Hangzhou was the capital of several ancient dynasties. Over the centuries＿Chinese writers and poets have dedicated pages and pages to its beauty. Hangzhou is a city loaded with history and legends.
Scenic spots
The best way to get around in Hangzhou is by bus and the number 2 tourist bus will take you right from the railway station to Xihu＿the West Lake＿Hangzhou’s main attraction.
The dynasties have changed but the lake remains the same. The famous poet Sushi once compared West Lake to Xishi＿the most beautiful woman in Chinese history. The water has a kind of silky quality.
Visitors are drawn here to see the three pagoda－like structures. When it’s a full moon＿people light candles＿put one at the centre of each pagoda and seal the round openings with paper. In the darkness＿you are supposed to see a universe of moons on the water.
A stroll along the lake brings you to a hidden garden. It belongs to the renowned Xilin Seal Engravers’ Club/Guild. Nearly 100 years ago＿a group of celebrated Chinese calligraphers and painters came here to hone their seal carving skills. The art of carving seals is a lot like this garden ＿it’s subtle and refined but＿at the same time＿plays on natural irregularities.
Another great way to see the lake is by bike and there are heaps of places you can rent one. Huagangguanyu is another garden and it’s just across the lake from the Seal Engravers’ club. Huagangguanyu means “watching the fish over a flower port”. The place is exquisitely designed and home to a school of red carp.
The Lingyin Temple is another place you cannot miss. The temple’s compound includes a series of ancient rock carvings and sculptures. They’re mostly Buddhist＿but some are based on Chinese myths. The temple is often swamped with people from Hangzhou and the surrounding areas. They come to pray for good fortune. They say this Buddha will answer any request from a believer.
In the countryside＿there is a big bamboo forest＿Yunxizhujing＿which is about one－hour－drive to the west of the city. It’s very quiet and secluded＿as is suggested by the name which means a place “where the cloud rests and the path winds through bamboo.‿ In China＿bamboo is often used to describe a person who is honest and upright. It’s a popular spot to hang out for a game or drink a cup of tea.
Silk
When it comes to China＿most people would think of silk＿it’s even more so in Hangzhou＿as the place has long been a centre for silk trade.
As far back as 4＿00 years ago people in this region were weaving silk. If you go back a millennia＿Hangzhou’s silk trade was hitting a peak. Today Dujinsheng Silk is one of the oldest names in the business. The company’s rich colorful designs are actually woven into the fabric instead of just printed on the surface.
Dujinsheng Silk
Hangzhou Fengqi Road＿519#
Dujinsheng has moved its silk factory out of downtown Hangzhou It’s all there ＿from the silk worm cocoons to the final design. There are as many as 1000 kinds of patterns.
Tea
The mountains from downtown area to the bamboo forest are lined with tea plantations. The tea from around the West Lake is among the best quality in China. The leaves are picked in spring. The best leaves come out before the Qingming festival＿usually in early April. The leaves are bitter when picked＿but turns sweet after it’s fried.
The newly picked leaves are first dried and then fried with a special oil. You can’t fry the tea with machine＿but only with hands. The temperature at the bottom of the cook is some 100 degree.
The drinking of the tea is yet another art in itself. There’s ritual to everything from pouring the water to soaking the leaves. But the bottom line is that a good cup of tea depends on a few simple things ＿the leaves’ color＿shape＿fragrance and taste.
Travel tips:
Hangzhou is 151 km from Shanghai.
The annual average temperature is 16.2 C. In summer＿the average rises to 28.6 C.
Other places around the West Lake recommended include:
Quyuan Fenghe
Guozhuang
Always bring an umbrella to come＿especially in spring and summer.
