secrets of west lake

3 min read

There are 36 West Lakes throughout China, but Hangzhous’ West Lake(xihu) is the inspiration for them all. Originally a lagoon, it was dredged in the 8th century and later diked. Sidestepping the vacationing masses and trinket hawkers, there’s plenty to do at this 1.9 by 1.9 mile (3km by 3 km) lotus lined lake. Mist shrouds the jade-hued- water as while sentinel trees line the surrounding boulevards. The lake is that hem it like a pillow cradling a liquid gem. Meandering paths gardens to welcoming temples.), on the north shore of the lake, links up with a large island brimming with plants and grassy parks. Wander cross bridges where old men fly kites, then enter a honeycomb nacks and beverages are served. You can enjoy refreshments afe or inside aged pagodas. A good way to get a better view of the ent a pedal boat. Churn around the northern edge of the lake and If the lake is calm, the reflection of Baoshi Shan (baoshi shan er is amazing. If you feel like watching things swim about, the Flower huagang guanyu), home to thousands of obese carp, is must-see. as it shoots across the lake like an arrow.

From Three Pools Mirroring the Moon(santan yinyue) and the islands, which look like subme ged tortoises with trees and temples growng on them. The islands themselves have quaint pagodas and are excellent for viewing the pools. Standing over the lake are three towers, each with five the Mid-Autumn- Festival(zhongqiu jie), which usually falls glowing candles are placed in these niches creating flickering effect that dances along the lakeshore For this spectacle, it’s best to rent or hire a boat an old Mid-Autumn Festival tradition. Revelers would come to the lake to admire the moon while sipping tea and laughing with friends.

The Zhejiang Provincial Museum(zhejiangshe bowuguan) is on the Baidi Causeway and features displays of natural and regional history. Some of the more interesting exhibits include small figurines which were thrown into the lake to placate the lake spirits. The Qing emperor Qianlong once lived in part of the museum when vacationing in Hangzhou. Leaving the Baidi Causeway onto Beishan Lu, there’s a splendid walkway to the top of Baoshi Shan where you can marvel at a 19th century tower that seems oddly Victorian.

The path further snakes through rock carvings and dark chambers. Hearty trekkers can climb over weathered boulders for a view of the lake, which is best at dawn when the mist hangs like pipe smoke over the lake. If you’re into flowers, then head east to the florid langzhou Botanical Gardens(hangzhou zhiwiyuan)where orchids and ferns flourish in balmy hothouses.

Climbing the earth carved ascent up Baoshi Shan in early afternoon to view mist rise over West Lake Strolling along the lakefront with an iced coffee in one hand and camera in the other. and pec Renting a tandem bicycle from one of the many street vendors and pedaling past the different sights on the Baidi Causeway.