Hangzhou Sightseeing

Hangzhou has been ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Although Hangzhou has been through many recent urban developments, it still retains its historical and cultural heritage. Today, tourism remains an important factor for Hangzhou's economy.

West Lake (Xihu) is Hangzhou's most famous and most popular scenic sight. The lake covers an area of six square kilometers and includes some of Hangzhou's most famous historic and scenic places. The area includes historical pagodas, cultural sites, as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. Technically, there are ten must see scenes in the West Lake:

• Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway
• Orioles Singing in the Willows
• Viewing Fish at Flower Pond
• Winery Yard and Lotus Pool
• Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill
• Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake
• Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow
• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
• Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge
• Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

till the West Lake itself can be divided into countless smaller sites, from Mr. Guo's villa to Orioles Singing in the Willows. Some of the must see areas with a short description of each in the West Lake area are as follows.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

Built in the early 1600s, this is the largest island on the lake. When there is a full moon, candles inside the pagodas are lit, and in the candlelight something magical appears.

Mid-Lake Pavilion

The Mid-Lake Pavilion is the oldest island in the West Lake area. On this island, there is a Chinese inscription on the Qing Dynasty era stone arch where the Qing Emperor in 1552 wrote "Chong Er" meaning "Endless Love".

Lord Ruan's Mound

This is a mound which was made by the piling up of dirt after the dredging of the lake 200 years ago. On a summer's night, entertaining activities take place in the garden on the island.

Hubin Park

Hubin Parks numbers one, three, six and other numbered parks in between are the parks between Hubin Road and the West Lake. These parks are good to sit for a bit, eat ice cream or read a newspaper. You can also rent a boat from the docks at each park and enjoy a scenic lake from the water.

Su Causeway

The Su Causeway in West Lake is almost 3 kilometers in length. This causeway dates back to year 1189 and is richly covered with a bunch of willows and peach trees.

Bai Causeway

Starting at the eastern end of Beishan Road, the Bai Causeway leads to the Solitary Hill and cuts off the distances between Hubin Road and the Shangri La.

Yang Causeway

This one is more than 3 kilometers in length and one road west of the Su Causeway. Running north south, the Yang Causeway starts at the intersection of Beishan and Shuguang Road which becomes Yang Causeway once you are south of this intersection. The Yang Causeway includes the Quyuan Garden, which is the most popular spot to see tons of lotus blossoms. The water area to the west of the top of Yang Causeway is Maojiabu Scenic area, with orchids blended into the water scenery. Another tourist spot on Yang Causeway is Mr. Guo's Villa, is was built in 1907 and is considered one of the most "classical" gardens in Hangzhou. At the southern end of the causeway, just before Nanshan Road, is a fish-viewing pond.

Zhongshan Park

Zhongshang Park is the only natural island on the lake, where Lou Wai Lou restaurant is located. At least three emperors have constructed palaces here. Besides an expensive restaurant, the popular area is the home of the Xiling Seal Engravers' Society, and the seals, calligraphy, engraving-masters, and relics that go along with it.

King Qian's Memorial

Five Kings of the Wuyue Kingdom are buried here in the King Qian's memorial on the south end of the West Lake off Nanshan Road.

Gushan

Gushan Island is the largest island in West Lake. It is situated in its northwest corner and can be reached via Baidi, a dyke built in the Tang dynasty. The story of the plum wife and crane son is quite famous and it goes like this: Lin Bu, also called Lin Hejing, was a real hermit and a talented poet in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Besides composing poems and paintings, he spent all his spare time planting plum trees and raising cranes. He didn't marry in his entire life, and as a result, people took plum blossom as his wife and considered cranes his children.

The place he lived in seclusion was called Gushan. Gushan, situated at the northwestern corner of West Lake, is 38 meters (about 125 feet) above sea level, and covers an area of nearly 50 acres. It is the lowest summit, compared to other hills around West Lake, but it is also the biggest island in the lake and the only natural island as well.

Gushan got this name because it is surrounded by water, standing solitarily in West Lake. It can also be called Solitary Island, for it is a lonely island; rather than a hill. Its other name: Plum Blossom Island, originates from the flourishing plum blossom planted on the hill.

