Hangzhou - Shanghai
Trip Start
Jun 30, 2007
1
14
17
Trip End
Jul 15, 2007
Where I stayed
Hangzhou, China
Friday, July 13, 2007
This morning, Take a cruise on the picturesque West Lake, which is said to be created from a pearl dropped by a phoenix and a dragon, and proclaimed by the Chinese "the landscape composed by a painter". Stroll along the lake's causeways and immerse yourself in its beauty. In the afternoon, tour the 1,700-year-old Lingyin Temple, one of China's most famous monasteries. Originally constructed in 326 AD, the present structures reflect their restoration during the Qing Dynasty. The temple once housed up to 3,000 monks within its 18 pavilions and 75 temple halls. Another sacred site is The Peak That Flew from Afar, so aptly named because it resembles a Holy Mountain in India that was thought to have been transported to this spot. No tour to Hangzhou is complete without going to the world renowned Dragon Well Tea Plantation, where the legendary Longjing green tea is picked and processed by hand. The first picked tea leaves of the new harvest were once reserved solely for the Emperor and transported to him via the Grand Canal. You will learn about the harvesting, as well as the proper way to brew this healthful beverage. The Chinese Tea Ceremony will be demonstrated. Sample the freshness of the tea. Appreciate its "green color, smooth appearance, fragrant aroma and sweet taste". Then travel by train to Shanghai. Shanghai New Century Hotel (B,L,D)
