CIT Y PROFILE Hangzhou
CHINA’S FINEST HANGZHOU BY KAREN LUARD Impression West Lake
This nightly open-air theatre features lavish sets, lighting displays and numerous costumed performers gliding over the lake in synchronised choreography. It is staged 10 months of the year (March-December).
The Grand Canal
W
ith celebrated West Lake at its heart, the ancient capital and picturesque water city of Hangzhou
has captivated the hearts and imagination of poets, scholars and artists for centuries.
Medieval explorer Marco Polo described Hangzhou – the scenic capital of Zhejiang province on China‘s east coast, at the southern end of the ancient man-made Grand Canal from Beijing – as “the fi nest and most splendid city in the world”. Today, with much of what attracted early visitors still in place and unspoiled, it is a thriving city of nearly eight million and prides itself on being one of the ‘safest and happiest’ cities in China. Hangzhou is an ideal add-on to Shanghai, 200 kms distant and reached via an easy 45-minute journey on the comfortable bullet train.
What to see
Hangzhou’s star attraction is West Lake, with its causeways, islands, lotus fl owers, willows, and pagodas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are 10 scenic spots around the lake with poetic names like ‘Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge’ (a favourite for young couples), and the best way to enjoy it is by ferry, paddle boat or gondola or by renting a bike from numerous docks dotted around the lakeside. Hangzhou is China’s tea capital and its most famous brand, Longjing green tea (also known as Dragon Well), is produced here. Visitors can visit the tea plantation and village in the hills on the outskirts of the city to pick tea leaves and learn how to appreciate its distinct fl avour and health benefi ts. Elsewhere, there is the natural beauty of the wonders
of the Hangzhou Botanical Gardens (where bamboo abounds) and family enjoyment at the Hangzhou Zoo.
Culture and retail
Over 50 museums of regional and national importance include the National Silk Museum, which celebrates the city’s unique place in the history of silk manufacture, dye, embroidery and artistry; the West Lake Expo Museum; the Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Kiln Museum; the National Tea Museum and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum. The Lingyin Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China, has over 400 carvings cut into limestone.
Festival time
Popular festivals take place year round but some of the more colourful include The Dragon Well Tea Festival (May); the International Dragon Boat Festival (June); the West Lake Lotus Festival (July and August); the Osmanthus Flower Festival (September); and the Hangzhou International Silk Festival, West Lake International Expo/Fireworks Show, and Hangzhou Food Festival (all in October).
Comfort zones
International and fi ve-star hotels in Hangzhou include Shangri-La, InterContinental, Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, Sheraton, Hyatt Regency, JW Marriott, Sofi tel and Dragon Hotel. The city is also home to one of just two highly-exclusive Aman (Fayun) Resorts in China.
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Historic Qinghefang Street is the best place to shop or just take in the sights of street entertainers or artisans crafting their wares. Many shops in the street have been in business for over 100 years.
To the west of Hangzhou, Xixi Wetlands National Park is recognised internationally as an important eco-system for over 100 migratory birds and aquatic wildlife.
Qinghefang Street
The world’s oldest and longest man-made canal begins in Beijing and ends in Hangzhou. Along the way it incorporates 132 heritage sites, seven of which are in Hangzhou itself.
Xixi Wetlands National Park
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Month 2013 May 2013 41
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Melting Snow at Broken Bridge
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
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