Gushan boasts of beautiful landscapes. It is bordered by Bai Causeway on the east, Xi Ling Bridge on the west, the Outer West Lake on the south, and the Inner West Lake on the north. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, one of the ten scenes of the West Lake; is formed on the boundary of Gushan and Bai Causeway. Gushan is an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of West Lake. In addition, there are a lot of cultural relics in the scenic area.

Wushan Square

Wushan Square and Wushan Hill is a major town center in Hangzhou. The view from the top is excellent on a clear day, and there are also trails around the hills from behind the pagoda. The pagoda itself has been modernized with an elevator and nice open-air teahouse at the top, but the original bell is still intact and in use. This area also features easy access to Hefang Jie shopping street at the base of the hill, full of small pedestrian streets and shopping stalls. It is also extremely close to the West Lake itself.

Jade Emperor Hill

The Jade Emperor Hills is one of the least visited sites in Hangzou despite its somewhat central location. This hill does not feature any prominent pagodas or temples, but it still provides a quiet escape and a nice walk. It is located directly south of Leifeng Pagoda.

Six Harmonies Pagoda

The Six Harmonies Pagoda is located down by the Qiantang River, about a 15 minute cab ride from the lake in light traffic. The road to drive there is quite pretty as it goes through all the tunnels and tea fields. Besides the pagoda there is a park with hundreds of realistic replicas of the world's most famous pagodas, complete with mini-sized trees in front of the pagoda models.

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple, meaning "heart of the soul's retreat", is located west of the West Lake is an active Buddhist temple at the bottom of a hill. Nearby you can take a chairlift to the top of the hill where there is another temple, but it you prefer you can walk up the set of stairs below the chairlift. The Lingyin Temple is one of the three oldest and most famous temples in China.

Leifeng Pagoda

The Leifeng Pagoda was originally built in 975 and it used to stand on the slopes of Nanping Mountain on the southern bank of West Lake in Hangzhou. But all that remains now of the original pagoda is the crumbling foundation, viewable from outside the glass case that it is housed in. With escalators, elevators, and a totally new pagoda places on top of the foundation, there is not much to see within the pagoda itself.

The Leifeng Pagoda was an octagonal, five-storied structure built of brick and wood. The body of the pagoda was made of brick, but the eaves, balconies, inside landings and balustrades were made of wood. Stones with the Huayan Scriptures inscribed on them were inlaid on the inner walls of the pagoda.

Compared to other Pagodas, Leifeng Pagoda had the saddest history. During the Yuan Dynasty it was a magnificent building "of ten thousand chi" standing "aloft as if in midair." It suffered a most severe disaster during the Ming Dynasty.

During the Jiaqing years (1522-66) Japanese invaders set fire to the pagoda and burned the coves, balconies, balustrades and steeple to ashes, leaving only a brick skeleton. Later some superstitious and ignorant people often took bricks from the pagoda in the belief that the abrasive powder of the bricks was a magic remedy that could cure all diseases and keep a fetus from aborting. Others stole Buddhist scriptures from the pagoda in order to make money.

Finally, in August 1924 the foot of the pagoda was dug hollow and other parts of the pagoda were so severely damaged that the ancient pagoda suddenly collapsed. In the debris of the fallen pagoda some Buddhist scriptures were found in a brick hole. At the beginning of the scriptures it was written that the pagoda was constructed by the King of Wuyue, Qian Hongchu, and that total of 84,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures had been stored in the pagoda. It was dated 975, the last year of the state of Wuyue.

The pagoda was most recently rebuilt in 2000 and visitors can get one of the best views of the city skyline from there. Also, some of the smaller seating areas around the perimeter of the pagoda have a nice breeze and view of the pagoda structure.

Jingci Temple

Off Nanshan Road, built in 954, this has a huge 10 ton bell inside it. Located on Nanping Road, the bell rings 108 times to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The bell is also rung every evening, but for much fewer times.

