|
"Ripping water shimmering on sunny day, Misty mountains shrouded the rain; Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi; West Lake is always alluring." |
Originally
a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this
six square kilometres (1483 acres) of water became the
famous West Lake. With an average depth of just five feet
the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part
is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North
Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South
Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides,
this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries
and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial
retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of
a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The
natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests
and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms
especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of
sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season,
the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of
light shade together with the moods of the weather
present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been
described as 'intoxicating'.
A
number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of
particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake
is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans,
that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are
lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus
creating the impression of the reflections of three moons.
The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon
Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake
and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to
admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is
another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake
by boat.
Near
to the lake can be found the Ling Yin Temple in its
woodland setting near to Fei Lai Feng (Peak Flown From
Afar). Legend has it that this limestone peak flew
from India where it had formed part of a holy
mountain. These are of particular interest to
Buddhists and those who have a love of sculpture and
art. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a monument to
the patriot who was murdered in 1141 at the behest of
his archrival Qin Hui, the Song prime minister. These
buildings like others in the vicinity of the lake such
as the slender Six Harmonies Pagoda add to the calm
and beauty of their surroundings.
No visitor to the West Lake and Hangzhou can fail to learn
something of this city's most famous products, namely silk
and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Since the Tang Dynasty
(618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way
all over the world. The National Silk Museum is the first
Chinese national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and
is the largest of its kind in the world. A similar museum
is dedicated as homage to tea. Located at the West Lake
Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum
provides a fascinating insight into the history and
production of Chinese tea. Often referred to as the
'wonders of West Lake' Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao
(Running Tiger) Fountain is each worthy of the attention of
the visitor.
Another natural spectacle to be found here is the tidal
bore of the Qiantang River that has enthralled people for
centuries. Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13
storey high Six Harmonies Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built
on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a
lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism
i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the
renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A
climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an
impressive view over the river.
Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge. This is
the first two-tier bridge to have been designed and built
by Chinese engineers in modern times. The other great feat
of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking
Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is
the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both
the Suez and Panama canals.
We hope that this introduction to the delights of
the area surrounding the West Lake will tempt you to visit
them for yourself. You can be assured that the splendid and
diverse landscape will remain long in your memory as you
call to mind tour sites to be found south of the Yangtze
River.
content from Travel China Guide