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HÁNGZHŌU CITY (杭 州 HÁNG ZHŌU)

Welcome to Hangzhou city!!!!

Hangzhou is a big and beautiful city located in the southern east coast of China. It is the capital of the Zhejiang Province with a population of around 6.3 million people. It was described by Marco Polo from Italy as the most luxurious city in the world. Containing over 60 cultural relic sites，several attractions of natural beauty and cruises on the lake, no one can resist this.

HISTORY

Hangzhou city is noted as one of China's seven capital cities. Hangzhou remained known as Qingtang Country until the Southern and Northern Dynasties in 420-589AD. During the Sui Dynasty in 589AD it was given the name of Hangzhou, recorded in history books for the first time. It meant the city across the river. The extension of the grand canal, seen by Hangzhou, transformed it from a fishing village, into an economic, agricultural and cultural centre.

FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS

West Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou, the capital of Zheijiang Province. It is divided into five sections by three causeways. There are numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands within the lake.

Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Chan sect located north-west of Hangzhou. The temple's name is literally translated as Temple of the Soul's Retreat.

CUISINE OF HANGZHOU CITY

Two of the most interesting food dishes are West Lake fish in vinegar gravy and Hangzhou Soy-sauce Duck.

A fresh grass carp is kept alive and hungry in clear water for one to two days to rinse well, and then it is cut in half from head to tail but not separated, delicately poached and then served eyes-up and topped with a sharp sweet and sour, vinegar-based sauce. This dish integrates delicious tastes, with tender fish meat like crabmeat.

Hangzhou soy-sauce duck is a type of marinated duck. It is typical flavour, adopted through traditional methods. The strongest and best ducks are chosen, and then are pickled and topped with soy-sauce. Well processed ducks usually in the bordeaux colour are fragrant. They taste relatively salty and sweet.

CULTURAL SPECIALTIES

The best scenery that West Lake can offer in summer is miles and miles of lotus flowers in full blossom. With a boundless array of pink flowers set off by the green leaves swaying in the summer breeze, you can find them cool and happy in the sweltering summer weather. Since ancient times, lotus has been a favourites for people , which can be seen in an abundance of literary works and paintings left behind, and finds itself one of China’s ten best-known flowers.

Dragon Well, widely known as Longjing tea, originates from the Lion Peak Mountain in West Lake, Hangzhou, and is named after the dragon-like pattern that forms on top of the deep-filled well after it has rained.

Silk parasols in China were made in a Hangzhou silk factory in 1932. Light, attractive and easy to carry, they sold very well and continue to do so today. In recent years, silk parasols have even found their way into foreign markets. Silk parasols are made of henon bamboo and silks. Henon bamboo is native to Zhejiang and is the perfect material for the silk parasol. It looks elegant and unsophisticated. It is moderately thick with a bright luster, its stem is strong enough to withstand even the hottest weather.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation includes bicycles (some electric) and motor scooters. Accessible by train or via the international airport, Hangzhou has an extensive internal bus and train system and a developing subway. Taxis are highly rated in Hangzhou and the bus system, some double decker, these are for public and tourist use.

PLACES I STAYED

I had a luxury stay in the heart of Hangzhou at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. Within just a 15-minute walk, I found Hangzhou Botanical Garden and Quyuan Park. Highlights at this hotel include 2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and an indoor swimming pool.

FIVE WORDS RELATED TO HANGZHOU

• Hangzhou- 杭州Hángzhōu
• West Lake-西湖 Xīhú
• Lotus flower-莲花 Liánhuā
• Asia-亚洲 Yàzhōu
• Silk Parasols-西湖绸伞 Xīhú chóu sǎn

CONCLUSION

Hangzhou is a beautiful but extremely populated city. It offers cultural beauty, culinary diversity and is definitely with the experience to visit.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hangzhou.htm
• http://www.chinahighlights.com/hangzhou/
• https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Tourism-g298559-Hangzhou_Zhejiang-Vacations....
• https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/zhejiang/hangzhou/west_lake.htm
• http://en.gotohz.com/whyhangzhou/cultureandheritage/201307/t20130704_84698....