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The West Lake
Actually Hangzhou’s fame was much attributed to the beautiful West Lake. Geological studies indicate that the area was once a bay before it separated from the sea and became a lake. The lake is 5.6 square kilometers big with the depth of 2 meters. It was surrounded by mountains in the north. There is one solitary hill standing in the lake. The lake was divided into several parts by the causeways such as Su Causeway and Bai Causeway.
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The
West Lake |
There are three islets in the lake. Three
pools Mirroring the Moon is the biggest one which was piled in the Ming
Dynasty. It is also known as Little Yingzhou Islet, which was named after
a fairly islet in the East Sea in classical Chinese legend. There are
nice buildings such as the Ancestral Temple and Nine Bend Bridge on the
islet. Several small lakes scattered on the islet with the green trees
make the islet more attractive. There are many scenic spots at the West
Lake. From their interesting names you can feel their beauty and charming.
Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour has peony gardens and fish pond. Listening
to the Orioles Singing has many beautiful weeping willows inhabits many
birds. Autumn Moon on Calm Lake is on the southern edge of the Solitary
Hill. It offers the best place to view the scenery of the West Lake. Around
the West Lake there are many places of interest such as parks, temples
and so on. The beautiful scenery will definitely intoxicate you.
Six Harmonies Pagoda
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is located on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang
River. Originally the pagoda was built during the Northern Song Dynasty
(960-1127). The name 'Liuhe' comes from the six Buddhist ordinances and
it is said that the reason for building this pagoda is to calm the tides
of the Qiantang. The original pagoda was destroyed in 1121 and it was
rebuilt in the Southern Dynasty (1127-1279AD) and renovated in the succeeding
dynasties. It is octagonal in shape and some 59.89 meters (196 feet) in
height. The pagoda looks like a thirteen-story structure; actually it
only has seven interior stories. There is a spiral staircase leading to
the top floor and upon each of the seven ceilings are carved and painted
figures including animals, flowers, birds and characters. Each story of
the pagoda consists of four parts, the exterior walls, a zigzagged corridor,
and the interior walls and a small chamber.Upon ascending the pagoda,
visitors will have a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning
the surging tides of the Qiantang River.
The Lingyin Temple (The Temple of Soul's Retreat)
Lingyin (Soul's Retreat) Temple is located at Linglin Hills. It is one
of the best-known Buddhist monasteries in China. The Legend has it that
one Indian monk named Huili built the temple after he decided to hide
himself in the graceful peaks in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420AD).
Its major buildings are Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings and the Grand
Hall. In the center of the Grand Hall, stands a gilded nine-meter-high
statue of Sakyamuni sitting on a lotus flower shaped terrace. Ancient
trees thrive in front of the temple, and a number of pavilions (such as
Spring Stream, Gully Thunder and Cold Spring) are built around the Cool
Spring. The temple also stored valuable sutras of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
After the tour tourists can taste delicious food in the Lingyin Vegetarian
Restaurant.
Mejiawu Tea Plantation is one famous tea plantation which
produces the best green tea in the world. It is very interesting to visit
the tea plantation. You can go to the tea house to enjoy traditional Chinese
tea ceremony. The fragrant tea can quench thirsty and cool your mind.
Besides these tourist attractions, Yuefei Temple, Yellow Dragon Cave and
Tiger Running Spring are also popular attractions in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is famous for silk, tea and umbrella.
The Famous food in Hangzhou is Beggar's Chicken, West
Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Source, Dongpo Braised Pork and Fried Shrimps
with Longjing Tea Leaves and so on.
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