Sights in Hangzhou

Su Causeway, commonly known as Sugong Causeway, is the most scenic of the "Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake." Su Dongpo, while serving as an official in Hangzhou, dredged West Lake, dividing it into inner and outer parts. Six bridges—Yingbo, Suolan, Wangshan, Yadi, Dongpu, and Kuahong—are adorned with ancient beauty. Exiting the East Gate of Huagangguanyu, you'll find Su Causeway.

The beauty of Su Causeway lies not only in its passage through the picturesque West Lake, but also in the fact that it is lined with graceful camphor trees and other plants, remaining evergreen year-round. In spring, the embankment is particularly vibrant, with peach blossoms in full bloom and trees sprouting new leaves. The gentle spring breeze is a breathtaking sight, bringing a sense of tranquility and joy.

Quyuan Fenghe Park boasts lotus blossoms in summer and the fragrance of osmanthus in autumn, but the most eye-catching aspect is still the summer lotus viewing. Walking north along the Su Causeway, crossing the Yadi Bridge, you can see Quyuan Fenghe Park on the left in the distance.

Hundreds of lotus varieties are cultivated in the park's large and small lotus ponds, with the Fenghe area being particularly captivating. Lotus leaves fill the landscape, and lotus blossoms bloom in alluring beauty. Small bridges of various shapes are built across the water, creating a sense of walking among the lotuses, with people leaning against the flowers and their faces reflected in them.

The park is divided into five scenic areas: the Red Fish Pond, the Peony Garden, the Flower Harbor, the Great Lawn, and the Dense Woods. The first three are must-sees. Originally the private gardens of a Southern Song Dynasty official, a winding mountain stream flows from Huajia Mountain into West Lake, known as the Flower Harbor. Fish roam the water, flowers bloom along the streamside, and a pavilion, the "Peony Pavilion," stands within the garden, planted with peonies and Chinese peonies. The garden's beauty is breathtaking, with clouds rolling and unrolling like a rosy rosy cloud. It's also a prime spot for fish watching.

Pinghu Autumn Moon is a narrow, lakeside garden ideal for moon-viewing, tea-drinking, and relaxing. The nights of West Lake's Autumn Moon have long been recognized as auspicious and picturesque, brimming with poetic beauty. However, this beauty extends beyond autumn and moonlit nights. Luo Chengxiang of the Qing Dynasty penned a couplet: "Through the window, a summer breeze streams in, and winter sun shines; when the curtains are drawn, the bright moon rises on the mountains in front and behind."

Leaving Pinghu Qiuyue, we walked eastward across the Bai Causeway. At the other end of the causeway stood the Broken Bridge and Remaining Snow. The bridgehead boasted the Imperial Stele Pavilion and other pavilions, facing Inner West Lake, and across the lake from Baoshishan Mountain and Baochu Pagoda. The mountain, pagoda, lake, pavilion, bridge, and the lakeside peach and willow trees formed a picturesque scene. The Broken Bridge served as the only way to reach Solitary Mountain, where both Inner West Lake and Gushan Mountain were blanketed in a blanket of snow, creating a particularly captivating scene.

Also known as "Xiaoyingzhou", it is the largest island in West Lake. It is known as "the first scenic spot in West Lake" and is a representative work of Jiangnan water courtyard art.

East of the Nine-Curve Bridge, a short whitewashed wall faces the water. The wall's ends are unconnected, resembling a folding screen. However, four intricately decorated windows create a sense of separation, creating a continuous flow of space between the interior and exterior. The island is dotted with sparse and dense flowers and trees, primarily green willows, lotuses, red maples, and hibiscus, blooming in vibrant colors throughout the year.

