The capital and most populous city (9 million people for 2015) in Zhejiang is Hangzhou. China attracts tourists with exotic natural, historical and cultural monuments. National traditions, cuisine are also of interest to travelers. Hangzhou attractions in one line cannot be listed. We will consider them sequentially. In the photo the central part of the city with the Grand Canal.
It connects two magnificent cities: Hangzhou and Suzhou.
An airport
First of all, a tourist will get to the modern international airport Hangzhou Xiaoshan. It provides direct connections with the countries of Southeast Asia, the Netherlands, and the USA. While it has two terminals. One serves passengers of domestic flights, the other - international. It has 12 runways and 18 gates. Throughput of 3600 people per hour. The construction of an additional runway and the 3rd terminal is planned. On the evening of July 9, 2010, it was closed for an hour, as a UFO appeared. He could not be detected by radars, and flights were delayed. Then the work went into normal mode.
Above you can see the InterContinental Hotel - a magnificent modern building.
What to see in Hangzhou
Attractions in Hangzhou are so abundant that choosing a first place can be difficult. Lyrically inclined people will be drawn to admire nature. Be sure to visit West Lake, or Lake Xihu. Around it are concentrated many interesting corners that have poetic names. The lake is divided into five sections by dams and is surrounded by numerous pagodas. It has an area of 10.8 square meters. km Exquisitely carved boating is popular.
China has always treated the lake as a national treasure. Here is the imperial palace, around which the park is divided. Open space is constantly expanding, night parks are added, in which music plays. There is an ancient legend about the immortal White Snake, who lives in the lake and knows how to turn into a woman. On the islands of the lake there are three ancient low (two meters) stone pagodas, which are in the form of pumpkins with an elongated neck. There are round holes in their walls. At night, in the autumn, a fire is lit inside. Passing through round holes, it gives the impression that the moon is repeatedly reflected in the water.
Hangzhou nature
From ancient times, the city is considered one of the most picturesque in China. Of the natural phenomena, the most beautiful is Lake Xihu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural beauty of the lake is emphasized by lakes and hills, also Mount Phoenix. It is located on the edge of the lake. A legend is associated with it. The mountain is the remains of the mythical golden phoenix, which together with the jade dragon created a beautiful pearl. She was stolen by the assistant goddess. To save their pearl, they made it fall from the sky and become a lake. Phoenix and the dragon decided to stay with her forever, turning into mountains.
Natural area
In the southwest in the valley of the Fuchun and Xin'an rivers is a wonderful attractive place. There they flow into the Lake of a thousand islands. This is the state natural zone of Zhijiang. These are also the sights of Hangzhou. Under the water of the lake, you can see three long-flooded cities with a wall surrounding them. Not only houses and furniture covered with algae are visible, but even nails.
Around the lake
All miraculous beauty as if decided to gather at one point in Hangzhou, surrounding Lake Xihu. On three sides it is surrounded by mountains covered with forest. Weeping willows grow next to peach trees, magnolias and cherries. Hibiscus, which we call the Chinese rose, immediately grows and blooms with scarlet, gold, pink and white flowers. Its flowering occurs in late February and lasts until mid-April. In all reservoirs, lotus is cultivated. It begins to bloom in early June. The peak of flowering is the end of June, but it can last even until the beginning of September. Osmanthus is a typical flowering plant for East Asia. We will never see him. It blooms annually in the fall in the middle of the tourist season (from early September to early November). A fragrance spreads around the plant. Poets have devoted many lines to plum blossoms, which grow in abundance in the city. The flowering season has become a traditional Spring Festival from late January to mid February.
Baochu Pagoda
It can not be overlooked if you visit the West Lake (Xihu), which was mentioned above. Its height - 30 meters - serves as a guide in this huge park with a lake. Around planted magnolias, sakura, peach trees. The name translates as “protection of the Chu,” the last van of his dynasty. This octagonal temple, built for prayers for his safe return from Kaifeng. He was summoned by the emperor, and no one knew anything about him for a long time. The pagoda is built of stones and bricks.
There are no stairs inside. Initially, it had nine floors, and after restoration in 1933, there were seven of them. The length of the sides of each floor is gradually decreasing. There is a blind window on each side. The top floor ends with an iron top. The base of the pagoda is granite stones. The tower resembles a spear aimed at the sky. She stands on a hill of igneous rocks of brown and purple, shining in the sun. Early in the morning and at sunset, the sun's rays sparkle spectacularly on the colorful rocks. There are always a lot of visitors around her.
Museums
Tea is an important part of Hangzhou's culture and economy. China is the birthplace of tea. Its cultivation and tea ceremony cannot be missed, just as it is impossible not to visit the National Museum of Tea. It opened in 1991.
Visitors have the opportunity to watch the tea ceremony or participate in it in a quiet and peaceful environment, tasting elite varieties. Here you can purchase all the items necessary for the tea ceremony. The National Museum of Silk is the largest in the world. All these are the sights of Hangzhou. The country is proud that the silk road passed through it to the countries of Asia and Europe. Must visit the Hangzhou Liangzhu Museum. This archaeological museum will tell a lot about the antiquity of the Middle Kingdom. The museum consists of four buildings.
Numerous sculptural compositions were created so that the visitor more easily understood their everyday and festive existence, as well as the goals that they set for themselves in life, what they were doing. The last building presents the social living conditions of the population. The museum itself has a modern look. His project was developed by architect David Chipperfield. The construction was completed in 2007, a park is laid around. On three sides, the museum is surrounded by an artificially created lake. Visitors enter it through the bridge, which is located above the lake. In addition, the city has a Museum of Chinese medicine, as well as porcelain kilns.
Pagodas
The Six Harmony Pagoda (Liuheta) was built of wood and brick on the southwestern outskirts of Hangzhou in 970 BC. e. It served primarily as protection against the tidal waves of the Qiantang River. The name comes from 6 Buddhist representations: "the harmony of heaven, earth, east, west, south and north." This is one of the highest pagodas in southern China (almost 60 m in height).
Inside a spiral staircase. On each floor there is a square room. Their walls are decorated with brightly colored human figures, flowers, birds, fish, insects and other decorative patterns. Balconies with railings are located around each floor. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the open. For many years, Liuhe Pagoda has served as a lighthouse and temple. Recently, a pagoda park has been opened next to it.
His expositions represent models of various Chinese pagodas of all time.
Weather in Hangzhou
A tourist cannot but be interested in what time of the year it is best to go to Hangzhou. The weather is generally warm and mild. The first rainy season falls on the end of June - the beginning of July. Another comes with heavy rains and typhoons in August and September. The tourist season opens in the spring (March and May), as well as in the fall (October - December). At this time, the average temperature is 17 degrees. For clothing, it is recommended to take long-sleeved shirts and light coats. At this time, the Mid-Autumn Festival is held. In the evenings, everyone goes to admire the bright moon over the West Lake, which is flawlessly reflected in it.
Hangzhou has been a paradise since Marco Polo since then. A trip to it is a dream that can be realized.