Sometimes we want to find a scenic spot for travelling in our vacation. Today I want to introduce you a paradise for your trip, no matter which season it is, no matter what the weather is, you will always enjoy yourselves in this wonderful place. What I want to introduce today is the city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province in China mainland. With beautiful landscapes and rich anthropological features, Zhejiang has long been known as a “land of fish and rice”, the “home of silk and tea”, an “area of rich cultural heritage”, and a “paradise for tourists”.
Here you will find a host of fun events and activities to entertain you and your family and friends for your entire vacation. Looking for a slow place instead? Here you would also find it. There are many opportunities to find a peaceful spot hidden among the lush forest of tall evergreens and hard-woods or next to a rambling brook or pictorial lake. Pack a picnic lunch, bring along a good book, sit back and enjoy the views and delight in the splendor of this beautiful region.
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No matter what your fancy, you will never be at a loss of what to do. You could choose hiking, fishing, scenic country drives, museums antiquing, craft fairs and festivals and of course, shopping. The possibilities of fun and relaxation are endless. With so many fun things to do in an atmosphere that promotes relaxation, it is no wonder so many people return here year after year.
Hangzhou has long been known as a famous cultural city. The ancient Liangzhu Culture ruins were found in what is now Hangzhou. These archeological ruins date back to 2000 B.C. when our ancestors already lived and multiplied here. Hangzhou also served as an imperial capital for 237 years – first as the capital of the State of Wuyue (907-978) during the Five Dynasties Period, and again as the capital of the Southern Song Dynastry (1127-1279). Now Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province with eight urban districts, three county-level cities and two counties under its jurisdiction.
Hangzhou has a reputation for its scenic beauty. Marco Polo, perhaps the most celebrated Italian traveller, called it “the finest and most magnificent city in the world” about 700 years ago.
Perhaps the most famous scenic spot of Hangzhou is the West Lake. It is like a mirror, embellished all around with deep caves and green hills of enchanting beauty. The Bai Causeway which runs from east to west and the Su Causeway which runs from south to north look like two coloured ribbons floating on the water. The three islets named “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon”, “Mid-lake Pavilion” and “Ruangong Mound” stand in the lake, adding much charm to the scene. Famous beauty spots around West Lake include Yue Fei Temple, Xiling Seal-Engraving Society, Breeze-Ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden, Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake, and several parks like “Viewing Fish at the Flower Pond” and “Orioles Singing in the Willows”.
Hill peaks tower around the lake amazes the visitor with ever-changing aspects of their beauty. Scattered in the adjacent hills are scenic caves and caverns, such as Jade-Milk Cave, Purple Cloud Cave, Stone House Cave, Water Music Cave and Rosy Cloud Cave, most of which have many stone sculptures carved on their walls. Also among the hills one finds springs everywhere, perhaps best represented by Tiger Spring, Dragon Well Spring and Jade Spring. The place called Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies is well known for its twisting paths and murmuring streams. Other scenic sites of historical interest include the Monastery of the Soul’s Retreat, Pagoda of Six Harmonies, Monastery of Pure Benevolence, Baochu Pagoda, Taoguang Temple and a scenic path known as Bamboo-lined Path at Yunxi.
The beauty spots in the vicinity of Hangzhou form a vast area for tourists with West Lake at its center. To the north of Hangzhou stands Chao Hill, and to the west Mount Tianmu. Mount Tianmu, densely forested and scarcely populated, is like a fairyland where heavy fogs envelop halfway up the mountain and clear streams flow along the valleys.
Located in the west of Hanzhou, only six km to the Wulin Gate in the key central area of Hangzhou and only five km to West Lake, there is a National Wetland Park called Xixi. The Xixi area started in Han and Jin Dynasties, developed in Tang and Song Dynasties, prospered in Ming and Qing Dynasties, delined in the period of 1960s and reprospered in modern times. Along with West Lake and Xiling Seal Society, Xixi is well known as one of the “Three Xi”. In the past Xixi covered an area of 60 square kms. The visitors can visit it on foot or by boat. When the wind is blowing breeze, when you wave your hand along the creek side on the boat, you will have a soft and clear feeling of the natural beauty and touching.