The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon also extends from the island into the lake. Three small, bottle-shaped stone pagodas stand in a triangular formation, a design featured on the one-yuan banknote. Five small circular holes are dotted around the pagodas. Visit around the Mid-Autumn Festival, and you'll see 33 moons. At this time, the water and sky complement each other, and candles lit within the pagodas compete for brilliance with the moon. Moon-watchers paddle their boats, stirring up the lake's silvery glow: the moon in the sky, the moon in the water, the moon in the pagodas, and the moon in our hearts. There's a saying: "The moonlight reflects the lake, and the pagodas are divided into three."

Orioles Singing in the Willows, one of the ten scenic spots of West Lake, is a former imperial garden of the Southern Song Dynasty. It comprises four scenic areas: Friendship, Singing Orioles, Gathering Scenery, and South Garden. The garden's layout is bright, refreshing, elegant, and simple. Willow groves frame purple nanmu trees, cedars, magnolias, and other exotic trees and flowers, such as peaches, crabapples, and roses. It is an ideal spot to admire the delicate beauty of West Lake. Overlooking the water, the expansive view and fresh air are a breathtaking experience. In spring, yellow orioles sing in the shade of the willows, giving rise to the name "Orioles Singing in the Willows."

Leifeng Pagoda, once a landmark of West Lake, was built by Qian Hongchu, King of Wuyue, in honor of his wife's birth. However, we know Leifeng Pagoda more from the novel "The Legend of the White Snake." In ancient times, Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda on Beishan Mountain, one to the south and the other to the north, faced each other across the lake. The saying "Leifeng resembles an old monk, Baochu resembles a beautiful woman" was coined, creating a beautiful scene on West Lake: "One lake reflects the twin pagodas, facing each other north and south." Every sunset, the shadows of the pagodas cast across the sky, creating a unique spectacle, hence the name "Leifeng Sunset."

The so-called Twin Peaks refer to the South Peak and the North Peak, which are branches of the Tianmu Mountain range. They split into South Mountain and North Mountain at the West Lake. On fine days in spring and autumn, the mist is green and white, and the tops of the towers reach the clouds, sometimes appearing and sometimes disappearing, creating a fairyland-like scene from afar.

Nanping Mountain's main peak is 100 meters high, lush with trees and surrounded by rocky cliffs. At the foot of the mountain lies Jingci Temple, where the clear and melodious evening bell sounds give rise to the name "Nanping Evening Bell."

The "bell" in the Nanping Evening Bell is located inside Jingci Temple. Every day around 4:00 PM, you can hear the powerful and resonant sound of a large wooden hammer striking the pendulum bell. The sound of the bell fully evokes the atmosphere of the temple. Of course, it's worth mentioning that Jingci Temple is also the place where Jigong practiced and passed away. In front of the Jizu Hall, west of the Main Hall, stands the legendary ancient wood-carrying well. It's said that the last piece of wood from Jigong's transport remains at the bottom of the well.

The colorful auspicious clouds of Wuyun Mountain often gather and settle in the valley, lingering for a long time. This place is called "Yunqi." Far from the city, this place is deep in the mountains and mysterious in the forest. Bamboo forests cover the slopes and bamboo trees wind around the paths. It is famous for its four characteristics: green, clear, cool, and tranquil. At the end of the mountain stands Yunqi Temple.

Nestled between the Nangao Peak and Baihe Peak lies a valley nestled in a natural village. Along the mountain path of Manjuelong, over 7,000 osmanthus trees, including golden osmanthus, silver osmanthus, red osmanthus, and four-season osmanthus, line the mountain path. In the golden autumn season, the osmanthus trees and hundreds of flowers bloom in full bloom, their fragrance wafting for miles and enchanting the senses. When the dew is heavy, it often scatters like raindrops on the wind, creating a unique experience for those walking among the osmanthus trees, bathed in the "rain" and enveloped in fragrance. This experience has earned the name "Manlong Osmanthus Rain."

The name Hupao comes from the Dream Spring. Hupao Spring is one of the famous springs in Hangzhou. Its water is pure, sweet and mellow. Longjing tea brewed with Hupao water is fragrant and refreshing. It is known as the "Double Wonders of West Lake".

