Hangzhou is the most Chinese city. Old city 古城. Arrival and departure

capital and most densely populated city(9 million people in 2015) in Zhejiang province is Hangzhou. China attracts tourists with exotic natural, historical and cultural monuments. National traditions, cuisine is also of interest to travelers. The sights of Hangzhou cannot be listed in one line. We will consider them sequentially. The photo shows the central part of the city with the Grand Canal.

He connects two magnificent cities: Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Airport

First of all, the tourist will get into the modern international Airport Hangzhou Xiaoshan. It provides direct connections with the countries of Southeast Asia, the Netherlands, the USA. So far it has two terminals. One serves passengers of domestic flights, the other - international. It has 12 runways and 18 gates. Capacity 3600 people per hour. It is planned to build an additional runway and 3rd terminal. On the evening of July 9, 2010, it was closed for an hour as a UFO appeared. Radars failed to detect it, and flights were delayed. Then work went back to normal.

From above you can see the InterContinental Hotel - a magnificent modern building.

What to see in Hangzhou

Hangzhou's sights are so plentiful that it can be difficult to choose the first place. 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 surrounded by numerous pagodas. It has an area of ​​10.8 sq. km. Boating with exquisite carvings is popular.

China has always treated the lake as its national treasure. Here stands imperial palace surrounded by a park. Open space constantly expanding, night parks are added in which music plays. There is an ancient legend about the immortal White Snake that lives in the lake and can turn into a woman. On the islands of the lake there are three ancient low (two meters) stone pagodas, which are shaped like pumpkins with an elongated neck. There are round holes in their walls. At night, in autumn, a fire is lit inside. Passing through the round holes, it gives the impression that the moon is repeatedly reflected in the water.

Nature of Hangzhou

Since ancient times, the city has been considered one of the most picturesque in China. From natural phenomena the most beautiful is Xihu Lake. It is listed world heritage UNESCO. The natural beauty of the lake is emphasized by lakes and hills, as well as Mount Phoenix. It is located on the edge of the lake. There is a legend associated with it. The mountain is the remains of the mythical golden phoenix, which, together with the jade dragon, created beautiful pearl. She was stolen by the goddess's helper. 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, there is a wonderful attractive place. There they flow into the Lake of a Thousand Islands. This is a state natural area Zhijiang. These are also the sights of Hangzhou. Under the water of the lake, you can see three long-ago flooded cities with a wall surrounding them. You can see not only houses and furniture covered with algae, but even nails.

around the lake

All miraculous beauty seems to have decided to gather at one point in Hangzhou, surrounding Lake Xihu. On three sides it is surrounded by mountains covered with forests. Weeping willows grow alongside peach trees, magnolias and cherries. The hibiscus, which we call the Chinese rose, grows and blooms with scarlet, gold, pink and white flowers right there. Its flowering occurs at the end of February and lasts until mid-April. Lotus is cultivated in all reservoirs. 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 East Asian flowering plant. We will never see him. It blooms annually in autumn in the middle of the tourist season (from early September to early November). A fragrance spreads around the plant. Poets devoted many lines to the blossoming plum, which grows in abundance in the city. Its flowering season has become a traditional Spring Festival from late January to mid-February.

Pagoda Baochu

It cannot be overlooked if you visit the West Lake (Sihu), which was mentioned above. Its height - 30 meters - serves as a landmark in this huge park with a lake. Magnolias, sakura, peach trees are planted around. The name translates as "protection of Chu", the last van of his dynasty. This octagonal temple was built to pray 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 the restoration in 1933, there were seven of them. The length of the side of each floor gradually decreases. Each side has a "blind" window. The last floor ends with an iron top. The basis of the pagoda are granite stones. The tower resembles a spear pointed to the sky. She stands on a hill of brown and purple igneous rocks that glitter in the sun. Early in the morning and at sunset, the sun's rays effectively sparkle on colorful rocks. There are always many visitors around.

Museums

Tea is an important part of Hangzhou's culture and economy. China is the birthplace of tea. Its cultivation and tea ceremony are not to be missed, and the National Tea Museum is not to be missed. It opened in 1991.

Visitors have the opportunity to watch or participate in a tea ceremony in a quiet, calm environment, tasting elite varieties. Here you can buy all the items needed for the tea ceremony. The National Silk Museum is the largest in the world. All these are the sights of Hangzhou. The country is proud that the Silk Road to the countries of Asia and Europe passed along it. Must visit Liangzhu Museum Hangzhou. This Archaeological Museum tells a lot about the antiquity of the Celestial Empire. The museum consists of four buildings.

Numerous sculptural compositions so that the visitor can more easily understand their everyday and festive existence, as well as the goals that they set for themselves in life, what exactly they did. The last building presents the social conditions of life and life of the population. The museum itself has modern look. It was designed by architect David Chipperfield. The construction was completed in 2007, a park is laid out 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 Harmonies Pagoda (Liuheta) was built of wood and brick on the southwestern outskirts of Hangzhou in 970 BC. e. It served primarily as a 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." It is one of the tallest pagodas in southern China (almost 60m high).

Inside is a spiral staircase. Each floor has 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. can enjoy beautiful scenery open air. Over the years, Liuhe Pagoda has served as both a lighthouse and a temple. Recently, a pagoda park has been opened next to it.

Weather in Hangzhou

A tourist cannot but be interested in what time of the year is best to go to Hangzhou. The weather is generally warm and mild. The first rainy season occurs at the end of June - beginning of July. The other one comes with heavy rains and typhoons in August and September. Tourist season opens in spring (March and May) and autumn (October - December). At this time, the average temperature is 17 degrees. From clothes with you it is recommended to take long-sleeved shirts and light-colored 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.

The city of Hangzhou, as it has been a paradise since the time of Marco Polo, has remained so. A trip to it is a dream that can be realized.