Going up the Qiantang River, you will find yourself at Stork Hill near the Terrace where Yan Ziling, a hermit of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), loved to go fishing by the Fuchen River in Fuyang City. Nearby are the Yaolin Wonderland in Tongjun Hill, Tonglu County and the three Lingqi Caves in Jiande City, and finally the Thousand-Islet Lake at the source of the Xin’anjiang River.
Since the implementation of the policy of reform and opening to the outside world, Hangzhou has witnessed rapid economic development. With highly developed financial and insurance sectors, Hangzhou is veritably bursting with commercial activities. Its GDP has maintained a two-digit growth for twenty eight years straight and its aggregate economic strength now stands third among China’s provincial capitals. In 2019, the city’s per capita GDP reached 152,465 yuan (about USD22102). Meanwhile, the average urban and rural deposits in savings accounts have reached 115,000 yuan in recent three years. The urban residents have a disposable income of 60,000 yuan on everage a year.
Hangzhou has opened its door wider and wider to the outside world. In the year of 2019, foreign business people had made a total investment of USD6.94 billion in 219 economic fields, including industry, agriculture, real estate and urban infrastructure development. One hundred and twenty-six of the world’s 500 top enterprises have made investment in Hangzhou. Foreign business people come from over 90 countries and regions throughout the world.
Ever-changing and Indescribable Beauty
Sunny or rainny, Hangzhou looks its best in spring. In summer, lotus flowers bloom. Their fragrance brings joy to one’s soul and refreshes the mind. Autumn brings with it the sweet scent of osmanthus flowers along with chrysanthemums in full bloom. In winter, the wintry snow scenes can be likened to an exquisite jade carving. West Lake’s beauty is ever changing but never fails to entice and entrance.
When snow comes in winter, there is an amazing scene in West Lake. That is, Snow on the Broken Bridge. Actually, the bridge is not broken. No matter how heavy the snow is, the center of the bridge will not be covered by snow. Many people come to West Lake to see it during snowy days.
Two Rivers and One Lake Are Uniquely Beautiful
Above the Qiantang River, the picturesque Fuchun River stretches itself through the green and luxuriant hills and is said to resembel a clear jade ribbon. Travelling up the Fuchun River, one may trace its source to the Xin’anjiang River, renowned as second only to the famous Lijiang River in Guilin of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It completes its journey in the vast expanse of the Thousand-Islet Lake. Some people say that you could not count out how many islets in this area and if you insist to do so, you will be in loss. In scenic spots like these, one returns to the arms of Nature, enjoying fresh air and natural beauty.
Beautiful Scenery and Exquisite Art
Hangzhou’s beauty has cultivated and inspired generations of artists: poets, writers, painters and calligraphers, who throughtout the centuries, have left behind immortal poems, essays, paintings and calligraphy in praise of Hangzhou.
Moreover, Hangzhou’s folk art and handicrafts are rich and manginative. Their vivid and unique style holds great attraction for tourists. For example, there is a famous folk art, hand woven basket, which is very popular here. It is practical and delicate.
Comfortable Hotels and Delicious Dishes
Hotels in Hangzhou have modern facilities and provide good service. West Lake dishes, which originated in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), are famous for their taste and flavor. With fresh vegetables and live fowl or fish as ingredients, one can savor the dishes for their natural flavor. There are ten most famous Hangzhou dishes, such as Dongpo Pork, Beggar’s Chicken, Fried Shrimps with Dragon Well Tea , Mrs Song’s High Fish Soup and West Lake Poached Fish, and please pay close attention to our website for the next update for the taste and cooking methods.
Post time: Aug-18-2020