This area, nestled among rolling hills and deep canyons, is not only home to a concentration of ancient caves and Buddhist temple ruins, but is also the source of the "Longjing Tea and Hupao Water" (a type of water used in Longjing tea). It is said that Jigong passed away at Hupao Temple. The park also boasts the Jidian Pagoda, a memorial to Jigong, as well as several vivid relief sculptures depicting everyday life. The Li Shutong Memorial Hall is also within the park and well worth a visit.

West Lake Longjing tea is primarily produced in the Longjing Village area. Longjing tea not only embodies the four hallmarks of Longjing tea: clear color, rich fragrance, mellow flavor, and beautiful appearance, but also embodies the five famous names of famous mountains, temples, lakes, springs, and teas. Tea from Shifeng and Longjing is considered the finest, and its essence can only be fully appreciated by visiting Longjing Village to taste and understand the tea.

Jiuxi Yanshu is commonly known as the "Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams." It connects to Longjing Teahouse in the north and the Qiantang River in the south. It originates at the foot of Yangmei Ridge on Wengjia Mountain and converges with the Qingwan, Hongfa, Tangjia, Xiaokang, Foshi, Baizhang, Yunqi, Qingtou, and Fangjia streams, winding and serenely flowing into the Qiantang River. The "Eighteen Streams" refers to the numerous small streams and gurgling springs. The Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams converge in front of the Xizhongxi Restaurant at the foot of Bajue Mountain. The route is crisscrossed by mountains, dotted with tea plantations, winding paths, clear streams, and the chirping of mountain birds. The scenery is breathtaking on clear days, while on cloudy days, mist and clouds drift.

Jade Emperor Mountain towers majestically against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, appearing even more majestic and towering. When the wind blows and the clouds surge, standing atop Dengyun Pavilion, one hears the gentle breeze of the wind, and hears clouds and mists sweep in and out. The vastness of the lake and mountains, the vastness of the river and sky.

The scenery is beautiful, the rocks are unique, the springs are clear, and the caves are beautiful. The City God Pavilion stands on the mountain, towering above the clouds and majestic. The east, north, and northwest sides of Wushan overlook the streets and alleys, while the south overlooks the Qiantang River and the plains on both sides. Although not high, climbing Wushan still gives you a sense of soaring above, and you can take in the beauty of Hangzhou's river, mountains, lake, and city.

Geling and Baoshishan form a unique landscape. The rocks here are ochre-red, and the rock mass contains many shimmering red minerals. Whenever the sun shines, the mountain is covered with colorful clouds, especially when the sunrise or sunset glows. The mountains are beautiful and dazzling in the sunset light, as if countless gems are shining.

Huanglong Tucui is the site of the Huguo Renwang Temple. Walking along the mountain path deep within the lush bamboo forest, you'll find the ancient Huanglong Cave, a hidden Taoist paradise. Since the Southern Song Dynasty, this spot has enjoyed a prestigious reputation as one of the five major dragon worship sites on West Lake.

When visiting Hangzhou, the first thing to do is to visit West Lake and Lingyin Temple. Founded during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Lingyin Temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, is the oldest and most famous ancient temple in Hangzhou. It is also where Jigong became a monk. The Indian monk Huili, impressed by the secluded scenery, believed it was where the immortals had retreated, and so he built a temple there.

Climb the Liuhe Pagoda to enjoy the river view and the sound of bells. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty by Qian Hongchu, King of Wuyue, to suppress the tides in Jiang, the Liuhe Pagoda is a brick and wood pavilion-style tower. The tower boasts eight sides and seven stories. While it appears to have 13 floors from the outside, only seven are inside (the sixth is enclosed, while the seventh is connected to the main body, creating a unique "seven open and six hidden" structure). Arches at varying angles seamlessly integrate corridors, chambers, steps, and gates on each floor, providing direct access to the top floor. 104 iron bells are also hung from the eaves of each floor.