Wuzhen

For any visit south of the Yangtze River, one place not to be missed is the town of Wuzhen. Located in the centre of the six ancient towns south of Yangtze River, 17 kilometers (10.56 miles) north of the city of Tongxiang, Wuzhen displays its two thousand year history in its ancient stone bridges floating on mild water, its stone pathways between the mottled walls and its delicate woodcarvings.

Also, setting it apart from other towns, Wuzhen gives a unique experience through its profound cultural background. It is said that people have lived in Wuzhen for 7000 years and over time the town has produced a galaxy of talents. Mao Dun, an outstanding modern Chinese writer, was born here and his masterpiece, 'The Lin's Shop', describes vividly the life of Wuzhen. In 1991, Wuzhen was authorized as the Provincial Ancient Town of History and Culture, so ranking first among the six ancient towns south of the Yangtze River.

Wuzhen's uniqueness lies in its layout, being 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long and divided into six districts. These are Traditional Workshops District, Traditional Local-Styled Dwelling Houses District, Traditional Culture District, Traditional Food and Beverage District, Traditional Shops and Stores District, and Water Township Customs and Life District. Wandering along the east-west circuit created by these six districts, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional cultures and the original ancient features of the town that have been preserved intact.

The Former Residence of Mao Dun

The former residence of Mao Dun, a well-known Chinese revolutionary writer, was originally built in the central 19th century. It covers a total area of 650 square meters (7020 square feet) and it was the Mao family home for many generations. In 1984, the former residence of Mao Dun was renovated and extended to cover a total area of 1,731.5 square meters (18,700 square feet).

In 1988, it was listed as one of the Key State Preserved Relic Units and in 1994 was renamed the Mao Dun Museum of the City of Tongxiang. The house has three exhibition areas: Wuzhen, the Hometown of Mao Dun, the Way of Mao Dun, and the Former Residence of Mao Dun. The present Mao Dun Museum can be found to the east of the residence, which used to be Lizhi Shuyuan (Aspiration Academy) where Mao Dun spent his early school years.

Fanglu Pavilion

Enjoying a well-deserved reputation as the best teahouse in Wuzhen, the Fanglu Pavilion obtained its name from an accidental meeting between Lu Tong, the owner, and Lu Yu, the Patron Saint of Tea in Tang Dynasty (618-907).

It is said that Lu Yu once mistakenly ate some poisonous leaves and was rescued by Lu Tong, who happened to collect tealeaves at that time. In return, Lu Yun taught Lu Tong knowledge of tea and tea making skills, which resulted in the prosperity of LuTong's teahouse. Suggested by one guest, Lu Tong changed the house's name to Pavilion of Visits to Lu, to memorize this respectable scholar.

Located to the south of Ying Bridge and backing onto the city river, the teahouse enjoys a broad view of Guanqian Street and provides visitors with pleasant relaxation.

Hupao Spring

Hupao Spring is ranked the third in China for its spring water. Hupao Spring is well famed for its unique fountain. Hupao Spring is at the foot of the Great Compassion Hill, which is five kilometers away from Hangzhou city. The Hupao Spring stretches between West Lake and the Qiantang River.

Hupao Spring forms as the result of underground water seeping through veins and cracks within quartz sandstone that is not eroded by acid materials. Due to its low content of mineralized ingredients and its high percentage of radon (a radioactive element), the spring water, which tastes pure, sweet and cold, is an ideal beverage for good health.

Most interestingly, the spring water rises three millimeters above a bowl edge without overflowing even if a coin is put into the bowl, a scientific phenomenon made possible by the high surface tension of the spring water.

Today, Hupao Spring and the surrounding twisting valley have been turned into the Tiger Running Spring Forest Park. On the site is Li Shutong Memorial which was erected in honor of the scholar and hierarch who was outstanding in the fields of music, drama, painting, and calligraphy.

Mount Putuoshan Scenic Spot

Mount Putuoshan lies to the east of Zhoushan City. Zhoushan City is situated on Zhoushan Island that in turn gives its name to a group of some four hundred small islands off the east coast of China in Zhejiang Province. These islands are in fact the peaks of submerged mountains and so rise steeply from the sea.

