Collection of China NO:03 West Lake

Author: Zeng Xiaohua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: In early spring, orioles fly and grasses grow lush. The Su and Bai Causeways are lined with peach and willow trees on both banks. On either side are shimmering water waves with occasional boats, while in the distance, the mountains are misty and verdant. Walking on the causeway at this time, you will be amazed by the scenery before your eyes, feeling intoxicated and exhilarated. The beauty of West Lake is not exclusive to spring. In summer, the lotus flowers stretch to the sky, glowing; in autumn nights, the Moon-reflecting Ponds are bathed in moonlight; after winter snows, the red plum blossoms lean gracefully against the sparse shadows. There are also orioles singing among willow trees veiled in mist, and pavilions shrouded in drizzle. No matter when you come, you will experience its extraordinary charm.
West Lake, Hangzhou, is a nationally renowned scenic area where beautiful lake and mountain scenery intertwines with splendid cultural relics, historical sites, and artistic heritage. Centered around the picturesque West Lake, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and contains emerald waters in the middle, covering an area of 60 square kilometers, with a lake surface of 5.68 square kilometers. The lakeside is embraced by lush greenery, with verdant mountains, painted bridges, willow-lined paths, and misty trees, winding among the hills. Among the 90+ parks and scenic spots with unique features are the "Three Autumns of Osmanthus," "Smoky Willows on Six Bridges," "Nine Miles of Cloud Pines," and "Ten Miles of Lotus Flowers." More recently, over a dozen new attractions with distinctive characteristics have been built and opened, weaving West Lake into a colorful garland that showcases different scenes in each season and mood under various weather conditions.
The "Ten Scenes of West Lake" were formed during the Southern Song Dynasty and are primarily distributed around the lake, with some located directly on the water: "Morning Mist on Su Causeway," "Orchids in the Wind at Curved Garden," "Autumn Moon over Flat Lake," "Remnants of Snow on Broken Bridge," "Willows Singing in the Wind," "Watching Fish at Flower Harbor," "Sunset at Leifeng Pagoda," "Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds," "Evening Bells at Nanping," and "Moon Reflections in the Three Ponds." Each of the Ten Scenes has its own unique charm, and together they represent the essence of ancient West Lake's beauty. Thus, both locals and visitors from afar eagerly anticipate visiting them.
The "New Ten Scenes of West Lake" were determined in 1985 after extensive participation from Hangzhou residents and people from all over the country, followed by careful deliberation by an expert selection committee. They include: "Cloud Abode Bamboo Path," "Full Ridge Osmanthus Rain," "Hupao Dream Spring," "Longjing Tea Query," "Nine Creeks Misty Trees," "Wu Mountain Wind," "Ruan Ringing," "Huanglong Emerald Spouts," "Jade Emperor Flying Clouds," and "Jade Stone Flowing Mist." Other attractions include "Baochu's Lofty Beauty," "Old Moon over Long Bridge," "Sentimental Ancient Pagodas," "Lakeside Green Corridor," "Blooming Flower Gardens," "Golden Sand Scenery," "Nine Miles of Cloud Pines," "Plum Valley Tea Scenery," "West Hills Collection," "Prince Taiping's Wilderness," "Botanical Kingdom," "Sun Yat-sen's Site," and "Lingyin Buddhist Kingdom."
West Lake not only boasts the beauty of its picturesque landscapes and deep valleys but also features rich cultural relics, fascinating legends, and a harmonious blend of nature, culture, history, and art. The lake is dotted with historical sites, including 5 national key cultural relics protection units, 35 provincial-level units, and 25 municipal-level units, along with 39 other protected sites and various thematic museums, all adding to its charm. It is a renowned historical and cultural tourist destination in China.
"As I cannot leave Hangzhou behind, half of my reluctance is due to this lake" -- West Lake is a poem, a natural painting, and a beautiful, moving story. Whether for those who have lived here for years or for travelers passing by swiftly, none can help but be captivated by its unparalleled beauty.