Yue Fei's Tomb, nestled against the Qixia Mountains, is one of the scenic spots at the Yuewang Temple. It houses the Temple of Loyal Martyrs, the Qizhong Shrine, and Yue Fei's Tomb. Every sunset, the Tomb is bathed in a dazzling halo of light, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Yanggong Dike, titled "Jingxing," captures both form and spirit. It expresses the admiration of Yang Mengying for his dredging of the lake and his virtuous deeds, which benefited the people of Hangzhou and West Lake, while also highlighting the lingering charm of the Three Sages' Shrine. Here, the scenery changes with each step, with breathtaking views of beautiful mountains and waters, a scene that is truly breathtaking, and a gentle breeze caressing your face.

Gushan, surrounded by water on all sides, is a unique mountain. Though not high, it offers the best views of West Lake. Gushan is both a scenic spot and a treasure trove of cultural relics. On the southern slope are Wenlan Pavilion, West Lake World View, the Zhejiang Museum, and Zhongshan Park. The western summit houses the Lengyin Society, the western slope is home to Qiu Jin's tomb, and the northeast slope boasts the Fanghe Pavilion. Fanghe Pavilion commemorates the Song Dynasty reclusive poet Lin Hejing, known for his wife and son, who were both plum blossom-bearing. Plum blossoms are planted extensively outside the pavilion, making it one of Hangzhou's three major plum blossom viewing spots (Gushan, Lingfeng, and Chaoshan).

Part of the former Zhejiang Provincial Museum site is Wenlan Pavilion, a renowned Jiangnan library. It is the site of the Qing Dynasty imperial palace and a renowned royal library. Modeled after Ningbo's Tianyi Pavilion, Wenlan Pavilion is a typical Jiangnan courtyard building, featuring interconnected pavilions, corridors, ponds, bridges, and rockery. The overall architectural and garden layout is compact, elegant, and distinctive.

Xixi's unique beauty lies in its water. Six rivers crisscross the area, and water is the soul of Xixi. Here, the expanse of greenery is breathtaking, and the tree-lined paths amidst the lush greenery feel like a fairyland.

Xixi's primary focus lies in its ecology. Its culture and heritage are rich and profound. Xixi has been a haven of seclusion since ancient times. Qiuxue'an, Bo'an, Meizhu Villa, and Xixi Thatched Cottage have all served as retreats for numerous scholars and literati. The ancient stage beneath a century-old camphor tree in Shentankou is said to have been the premiere site for Northern Yue Opera artists.

West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and the Qiantang River Bridge are the first images of Hangzhou that many ordinary Chinese people associate with Hangzhou. Designed by renowned Chinese bridge engineer Mao Yisheng, this bridge, located east of the Liuhe Pagoda, is my country's first domestically designed and constructed double-deck steel-girder highway and railway bridge.

Prince Bay, a park steeped in romance, is a must-visit for every Hangzhou resident and a favorite spot for couples seeking photos. Entering from the gate opposite Su Causeway, you'll be greeted by a pristine landscape. Further in, you'll find a large lawn and exotic windmills. Every scene offers a surprising surprise. The park is especially beautiful from March to May, when cherry blossoms and tulips bloom in unison!

Hu Xueyan was the richest man in the late Qing Dynasty. With its unassuming gate and simple white walls, it's hard to imagine the extravagance within. Within this vast rectangular residential complex, the Thirteenth Floor and Zhiyuan (Garden of Zhi) were located. Pavilions, towers, bridges, flowing water, corridors, and alleys were ingeniously designed, and the brick, wood, and stone carvings were exquisite. The exquisite choice of wood is even more remarkable, with red sandalwood, rosewood, nanmu, ginkgo, Nanyang fir, and Chinese beech abounding. This residence was arguably the finest of any wealthy Chinese businessman in the late Qing Dynasty. The Thirteenth Floor was primarily used to house his numerous wives and concubines, separated by fire and wind walls into separate units. Zhiyuan, its central building, was known in Hangzhou at the time as "a branch of Feilai Peak, resembling a miniature version of the Lion Grove." The rockery within the garden is the largest existing artificial cave in China.

