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very shy girl picks one the world's finest tea.
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Hedonistic
Hangzhou
Imagine strolling next to a breezy lake along a narrow footpath,
as music sweetly drifts nearby, relaxing your gait to a
leisurely stroll. Willowy trees with wispy leaves dance
on elastic branches in the breeze. Boatmen glide next to
you in the water, beckoning you to ride in their boat for
the full lake experience. Chinese chitchat and tourists
talk as you take pictures and marvel at China's beauty.
Next you find yourself in a beautiful field watching the
fingers of young Chinese women busily graze tea leaves and
toss them into baskets, set to become one of China's great
contributions to the world. You smile and wave at one curious
face who strains to look at the exotic countenance (you).
Shy, she quickly blushes and looks back at her work, pretending
she doesn't know you're watching her. Later you hit the
busy streets and try a fabulous restaurant, do some shopping
for souvenirs in one of the boisterous markets, or have
a round at one of the local pubs. Ah yes, this is a typical
day in Hangzhou.
Once
a remote area of China, Hangzhou metamorphosed into a thriving
metropolis. Home to West Lake, the lake described above,
this city offers variety, history, and leisure for anyone
willing to make the drive from Shanghai. Other attractions
include the Lingyin Temple, the Longjing Tea Plantation,
and Tiger Running Spring, which is a pretty park filled
with pavilions and teahouses.
Hangzhou
is located in Zhejiang province, only a few hours west of
Shanghai. Over the years, Hangzhou has grown quite popular
for visitors of all nationalities. On Chinese holidays,
it is packed with Chinese from all over, so much you can
barely move in certain temples, gardens and other attractions.
Contrastly, when you venture toward the outskirts of the
city, you will find that Hangzhou is enveloped with lush
countryside, quiet canals, rolling tea fields and lovely
lakes. A benefit of the increased tourism is more facilities
and resources for visitors.
Another
point of interest is the Grand Canal. It has been vital
to assisting in the city's economic development. While most
of China's rivers flow from west to east, the Grand Canal,
which runs north and south, creates a necessary connection
between rivers.
Hangzhou
is famous for having the best tea, called Longjing, which
translates to Dragon Well. The aromatic fragrance and smooth,
pleasing favor, comes from flat, thin strips of leaves that
creates a bright green liquid. The Chinese believe that
Longjing tea has medicinal qualities and preventative properties
They believe it eliminates cavities, deters food poisoning,
fights off viruses, keeps blood pressure levels down, helps
to lower blood sugar levels, lowers risk of cancer, and
gives a feeling of well-being.
Summers
are very hot, with intermittent showers to cool things down.
Winters see snow and a freezing West Lake, creating a scene
of beauty. Spring is warm and pleasant and fall is colorful
and cool.
Hangzhou
was once an important governmental capital, during the Song
Dynasty. Invading from the north, Kaifeng, the Song Dynasty's
northern capital. Consequently, Hangzhou became an imperial
capital from 1138 to 1279. The city enjoyed great economic
boom, and although other cities were in ruin, the residents
of Hangzhou enjoyed plenty of food and commerce.
With
a rich history, dating back more than 2,000 years, Hangzhou
has come into its own, drawing you into China's vast and
diverse beauty while also developing into a beautiful and
prosperous city.