Mount Putuoshan dominates the small rhomboidal landmass with its total area of about 12.5 square kilometers (4.8 square miles). The mountain is of one of four in the country that are held sacred by Buddhists and it was here that over the centuries a once large Buddhist community was to evolve.

The island's scenic beauty meant it was the perfect setting for temples and other religious buildings. In due course, it became known as the "Heaven of the Sea and Kingdom of the Buddhists". In its heyday, the island had eighty-two temples and nunneries together with some one hundred and twenty-eight shelters that between them housed 4,000 Buddhist monks and nuns. Even today visitors to the island will encounter monks in their traditional robes as they walk along the many paths that cris-cross the picturesque landscape.

The major sites to visit on the island are:

• Puji Temple :This temple dates from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and covers 11,000 square meters (2.7 acres).
• Fayu Temple :Construction commenced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the buildings hug the mountainside in the seclusion of lofty and ancient trees.
• Huiji Temple :This is known also as the Buddhist Hilltop Temple (Fodingshan) on account of its elevated position.

This island is famed for having such a delightful combination of mountain scenery and seascapes.

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

The Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds refers to South Peak and North Peak at the West Lake scenic spot. In reality however, neither peak is very high. South Peak is 256.9 meters (843 feet) in height, and North Peak is 355 meters (1,165 feet). They face each other across a distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

The natural scenery here is exceptionally beautiful, especially when it is cloudy or after a rainfall. At that time, only the two tips of the peaks can be seen in the thick fog. It looks as if the fog is being pierced only by the two peaks, thus the name 'Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds'.

Long ago Buddhist monasteries and pagodas were constructed on the tops of the two peaks. This place became a great attraction and was listed as one of the ten famous scenic sites of West Lake during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Lin Feng-Mien's Residence

Lin Feng-Mien was a forerunner of Chinese modern art and the founder of Chinese modern art education as he established the National Academy of Art.

Address:No. 3 Lingying Road (Main Entrance of Botanical Garden), Hangzhou
Tel: (86571) 8796-9285

Guo's Villa

This 140 year old garden-like villa is a nice way to travel back to the Qing Dynasty. It's the best existing traditional private garden in Hangzhou. It is one of the garden masterpieces of Jiangnan, the lower region of the Yangtze River, with incomparable surroundings and the smartly managed garden space.

The garden has regular switches between tight, closed spaces and sudden, open ones. The key feature, or spirit, is water. Cleverly juxtaposing shade and light, curved and straight, yin and yang, the garden of Guozhuang is a wonderful embodiment of the Chinese wisdom of Tao and the Way of Nature.

The teahouse, Liang Yi Xuan (Belvedere of Both Good) sits in a prime viewing spot within the garden between two superb water yards, one large and the other small. While there are plenty of similar old villas in China to visit, this one is also on the shore of the West Lake.

Address:No. 28 Yanggongdi, Hangzhou
Tel: (86571) 8798-6026

Su Dongpo Memorial Hall

The Su Dongpo Memorial Hall is an ancient style building showing honour to the statesman poet. The memorial hall houses replicas of his writings, paintings and calligraphy works.

Address:No. 1 Nanshan Road, Hangzhou
Tel: (86571) 8796-3684

Pan Tianshou Memorial Hall

Pan Tianshou was an artist and teacher. His paintings, calligraphy and writing are on display in his former residence.

Address:No. 95 Nanshan Road, Hangzhou

Sui Villa

The Sui Villa (Bao's Mansion) was built in 1922 by Bao Bolin, a merchant from Guangdong Province.

Address:No. 95 Beishan Road, Hangzhou

Huang Binhong's Memorial Hall

Huang Binhong (1865-1955) was a celebrated contemporary landscape painter. He taught at the National Academy of Arts here in Hangzhou.