Lingfeng Peak, located in the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, was once home to the Lingfeng Zen Temple, built during the Wuyue Kingdom of the Five Dynasties. While the temple was later destroyed, plum blossoms were subsequently planted here, creating a sea of ​​plum blossoms and making this area a prime destination for plum blossom viewing. Every February and March, nestled in this secluded valley surrounded by verdant hills and lush trees, the scenery is captivating, with lush meadows, a sea of ​​plum trees, and scattered pavilions, accompanied by a subtle fragrance.

Chaoshan in Yuhang is one of the three most famous plum blossom viewing spots in Jiangnan, China. Chaoshan's plum blossoms are renowned for their antiquity, vastness, and uniqueness. Every February in early spring, the buds burst open, spreading white blossoms like a splendid spectacle, illuminating the sky for ten miles. The scene is truly spectacular, reminiscent of falling snow and a riot of flowers. During their peak years, the vast sea of ​​plum blossoms stretching ten miles wide was known as the "Ten-Mile Sea of ​​Plum Blossoms and Fragrant Snow." Chaoshan boasts two of my country's five ancient plum trees from the Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties—the Tang and Song plums. Tens of thousands of trees still exist, encompassing over a dozen varieties, including the Gulihong, Fendie, Hongmei, and Lumei. Chaoshan offers more than just plum blossoms; you can also pick loquats in spring and plums in early summer.

Songcheng is China's largest Song Dynasty cultural theme park. Its attractions, including Weird Street, Foshan, Market Street, Songcheng River, the Millennium Camphor Tree, Kowloon Square, City Tower Square, Cultural Square, Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, and Southern Song Dynasty Style Street, offer a unique experience at every turn. The scenic area boasts arched arches and flying eaves, bustling with activity, recreating the urban atmosphere of the Song Dynasty.

Tianmu Mountain is divided into East Tianmu and West Tianmu. The "Tianmu Mountain" usually referred to refers to West Tianmu, which is known as the "Strange Mountain in Jiangnan", "Natural Botanical Garden", "Forest Park" and "Kingdom of Big Trees".

Among them, the Tianmu Stone Valley Scenic Area has the "five bests": the longest stone valley, the most boulders, the largest stones, the most peculiar shapes, the richest water resources, and it is rare in the world. It is known as the No. 1 Stone Valley in China and is comparable to the world-famous Australian Continental Island Stone Valley.

Dongmingshan Forest Park, a remnant of the Tianmu Mountain range, boasts lush vegetation and verdant trees. Broadleaf and conifer forests offer a variety of shades and shades, each offering a unique aesthetic. Mixed deciduous and broadleaf forests are vibrantly colored, while vast seas of bamboo offer a verdant and lush landscape. Spring blossoms and autumn leaves, winding paths, and gurgling streams captivate visitors with their captivating scenery. Strolling through the park, visitors will discover a vibrant display of seasonal blossoms and ancient relics. Green mountains, deep valleys, towering ancient trees, and winding mountain paths create a breathtaking natural landscape, captivating visitors with its secluded bamboo paths and screens of bamboo shoots.

1,078 islands stand out like emerald jade plates, some as small as a snail, some as vast as a thousand-foot-high emerald peak. The magnificent Thousand Island Lake boasts exquisite scenery comparable to the Guilin landscape, while boasting a vastness surpassing that of Taihu Lake and Dongting Lake. The emerald waters of Thousand Island Lake, woven together by the Qiantang, Fuchun, and Xin'an Rivers, are rendered even more magnificent and captivating. The waters vary in color, from rich to light, from shallow to deep, like emerald green silk to deep as the azure sea. When a stranger enters Thousand Island Lake, their eyes are first tinged with green, their hearts enchanted by the water.