Hangzhou

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, is a well-known tourist city at home and abroad. It lies on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River and is at the southern end of the 1,794-kilometre-long Grand Canal (Beijing-Hangzhou Canal). With an area of 16,596 square kilometers inhabited by a population of 5.2 million, it embraces 6 urban districts and 7 suburban counties. Hangzhou ranks with Suzhou as one of the most beautiful cities in China. Known as a "paradise on earth", the city enjoys a pleasant climate and picturesque landscape.

Xihu (West Lake)

Xihu, focal point of a visit to Hangzhou, is a tranquil spot of striking beauty. Situated in the west part of the city, it is enclosed on three sides by low hills. The water surface covers an area of 5.6 square kilometers. The lake is known for ten beautiful vistas, such as Pinghu Qiuyue (Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake), Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at the Crooked Courtyard), Liulana Wenving (Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows), Su Causeway and Bai Causeway.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is enhanced by part of the outer West Lake, and is well landscaped, creating an impression of "an islet in a lake and a lake on an islet". There are three pagodas built in the Ming Dynasty rising from the lake, each reflected on the water, which gives the illusion that three moons are in the water.

Longing (Dragon Well) Tea and the Hu Pao (Tiger Spring)

Longjing Tea, the most celebrated tea in China, is produced at Longjing, which is located to the west of the city. It is a high quality green tea, which is graded into four categories: Shi Feng (Lion Peak), Longjing, Wu Yun (Five Clouds) and Hu Pao. The flavor of Longjing tea can best be brought out with water from the Tiger Spring, which is located to the southeast of the Dragon Well within the grounds of the Hu Pao Temple. This spring is regarded as "The Third Finest Spring Under Heaven".

Liu He (Six-Harmony) Pagoda

Liu He Pagoda stands on the Yuelun Mountain at the northern bank of the Qiantang River. The 59.89-metre-high pagoda, having a 13-story appearance, is uniquely constructed of a combination of brick and wood, with eaves that become progressively narrower towards the top. Liu He Pagoda is a crystallization of the magnificent architecture of ancient China. When one stands on the top of the pagoda to take a bird's-eye view, the vast Qiantang River and the splendid fields can all be seen in one look. The Qiantang River Bridge and the ancient pagoda set each other off beautifully. It is now a symbol of Hangzhou.

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple, located at the foot of the Lingyin Hill northwest of the city, was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The 33.6-meter-high main hail is a masterpiece of ancient buildings with one story and doubled eaves. The two nine story octagonal pagodas in front of the main hall and the two stone towers containing the Buddhist sutras in front of the Lokapala Hall were all built in the Five Dynasties. In the caves on the Feilai Hill facing the temple across a stream, there are some 300 Buddhist stone carvings dating back to the Five Dynasties, the Song Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty. The elegant stone carvings are of high artistic value.

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