Address:No. 31 Qixialing Road, Hangzhou

Hu Xueyan Tang Villa

The Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the only state-level professional Chinese medicine museum in China. It's one of the best preserved late Qing Dynasty buildings in the city. It is seated at the foot of Wu Hill in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The museum is housed in the restored ancient structure Hu Qing Yu Tang, such that it is also known as the Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Hu Xueyan, the first boss of the pharmacy, was not only a successful businessman but also a highclass official in the imperial court. The founder of the Hu Qing Yu Tang traditional medicine began business in 1874. It had won a great fame during its development. People regarded it as the "King of Medicine" in southern China. Many tourists are attracted to the Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum not only to appreciate the treasures of Chinese medicine, but also to admire its magnificent architectural complexities and to learn more about Hu's legendary stories.

The museum consists of five parts: the Exhibition Hall, the Medicine Preparation Hall, the Chinese Health Care Clinic, the Restaurant of Medicinal Diet and the Sales Department. The Exhibition Hall introduces the development of Chinese medicine, including its origin, the life of well-known doctors in its long history, famous books of medical science and China's medicine exchange with foreign countries, etc. In the Medicine Preparation Hall, the museum's staff also performs the arts of traditional pharmaceutics. Visitors have the opportunity to receive Chinese-style health care served by experienced doctors. The Restaurant of Medicinal Diet provides visitors with numerous medicinal diets which are good for health.

Address: Yuanbao Street, Wangjiang Road, Hangzhou

Mausoleum of General Yuefei

The Mausoleum of General Yuefei was built in memory of a famous national hero, Yuefei (1103 - 1142). He was a great General famous for wars against the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234) in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). After he joined the army, he and his troops continuously won wars against the Jin. However, after Yue and his army had recovered most of the lost territory, Emperor Gaozong (1107 - 1187) embraced the evil plot of Qinhui (1090 - 1155, Prime Minister of the Song Dynasty) and surrendered to the Jin.

As a result, Yuefei was falsely accused and later secretly killed in jail. A few years later, the wrong was put right when Emperor Xiao Zong (1163 - 1189) came to power. The Mausoleum of General Yuefei was built in memory of this great hero. Yuefei has always been considered a national hero.

His tomb, which had been destroyed several times, was rebuilt and possesses the features of the Song Dynasty. Facing the tomb are four iron sculptures, including Qinhui the chief plotter, in kneeling position.

Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum

China is a country with a rich tradition of pottery and porcelain. The history of pottery can be traced back through 8,000 years, while porcelain in China has a history over 2,000 years.

During the Song Dynasty (960 -1279), this culture came to a climax. A variety of chinaware appeared. Particularly representative of that time are the products of the guan kiln. Guan kilns are the official kilns, which produce the high-class chinaware for royalty - either for daily use or decoration. It is recorded that there were two guan kilns in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279): Jiaotanxia Guan Kiln and Xiuneisi Guan Kiln.

Lying to the south of West Lake, Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum has a floor area of 15,000 square meters (3.7 acres). The building area is 4,364 square meters(1.1acres). It is built over the remains of Jiaotanxia Guan Kiln and is the first museum with pottery and porcelain as its subject in China.

It was opened to public in 1992 and was extended in 2002. Now the museum displays the products of the guan kilns of Southern Song Dynasty, highlighting their charm and delicate beauty. It has been praised as the Civilized Museum of Zhejiang Province and the first group of Provincial Education Base of Patriotism. The museum consists of two parts: the exhibition area and the guan kiln relic.

There are three rooms in the exhibition area. In the first exhibition room, many delicate chinaware treasures of past dynasties unearthed in Hangzhou are on display. While in the second room, one can study the history of China's ceramics as well as the social, political and economic base and development after the establishment of guan kilns in Southern Song Dynasty. And in the third one, visitors can see the fruits of research on the ancient porcelain of China and the products in imitation of the famous products of kilns made by modern technology. Now, over 8,000 restored chinaware samples dug up from the site are on display in the exhibition area.

Jiaotanxia Guan Kiln was firstly discovered in 1930, but was only serious excavated in the mid 1980s. Of particular interest are the pugging pond, the shaping workshop and the Dragon Kiln. Modern technology is so advanced that ancient pieces can be fully restored, making a visit well worthwhile for the visitor.

