Paradise on Earth — Hangzhou
Praised by Marco Polo as "the noblest and the best metropolis in the world," Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, is renowned in China as "paradise on the Earth".
Since this year's Group of Twenty (G20) Summit is going to kick off there in September, the city has already been busy preparing to welcome its distinguished guests from all over the world.
Well then, you may be worried about huge crowds of people there, but China Plus News has assigned some special "tourist guides" who will certainly give you some tips for a satisfying journey to this wonderland.
Baoshi Mountain — breathtaking climb for breathtaking view
If you are a mountain-lover, Hangzhou will not let you down.
Located on the north coast of the famous West Lake, Baoshi Mountain is a quiet spot in a noisy neighborhood.
While it may be unworthy of its name as a "mountain" as it's actually only 78 meters in altitude, but you may still be drenched in sweat and out of breath if you want to climb to the peak.
Get up early and make up your mind to climb to the top no matter what it takes! Hundreds of stone steps later, you will get to the Baoshi Pagoda, a nine-story stone pagoda that sits in splendid isolation on a lower ridge of the higher "Toad Mountain", which is the highest peak of the Baoshi Mountain.
You can have a rest in the pagoda because the following journey may no longer give you the benefit of handrails. Through narrow crevices where only one person can pass at a time, you will finally arrive at the top of Baoshi Mountain.
While standing at the mountaintop, you can have a bird's eye-view of the entire city!
Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching
If you are not that into the tiring mountain-climbing sport, watching the Qiantang River Tidal Bore- which has been hailed as one of the world's largest- may be another good choice for you.
It has been the tradition for the people living by the mouth of Qiantang River to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese festival which usually falls in October, by eating the "moon cakes" and watching the tide.
The Qiantang River looks to be shaped like a trumpet at its mouth while flowing east to Hangzhou Bay. Every year it demonstrates its magnificent tidal wonders, which usually show up around the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar year, with its climax on the 18th day.
You can rent a bicycle and ride along the river, and watch out, don't get washed away by the flood.
Meijiawu Tea Village — your cup of tea
After a long-distance trip, you may have been already exhausted and thirsty. What to drink? Bottled water or Coca Cola in your bag? I doubt that's a wise option.
Since you are in Hangzhou, home of the renowned Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea), how can you not have a sip of the traditional Chinese drink?
Meijiawu Tea Village, nestled in the hinterland of the West Lake District, is one of the most important tea production bases in Hangzhou.
You can learn about the history and culture of the village and appreciate the whole process of a Chinese Tea Ceremony. Elaborate tea ceremonies are often held here and you may be served the exquisite tea.
I'm sure the picturesque village will enable you to find the pleasure to have your own perfect cup of tea.
Hangzhou is also the heaven for foodies!
Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Beggar's Chicken, Longjing Prawns… aside from these dishes whose fame has spread far and wide, let's try some special local snacks in Hangzhou.
Pianrchuan (片儿川), a type of noodle with soup, is a distinctive Hangzhou cuisine. Noodles are not the typical food in most cities in east China, including Hangzhou. However, Pianrchuan has a history of over a century. It made its public appearance in the second season of China's phenomenally popular documentary series "A Bite of China".
Juying Noodle Restaurant in Hangzhou is famous for cooking Pianrchuan. But you may not be lucky enough to be treated because even it has enjoyed great "prestige" since its debut in the documentary series. The tiny individual food shop still adheres to its principles: it only opens for half of a day in the morning; it closes for summer and winter vacations every year just like schools.
So you may have to queue up outside and even so you may still miss the chance of the day to order a bowl of Pianrchuan, but delicacies are worth the wait.
Hometown of talents
As the hometown of Qian Xuesen ("Father of Chinese Rocketry"), Yu Dafu, Dai Wangshu (Chinese famed writers), Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba Group) ... Hangzhou raises many talents from all walks of life.
Zhejiang University (ZJU)
Founded in 1897, Zhejiang University (ZJU) is one of China's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. It has always been ranked among the top 10 universities in China in terms of its comprehensive academic strength shown in teaching, research and social service.
China Academy of Art (CAA)
Founded in 1928, China Academy of Art is the first art university and first graduate school in Chinese history.
Many outstanding artists in China are the alumni of the CAA.
Shopping! Shopping! Shopping!
Since the Chinese government is now vigorously promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and the important status of the Silk Road in Chinese history, you will not miss the opportunity to have a close contact with Chinese silk once you are in Hangzhou.
Want to buy a silk scarf or other souvenirs before finishing your journey? The Hangzhou Silk Market is recommended.
If you are good at bargaining, you may obtain exquisite silk for quite a low price.
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