Hangzhou

Trip Start Jul 12, 2007
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Trip End Jul 22, 2007


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Friday, July 20, 2007

Hangzhou is described by the Song dynasty as the "City of Heaven". After our visit, I most certainly would agree. Although the city boasts an annual population of 6 million people, this city has a much higher quality of life than that of Beijing. The affluent city is home to tea farmers and visited frequently by wealthy Chinese families and government officials seeking rest.
Today our day began early in the morning in route to the West Lake to avoid the blistering afternoon heat. West Lake is considered one of the scenic wonders of China. Surrounded by green hills, willow trees and locust blossoms offering shade from the summer temperatures. We took a short boat ride to one of the man made islands, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
A history tip--Marco Polo once was Governor of nearby Yon Zhou - he describes Han Zhou as paradise.
After we left the lake, our journey started up into the mountainous region known as Mai Lei Village. This wealthy village has the largest production of Chinese tea. Our group leader takes us to a tea ceremony where we learn interesting information about the different varieties of tea (Best is known as Emperor and the poorest quality known as Mother in Law), the cultivation and the different seasons for production. After wards we are given the opportunity to purchase the "Best" tea for a mere $120 for 3 cans and small bonus can is our gift. Kyle was proud of me.....I walked away from such a good bargain!! Lipton's tea is just fine for my tea drinking tastes. The village was just so beautiful though, it reminded it of wine tasting in Santa Ynez valley. The mountains were benched to the top with teas bushes. If you are ever in China, Hang Zhou definitely must be on your travel itinerary.
Down the road a bit we stopped for another typical Chinese 12 course lunch followed by a visit to the Six Harmonies Pagoda. It is getting hot by now and our group is slowing down a bit. Kyle and I are feeling rather energetic (must have been our visit to Hooters last night) so we decide to climb the 13 floors to the top. The octagonal temple stands 197 ft in height and served as a lighthouse up to the Ming dynasty. Standing at the top we have views of the city of Hang Zhou and the railway bridge over the Quintang River. Its time to get back on the road again and rest for our 3 hour drive to Shanghai. We are tired now and will enjoy the rest as it begins to rain.
Once we arrive in Shanghai, it will be straight to dinner, yes, you guess it, another 12 course Chinese dinner, then off to the Chinese Acrobat show
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