As a part of Jiaotanxia Guan Kiln, the Dragon Kiln clings to a slope with a total length of 40.3 meters (44 yards). The kiln was built with adobes whose profile is still visible. The remains of Dragon Kiln in the protection corridor have stairs on both sides. The visitors can climb the steps to appreciate the fantastic site.

In the Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum, there is a pottery bar with a unique style. Visitors can see for themselves how pottery was made long ago. They can also have the experience of making their own pottery, and so enter into the hardship and exhilaration that must have been the lot of people in ancient times.

China National Silk Museum is the first state-level professional silk museum in China as well as the biggest silk museum throughout the world. Situated at the southern bank of the West Lake, in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province, it opened to the public in 1992.

The museum owns eight exhibition halls, including: the Preface Hall, Relics Hall, Folk-custom Hall, Dyeing and Weaving Hall and Modern Achievements Hall. The Preface Hall introduces the 5000 year long history of Chinese silk culture. China is the earliest country that engaged in sericulture, filature and making clothes with silk. This hall provides strong evidence for this fact and shows the history of the Silk Road through which silk was spread abroad.

Relics Hall presents several preserved relics, which cover almost every dynasty of ancient China, and a number of pictures to explain Chinese traditional silk culture. These relics are from various districts of China, including those excavated along the Silk Road, on the grassland of Northern China, and in the south of China. It should be mentioned that tourists can appreciate a piece of fragmentary brocade that dates back 5,630 years. That is the earliest silk that has ever been discovered.

Folk Custom Hall displays some prominent products created by outstanding weavers. Dyeing and Weaving Hall tells people how to dye and weave silk and the scientific theory of it. There are also weavers showing the whole process. Tourists are welcome to participate in the activity and do it themselves. Modern Achievements Hall displays the achievements of New China in silk production, silk research and silk trade and so on.

Fei Lai Feng stands next to Ling Yin Temple and is a must see attraction in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. There are many legends about the peak's name. A well-known legend states that an Indian monk named Huili arrived in the valley 1,600 years ago and was surprised to see a peak so dissimilar from any other one in the valley. He believed that the peak had flown over from India because the shape, although unique in China, was common in India. However, he did not know why the peak would have flown to this spot so far from his country. Hence the peak's name was created and has passed down to the present day.

Fei Lai Feng, 209 meters (about 700 feet) tall, is a pure limestone mountain that is very distinctive from the sandstone mountains around it. Large stones scattered along the peak are said to resemble animals like a flying dragon, a running elephant, a crouching tiger, and a fleeing monkey.

On the other side of the peak, a pavilion named Cui Wei was erected to immortalize the national hero Yue Fei. This man contributed greatly in the war against Jin Tribe during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The pavilion was destroyed many times before the large restoration of 1942. The current pavilion keeps its old face with fresh paint.

The caves of this mountain shelter about 330 stone statues dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The statues appear in a variety of poses ranging from standing, to sitting, to sleeping. A favorite may be the Laughing Buddha, sitting on the cliff along the stream with exposed breast and belly. If you wonder why he has such a big belly, the answer is that his belly is where the Buddha keeps all of the world's troubles.

The question always comes out "why are there so many Buddha statues in the cave?"Local legend has it that the peak had destroyed many villages before it settled down in Hangzhou. In order to prevent the peak from causing even more damage, over 500 Buddha statues were caved out of the peak to suppress it. Consequently, the water-eroded caves in the peak are regarded as the very birthplace of many local legends.

In 1993, a new site by the name of "China Grotto Art Garden" was set up around the Fei Lai Feng beauty spot. Thousands of professionals in the fields of engraving and grotto research flock to this place to study the unparalleled Chinese classical rock carvings. Among all the mountains around West Lake, Fei Lai Feng is the one most likely to simulate the imagination and make one reluctant to leave.

The Grand Canal is noted as one of the most magnificent and wondrous constructions in ancient China. The canal can really offer one a profound look into China's fascinating, historical past. Running 1,764 km (about 1200 miles) in length, the Grand Canal is the longest man-made waterway, as well as the grandest in ancient China, far surpassing the next two grand canals of the world: the Suez and Panama Canals.

