The
Six Harmonies Pagoda stands south of the lake in an amazing situation
which affords great views over the nearby Qiantang River.
The Pagoda was built by a Wu King during
the Song Dynasty who intended that the temple would illustrate his
power to the evil spirits and scare away any floods or tidal waves
from the nearby Qiandang River!
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is situated on
the top of the Yuerun Mountain, is 59.89 meters tall
and has eight floors. The views from the top are spectacular and
ironically, many people now come here to watch the waterfalls nearby
in the heavy rain period.
Close to the pagoda a "Pagoda
Park" has recently opened up. This little park has an exhibition
which details the history of the pagoda and the culture and symbols
associated with it.
Opening hours: Daily
6am-6pm.
Cost: RMB15 to the pagoda.
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A
nice break from the lake is the Longjing tea plantation
area. Hidden away in the southwest corner of the lake are some
secluded walks and the village of Longjing itself.
Longjing actually means, "Dragon
Well" and according to legend, the Dragon Well was discovered in
about 230AD!! This fresh spring water encouraged the people of
Hangzhou to develop their own quality tea, and thus Longjing tea was
born.
The dominant thing here is tea! Whether
it be drinking, picking, smelling or buying. A trip to the village of
Longjing is a 30 minute cycle ride and most of the hotels in Hangzhou
have bikes for hire. Tea terraces rise up on either side of the
village and it's an interesting area to walk around and watch the
locals at work.
So many places here have tea for sale and
it is difficult to recommend which type or flavor is best. Prices for
the tea range from RMB500 for one kilo to RMB10,00 per kilo!! But you
can buy a nice tea for between RMB500 and RMB2000. The best thing to
do is to sample as many as you can (some of the locals will invite you
in if you are lucky) and then make your decision!
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The
Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is one of Hangzhou's most popular
attractions with Chinese visitors, perhaps due to the feelings of
patriotism that it stirs in many people.
Yue Fei was a military hero in the 12th
Century during the Song Dynasty, and the founder of the martial art of
Xingyiquan (body-mind-fist). Although Yue Fei was
successful in keeping the invaders out of China, he was betrayed by a
court official, Qin Hui and wrongly executed. In 1163 his reputation
was recovered and his body dug up and reburied at this Mausoleum.
It is quite an experience visiting here
as the Chinese really despise Qin Hui, and statues of the traitor, his
wife and two accomplices kneeling are spat at by passers-by!
Opening hours: Daily
7.30am-5.30pm.
Cost: RMB20 to enter the Mausoleum.
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Solitary
Island (Gu Shan) sits in the northwest corner of the West Lake.
This is the largest island on the lake and a lovely place to wander
and explore. Views over the lake from here are spectacular and there
are a few places of historical interest scattered about the island
itself.
On the North side of the island is the
Wenlan pavilion, the pristine and peaceful Zhongshan Park and the
Zhejiang provincial museum, which is actually part of the original
imperial palace. To the west of the island and at the top of the small
hill is the Xiling
Seal Society. The tomb of Qiu Jin, a female revolutionary, is at
the foot of the hill. Qiu Jin was an early pro-democracy campaigner
and part of Sun Yatsen's team of fighters in the 1900s. A small
pavilion known as "Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake Pavilion" has
been built on the northeast of the mountain in memory of the reclusive
poet Lin Hejin, who lived during the Song Dynasty. Legend has it that
the poet believed the blossom on the trees was his wife and the crane
was his son!
The Bai Causeway links the island to the
mainland. The city's best, busiest and most fun restaurant, Louwailou,
is on the island. It is a great place to visit and a really fun
experience.
The Island itself is free. You can hire
small pedal or row boats from here for RMB10 per hour. A deposit of
RMB100 must also be paid!
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The Su Causeway is the longest series of
bridges crossing over Hangzhou's West Lake. The causeway is named
after the Song Dynasty poet, Su Dong Po, who was also the governor of
Hangzhou. The causeway runs across the lake from Nanping Road, to the
"lotus in the Breeze Quyuan Garden".
The causeway consists of six simple yet
beautiful bridges and the embankments along the way are all planted up
with pretty trees and flowers. In the evenings, the causeway is
illuminated by green lights and this is a favorite place for Chinese
couples to promenade, holding hands and declaring their undying love!
This is a lovely example of typical Chinese design and the style is
beautifully delicate and refined.
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Sightseeing
Index
