Eight-trigram Cropland Park

Shaped like a bagua，or eight trigrams，symbols to represent the fundamental principles of reality in Daoist cosmology，this farmland at the southern foot of Jade Emperor Hill was also of imperial importance in the Southern Song Dynasty.First designated in 1143，Emperor Gaozong presided over the spring plowing ceremony in which the emperor himself would hold the plough for a few runs，so as to pay respect to ancestors and pray for a good harvest to come，as well as set an example for his subjects.In 2007，the West Lake Scenic Area Administration restored the Eight-trigram Cropland to its present state The now 60，000-square meter park area features the octagon farmland enclosed by water channels with different crops of varied colors.The center area takes the shape of a roundtaiji，in which Longjing tea and other Hangzhou native crops are planted.The best place to get a bird’s eye view of the neat pattern is up on the Jade Emperor Hill in front of the Zilai Cave，a Daoist relic.The park itself is adorned with reliefs of ancient agricultural ceremonies and other themed exhibitions.A peaceful hangout with tea houses and corridors over tranquil water，the park pulls local residents and travelers alike.

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