou also serves as a gateway to tour the delta region, which features the country's most sophisticated high-speed rail network that reduces travel between major cities across the region to within two hours.

As well as its convenient transportation and world-class accommodation, the delta region attracts many domestic and international travelers with its charming night views, classical gardens, poetic water towns, tasty food and traditional Chinese culture.

Therefore, for those with the luxury of having time on their hands, a tour beyond Hangzhou, and even Zhejiang province, is highly recommended.

Shanghai, one of the largest and most developed cities in China, which is about one hour away from Hangzhou by train, tops the list, which also includes the five co-host cities in Zhejiang province, the major cities of Jiangsu province, such as Suzhou, and Huangshan, a city in Anhui province which is home to the Huangshan Mountain.