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Hangzhou,
the paradise in the world, is so famous for its natural landscape. Hangzhou
is the southern end of the Grand Cannel which was built in the Sui Dynasty
(581-618). The huge waterway spurred the development and prosperity of
this city. In ancient time Hangzhou was always one important and rich
city in southern part of China. Today, Hanzhou is the capital city of
Zhejiang Province. It covers an area of 1,6596 square kilometers with
the population of 6.6 million. Hangzhou is one of the ancient capitals
of China with rich historical relics. West Lake, Six Harmonies Pagoda,
Lingyin Temple and Mejiawu Tea Plantation are very popular among the tourists.
The West Lake
Actually HangzhouˇŻs fame was much attributed to the beautiful West Lake.
Geological studies indicate that the  area
was once a bay before it separated from the sea and became a lake. The
lake is 5.6 square kilometers big with the depth of 2 meters. It was surrounded
by mountains in the north. There is one solitary hill standing in the
lake. The lake was divided into several parts by the causeways such as
Su Causeway and Bai Causeway.
There are three islets in the lake. Three pools Mirroring the Moon is
, the biggest one which was piled in the Ming Dynasty. It is also known
as Little Yingzhou Islet, which was named after a fairly islet in the
East Sea in classical Chinese legend. There are nice buildings such as
the Ancestral Temple and Nine Bend Bridge on the islet. Several small
lakes scattered on the islet with the green trees make the islet more
attractive. There are many scenic spots at the West Lake. From their interesting
names you can feel their beauty and charming. Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour
has peony gardens and fish pond. Listening to the
Orioles Singing has many beautiful weeping willows inhabits many birds.
Autumn Moon on Calm Lake is on the southern edge of the Solitary Hill.
It offers the best place to view the scenery of the West Lake. Around
the West Lake there are many places of interest such as parks, temples
and so on. The beautiful scenery will definitely intoxicate you.
Six Harmonies Pagoda
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is located on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang
River. Originally the pagoda was built during the Northern Song Dynasty
(960-1127). The name 'Liuhe' comes from the six Buddhist ordinances and
it is said that the reason for building this pagoda is to calm the tides
of the Qiantang. The original pagoda was destroyed in 1121 and it was
 rebuilt in the
Southern Dynasty (1127-1279AD) and renovated in the succeeding dynasties.
It is octagonal in shape and some 59.89 meters (196 feet) in height. The
pagoda looks like a thirteen-story structure; actually it only has seven
interior stories. There is a spiral staircase leading to the top floor
and upon each of the seven ceilings are carved and painted figures including
animals, flowers, birds and characters. Each story of the pagoda consists
of four parts, the exterior walls, a zigzagged corridor, and the interior
walls and a small chamber.Upon ascending the pagoda, visitors will have
a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the surging tides
of the Qiantang River.
The Lingyin Temple (The Temple of Soul's Retreat)
Lingyin (Soul's Retreat) Temple is located at Linglin Hills. It is one
of the best-known Buddhist monasteries in China. The Legend has it that
one Indian monk named Huili built the temple after he decided to hide
himself in the graceful peaks in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420AD).
Its major buildings are Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings and the Grand
Hall. In the center of the Grand Hall, stands a gilded nine-meter-high
statue of Sakyamuni sitting on a lotus flower shaped terrace. Ancient
trees thrive in front of the temple, and a number of pavilions (such as
Spring Stream, Gully Thunder and Cold Spring) are built around the Cool
Spring. The temple also stored valuable sutras of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
After the tour tourists can taste delicious food in the Lingyin Vegetarian
Restaurant.
Mejiawu Tea Plantation is one famous tea plantation which produces the
best green tea in the world. It is very interesting to visit the tea plantation.
You can go to the tea house to enjoy traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
The fragrant tea can quench your thirsty and cool your mind.
Besides these tourist attractions, Yuefei Temple, Yellow Dragon Cave and
Tiger Running Spring are also popular attractions in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is famous for silk, tea and umbrella.
The Famous food in Hangzhou is Beggar's Chicken, West Lake Fish in Sweet
Sour Source, Dongpo Braised Pork and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea Leaves
and so on.
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