Running from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in the south to Beijing in the north of China and connecting different river systems, the Grand Canal contributed greatly to ensure that the Chinese primary economy thrived in past dynasties. Now more than 2000 years old, some parts of the canal are still in use, mainly functioning as a water diversion conduit.

The canal today was built section by section in different areas and dynasties before it was linked together by the Sui Dynasty (581-618). In 604 AD, Emperor Yangdi of the Sui Dynasty toured Luoyang (now the city in Henan Province). The following year, he moved the capital to Luoyang and ordered a large-scale expansion of the Grand Canal. The primitive building techniques stretched the project over six years. Approximately half the peasant builders (about 3,000,000) died of hard labor and hunger before it was finished. This project was thought to have been wasteful of manpower and money, which resulted in the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.

As a major transportation hinge in past dynasties, the Grand Canal interconnected the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe, Haihe, and Qiantang Rivers and flowed through Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang with Hangzhou at its southernmost end. The Grand Canal, which joined the river systems from different directions, offered much facility to transport foods and goods from south to north in past times. Just as importantly, it greatly improved the administration and defense of China as a whole and strengthened economic and cultural intercourse between north and south.

Boating on the old Chinese Canal is one of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the landscape of typical river towns in southern China, which includeancient dwellings, stone bridges of traditional designs and historical relics. Experiencing some of the local customs offers much delight to travelers. Tourists also have an opportunity to enjoy good food while appreciating the surrounding scenery. Boating along the Hangzhou-Beijing Grand Canal is becoming more popular.

The Hangzhou Botanical Garden covers an area of about 230 hectares (approximately 568 acres) and it is located at the foot of the Jade Spring Hill in the northwest end of the West Lake. It was originally built in 1965, and is is not only a park in which to feast your eyes on beautiful plants, but it is also a research base where fields such as the cultivation of plants and protection of environment are studied.The garden has wonderful scenery and an excellent environment. It is beautiful with decorative architecture including pavilions and kiosks. Verdant trees, colorful and lovely flowers, and extremely fresh air seem to bring people into a world full of the pleasure of natural beauty.

The garden is divided into two main sections: the research section and the pleasure gardens. The research section is where the cultivation of plants and protection of the environment are being studied. The pleasure gardens are divided into gardens including the Botany Classification Garden, Botany Appreciation Garden, Bamboo Garden, Garden of Economic Plants, PlantResources Museum, and the Medicinal Garden. In the Botany Appreciation Garden, the 'Lingfeng Tanmei' in the Botanical Garden is an excellent scene that really catches tourists' eyes: Over 5,000 plum trees are standing upright. When winter comes, the majestic and charming picture of plum trees stretching up, towards the cold wind and snowflakes falling onto plum blossoms are an amazing sight.

Each garden has unique features. The Bamboo Garden is special and interesting: A kind of bamboo named Damaozhu grows very fast, reaching 1 meter (approximately 3 feet) in height during one night and growing as tall as a three-stories building during one month. Some bamboos are small like grass, and some have spots on stems. In the Garden of Economic Plants, plants are visible which can be used to produce fiber, medicine, flavors, or special kinds of industrial materials. They provide tourists not only with the wonderful scenery of flourishing trees but also an ideal place for summering.

Some entertainment facilities in the botanic garden offer tourists a chance to relax to their hearts content. No matter what season it is, the garden will give tourists endless pleasure. The beautiful Yulan trees in spring, the leisure hours spent viewing the lotus or on the hammock forest in summer, the fragrance of sweet-scented-osmanthus in autumn, the pines and bamboos, which are still green and vigorous in winter, add great pleasure to any visit here.

Address: Taoyuanling, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Tel: (86571) 8788-9153

The zoo is home to pandas and many other animals. It is conveniently located just south of the lake. The entrance fee includes a circus-style animal show with tigers, lions, bears and elephants that is particularly entertaining for children.

