TOURISTS coming from all over the globe for next year's World Expo will discover another world of beauty not too far away if they want to find tranquility in one of China's most attractive holiday destinations, Mandy Dong discovers. The World Expo 2010 Shanghai will be the focus of attention from all over the world and should give close neighbor Hangzhou a great chance to stake its claim to be one of China's most popular tourist attractions.
To fit the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life," and Hangzhou Pavilion's theme "Led by the Five Waters" during the Expo period, several distinct Expo tours have been put together for visitors featuring the best that nature, culture and tradition can offer.
"Five waters" - stream, creek, river, lake and sea - come together in Hangzhou, making the city an "aqua city."
With the beautiful West Lake and Xixi National Wetlands Park in the west, the Grand Canal in the north, the Qiantang River surrounding the southeast part, Hangzhou can impress every visitor with its powerful and majestic landscapes.
West Lake is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. In this scenic area, Solitary Hill, Yue Fei Temple, Liuhe Pogoda and Lingyin Temple are probably the most frequently visited attractions.
"Ten Scenes of West Lake" and "Ten New Scenes of West Lake" will give visitors outstanding views of the lake, mountains and monuments.
Meanwhile, the Xixi National Wetlands Park, which opened in May 2005, is an excellent place to watch birds and other wildlife.
"Up above there is heaven, down below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou." The saying reflects the heavenly life in Hangzhou. In addition to beautiful natural scenery, its long history, complete and sound infrastructures and pleasant living environment have established Hangzhou as a city with a great quality of life.
A visit to the farmer's market and the local resident communities will help you experience all that's best about life in Hangzhou.
Traditional Chinese medicine is well preserved in Hangzhou. The centuries-old Hu Qing Yu Tang Pharmacy and the Fang Hui Chun Pharmacy are renowned far and wide. Though some TCM hospitals are equipped with modern examination machines, experienced TCM doctors still use traditional methods in their diagnosis and treatment.
Hangzhou has long enjoyed a reputation as a city of tea.
Tea is an important part of Hangzhou's economy and culture. Longjing tea is famous throughout the world and well worth getting if you like green tea. Tourists can learn the history of Chinese tea in the Chinese Tea Museum, or search for Longjing Village where the tea originated.
Another popular experience is the tea ceremony in the Yuhang Jingshan Temple.
Whether in the countryside or in the town, there's plenty to see. You can watch the Qiantang River tides in the famous Xiaoshan scenic area, enjoy sports activities in Fuyang, spend a relaxing week at the Jiande Xin'anjiang Resort and enjoy the sights of the Qiandao Lake.
Qiandao Lake, or Thousand Islands Lake, is as clear as a mirror and shines gorgeously under the sun. The islands, each with its own distinctive shape and landscape, are like 1,000 diamonds on the surface. That's why the Qiandao Lake is on top of many couples' favorite list of romantic getaways.
Of course, one of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is to taste the local cuisine. Hangzhou dishes are noted for their elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste.
Many local specialties will be sure to make your trip a cultural experience. Particularly recommended are Beggar's Chicken (a chicken baked in clay), West Lake Vinegar Fish in Sweet Sour Source (vinegar coated fish fresh caught from the lake), Dongpo Pork (pork braised with soybean sauce) and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea.
Source:Shanghai Daily