Travel Notes in China

Hangzhou, long famed as ‘Heaven on Earth’, is typical of the celestially bewitching natural scenery of the region of South of the Yangtze River. It has long been a famous tourist attraction. The widely expressed Chinese proverb, “in heaven there is paradise and on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou” combined with the words of Marco Polo who described this place as, “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world” have helped to make Hangzhou one of the biggest tourist attractions in the entire country. Today it is named as the Top Business city in China by Forbes.

Fortunately, while any city would struggle to live up to a reputation as “paradise”, Hangzhou makes a good stab at it. Despite the crowds, hoards of tour groups and the idyllic preconceptions one might have before arrival, it is hard not to like this city. Even the most cynical traveler will appreciate the West Lake for its space and beauty, if nothing else.

The enchanting West Lake , also called ‘Xizi Lake’ (Xizi is recognized as the most beautiful lady in the ancient China), boasts the surrounding mysterious cloud-shrouded hills and the picturesque river scenery. ‘There are 36 west lakes in the world while the best is in Hangzhou’, goes the chant of a former poet who had traveled here. The unparalleled beauty of the lake is beyond words – you must see for yourself. The magic of the lake is further enhanced by the surrounding pavilions, pagodas, temples, mausoleums. Lingyin Temple that has unceasing burning of incenses; the fantastic Feilai Peak, the protruding Solitary Hill, the drinkable Hupao Spring, the majestic and overlooking Six Harmonies Pagoda and the historical Mausoleum of General Yue Fei are always the well-trodden areas for visitors.

The enthralling wonders of Hangzhou also include Qiantang River Bore, the grandest and most exciting river tidal stretches you can experience in China. Qian Dao Hu in an amazing setting of a thousand islets, produces the well-known Chinese natural mineral water ‘Nongfu Spring’. The Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area not far from the city is home to a Chinese Buddhist sect and also draws many pilgrims and sightseers.

Hangzhou is also reputed as ‘The Home of Silk’ and ‘The Land of Tea’. The well-known green tea in China-Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea is the product of this region. The silk production in Hangzhou has had a long tradition and the soft and delicate products have become a golden world-renowned trademark of this city. From the National Silk Museum and National Tea Museum, it is possible to appreciate varieties of these products and learn deeper of these cultures.