Address: No. 40 Hupao Road, Hangzhou
Tel: (86571) 8797-0657

The Thousand Islets Lake (Qian Dao Lake) is noted for its verdurous mountains, crystal clear water, exotic caves and strange stones. It lies in Chun'an County, about 150 km (93 miles) west of Hangzhou City and is 140 km (87 miles) southeast of Mount Huangshan. It is a resplendent pearl in the classical golden route of Hangzhou. Thousand Islets Lake and Mount Huangshan has become popular all over the world.

The Thousand Islets Lake offers something special, different from the bustling metropolis.With 81% of the area covered in forests, Thousand Islets Lake is a pure lake with clean, fresh air. It is a young lake formed in 1959 as a result of the construction of New Anjiang Hydroelectric Power Station. It is a beautiful lake with 1078 islets showing different views in different seasons. It is also a rich lake abounding with fish and surrounded by trees, tea, mulberry (the food of the silkworm) and other fruit trees. Qian Dao Lake is also a delightful lake with many activities including enjoying the natural scenery and local culture, observing wild animals and taking part in many exciting activities.

Nongfu (farmer) Spring Water, a famous mineral water brand in China, comes from Qiandao Lake. The scenic area can be divided into six sections on the basis of geographical location. They are: Southeast Lake District (the first to be developed), Central Lake District (combining several spots that should not be missed), Southwest Lake District, Northeast Lake District, Northwest Lake District and Fuxi Stone Forest (the first stone forest in East China), each possessing their own unique and striking landscapes.

Thousand Islets Lake is currently the largest forest park in China. It has been awarded many titles and received favorable comments from tourists both at home and abroad. The best time to visit the Lake is in autumn and winter, when there is less rainfall. Fine weather, cool and fresh air and clear water are really enjoyable. Do sample the distinctively cooked seafood and some local food here. Take home souvenirs like inkstones, hemp embroideries and products made of pearls.

The Red Carp Pond is the heart of the Fish at Flower Harbor Park (Huagang Guanyu), one of the ten places of interests at West Lake. Countless carps live and play in Red Carp Pond, fascinating thousands of tourists each year.

Located west of South Su Causeway, Flower Harbor dates back to the South Song Dynasty. Originally it was a private garden near Huajia (Flower) Hill, hence the name Flower Harbor. In the year 1699 Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty visited West Lake and wrote "Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor," which was later inscribed on a stone stele standing near the pond. Emperor Qianlong also wrote a poem about Flower Harbor.

Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor has developed into a large park of over 20 hectares (about 49.42 acres) made up of five scenic spots; namely, Red Carp Pond, peony park, flower harbor, lawn, and grove. The peony pavilion affords a panorama view. To the east, lush trees extend to the Su causeway. The south view reveals the verdant Nanping Hill with a jade belt of water.

An arch bridge connects shimmering Inner West Lake and Lesser South Lake, like two mirrors framed in emerald. To the north a large broad lawn interspersed with arbors provides retreat for tourists. For centuries, like the West Lake itself, the Red Carp Pond has afforded beauty and cultural respite to emperors and poets alike who expressed their admiration through poems, calligraphy, and drawings.

Xixi National Wetland Park, the first and so far only National Wetland Park in China, is located in the western outskirts of Hangzhou and lies at the southern tip of the longest and oldest canal in the world, the Hangzhou-Beijing Canal.

Opened in May 2005, this wetlands park is located in the west part of the city past the west bus station. Xixi covers an area of 3.46 square kilometers and features abundant ecological resources, beautiful natural scenes and a rich cultural heritage of many millennia.

It ranks one of the "Three Xi" in Hangzhou along with the famous West Lake and Xiling Seal Society. It includes many thousands of ponds, networks of streams and rivers, extensive reedbeds and ecological areas and provides rich examples of aspects of urban wetland, as well as agricultural and cultural wetland environments.

Many unique cultural aspects add to Xixi's fascination including the persimmon and plum festivals, the silk industry, boat born martial arts and the prestige of being the birthplace of the famous ShaoXin opera. In this way Xixi National Wetland Park clearly represents a unique and unrivalled recreation and education experience.

One of the easiest ways to get there would be to take a bus from Huanglong Soccer Stadium.This park is not to be missed. It is a great way to see birds and other wildlife. The birds are especially beautiful and varied.

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