Serenity and Splendor in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city of misty lakes, scenic tea fields and ancient temples. Hangzhou can boast of its poetic scenery and the elegant rhythm of life which requires one to slow down and discover the beauty in a stage-by-stage manner. Let us find out ten things that cannot be missed in this magical place.
1. West Lake
West Lake is the heart and soul of Hangzhou that has become an inspiration of poets and painters over a thousand years. The example of its willow-fringed shores, arch-shaped bridges, and waters covered with lotus are eloquent instances of traditional beauty in Chinese landscape. One can also walk along Su Causeway, a passive boat ride to see the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, or just have sunset reflections on a silent bench. Every season offers its beauty when we have spring flowers and winter mists.
2. Feilai Peak and Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in China, dating back to the 4th century which is located in the furthest corner of a forest-covered valley located to the northwest of the West Lake. The smoke of incense drifts in on gilded statues indoors, and the chorus songs of seers fill the air. Feilai Peak is located close to hundreds of ancient Buddhist rock carvings many of which were created in the 10 th century and the place is therefore very spiritually and artistically interesting.
3. Hefang Street
Go back to the past through Hefang street, a busy walk street with the renovated structures of the Ming or Qing dynasties. The traditional medicine shops, calligraphy shops, and nearby snack restaurants make the mosaic of culture and flavour splendidly fragmented with color. Sample sugary osmanthus cakes or crunchy peanut candy as paper umbrella and silk fans are being made.
4. Meijiawu Tea Village
Close to the city center is the Meijiawu Village, which is located in between terraced fields where Longjing (Dragon Well) tea is cultivated. Tourists have an opportunity to see how farmers pick the tea leaf by hand, are roasted, and also to have a tasting journey view of the emerald hills. The gentle smell of the roasted tea fills the atmosphere of the air here making it one of the most quiet getaways of Hangzhou.
5. Xixi National Wetland Park
The city has this huge natural reserve on the western side of the town that meshes the style and landscape. We pass through reed marshes and a lotus pond via wooden board walks and go past in small boats plying silently through winding waterways. Cultural exhibitions and tea houses on pavilions and old fishing villages are also a quiet place to go in the urban environment.
6. Leifeng Pagoda
Leifeng Pagoda, located on Sunset Hill on the West Lake, is a 10th century structure with numerous legends, especially the so-called Legend of the White Snake. The rebuilt pagoda provides expansive scenery of the skyline in Hangzhou and the sparkly lake beneath. It is a soft outline of a golden hue as its outline shines on the reflection of water in the dusk.
7. Six Harmonies Pagoda
The Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Qiantang River are overlooking the river in order to calm the river’s powerful tides. It is almost sixty meters high, and features complex brickwork and interior wooden decoration. Take its helical staircase to have an expansive view of the river and the bridges that run all across the south end of Hangzhou.
8. The Grand Canal
The Hangzhou part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the longest artificial canal in the world is still full of history. Along the banks they accommodate old warehouses which today are converted into galleries, cafes and even the museums of traditional flow of the river. Early evening strolls here show glittering lights of lanterns and the growl of water life.
9. Hangzhou Botanical Garden
Located just north of the West Lake, this is a big garden where one can have the tranquility of bamboo gardens, trails of camellias and lily-filled ponds. The region has flower exhibitions that are seasonal and to illustrate the diversity of the region, which should have shade pavilions making it perfect to have a relaxing moment between sightseeing sites.
10. Impression West Lake Performance.
In the evening, do not pass the outdoor show of “Impression West Lake,” which is directed by Zhang Yimou. The performance takes place right on the lake and involves light and water then provides the music that narrates the local legends through dance. A really surreal ending to your day is the pictures of dancers who dance across lit fountains gracefully.
Hangzhou is a place that brings to life all the senses, from foggy morning at the West Lake to tea flowered afternoons at Meijiawu Village or moonlight nights by the Grand Canal. It is a city that walks at its own graceful speed- one that makes you take in long deep breaths, allow yourself time to stroll and stay in the picturesque scene and long after you left.