The rather well-known, picturesque and tourist city of Hangzhou (Hangzhou 杭州) is located in Zhejiang province, not far from Shanghai (Shanghai上海, Suzhou 苏州) and the "Yellow Mountains" Huang Shan (Huangshan 黄山) and is the birthplace of one of the most famous Chinese teas - green tea Longjing (Longjing 龙井) - "". The well itself is right there, along with quite big amount natural and architectural beauties.

HOW TO GET TO

You can get to Hangzhou both by sleeping train, in a compartment or a reserved seat, and by a high-speed class G seated train. They go to Shanghai, Suzhou, (periodically canceled), towards Xiamen through the province and many more places.

TRANSPORT IN HANGZHOU

You can get from the station to the city by taxi, the main thing is to go to the right queue and.

Inside the city with a taxi here is a real problem, it is very difficult to catch. They are, but they are all busy, or free and do not stop. Therefore, if you are urgent, it is better to book in advance through the hotel (the Chinese can help through the local application) or go by bus / metro. The metro is the most understandable, because it is in English, on schedule and without traffic jams, but it does not go everywhere yet.

Bicycles are rented around the lake, but this is not as convenient as it seems, because movement directly along the lake on bicycles is prohibited, and law enforcement officers strictly monitor this. You have to drive along the roadway, among cars and buses, and see the lake through the bushes.

WHEN TO GO

If you want to see how green tea is made and buy it piping hot, then you need to go in the second half of April - early May. In summer, in any case, it is too hot and humid, in winter it is cold and dank, so the best time to visit this area is and.

You should not meddle here during the time - the place is popular and walking along the lake in the crowd, like at rush hour in the subway, is a dubious pleasure.

HOW MUCH TIME TO TAKE

2-4 days, depending on how interested you are in the above and how tired you are. Hangzhou is a good place to recharge, relax, sit quietly on the balcony overlooking the tea plantations, take a walk along the lake at sunset.

WHERE TO SLEEP

By and large, there are two options: you can settle close to the action: the old center, Hefang Street and the subway, or a little on the outskirts, in the area of ​​​​the Hupao spring, among the tea plantations.

ATTRACTIONS

*** Old city 古城

The old quarter of Hangzhou is located on the eastern shore of Lake Xihu, between the hill with the temple traditional medicine and the Gulou Drum Tower (Gulou 鼓楼). The main pedestrian street is called Hefang (Hefang lu 何妨路), surrounded by many of the same cobbled streets and lanes, numerous shops, eateries and hotels in the traditional style.

** Souvenir market

Busy shopping street between the old quarter and the lake, great selection, great prices. Just walk down Hefang Street west towards the lake and you'll find yourself in a line of vendors selling fans, rosaries, glasses, T-shirts, key chains, Chinese wooden massagers, and colorful leather wallets.

*** Xihu Lake

If from malls walk another 5-10 minutes to the west, you will run into a park, behind which begins Lake Xihu (Xihu 西湖) - “Western Lake”.

The lake is huge, and around it you can endlessly walk, ride boats (if you agree with the boatmen). The beautiful turret on the right photo is one of the three famous lanterns on the water "reflection of the moon in the pond." If you have already seen them, but do not remember where - look at the 1 yuan banknote, everything will become clear.

*** Leifeng Pagoda

Pronounced in Chinese as "leifeng ta" (Leifeng ta 雷峰塔), and N in the English manner, a little in the nose, and "ta" - down and up - ta-a. Since the old pagoda did not survive to this day, an exact replica was built on the site of its foundation, this time in the spirit of modern China: with escalators and an elevator.

Inside, on one of the floors, there is an absolutely incomparable series of carved wooden compositions with the legend of Basuzhen, who, according to legend, lived in this pagoda.

L the legend of Bai Suzhen in a very loose translation

Once, one of the eight Taoist immortals, Liu Dongbing, decided to play a trick: sell immortality pills under the guise of simple tangyuan (this is a Chinese variety of urine - pies made from sticky rice dough with stuffing). As they say, there was a doctor's sausage, but it became an amateur one. A simple boy Xu Xian, unaware of the trick, bought these pies, after which he did not want to eat for three days, but only drank and danced to electronics. Zaboristye pills caught. Realizing that something was wrong, Xu showed the Taoist:“Daddy, what, they say, for the alignment ?!”. Liu Dongbing laughed with an inhuman voice, and thoroughly shook the boy over the lake, which is why the pills did not stay in the body and fell out of the boy into the water. All this fun took place on the “broken bridge”, on Xihu Lake, so that those who wish can reconstruct the events.
Meanwhile, a White Snake practiced Taoism nearby in the water, which had a well-planned training and hoped to achieve immortality in a thousand years. And then next to the food - plop! The snake, although magical, but no one has yet refused freebies, so she ate the entire portion in one sitting. And then bonuses fell on her - plus 500 years to immortality, well, and every little thing: plus a hundred to armor, plus twenty to charm, and tede.
Naturally, after what happened between them, the Snake and the guy were connected forever. So far not the most successful marriage, but the story does not end there.

Just nearby, one Turtle was practicing the teachings of Tao, who did not have time to distribute the elephants, and therefore was very offended by the Snake.Eighteen years have passed. During this time, the White Snake acquired a sister, the Green Snake, whom she saved from death. If you remember the cartoon "Magic Ring", then that's exactly what she saved - she bought it from a peasant. And now, disguised as beautiful women, the White Snake - Bai Suzhen and the Green Snake - Xiaoqing, flank along that very “broken bridge”, and then two events occur: a downpour and our old friend Xu Xian. With an umbrella. And young ladies without an umbrella get wet, sir. The gallant Xu gave his umbrella to the girls, and Bai Suzhen gave him her heart in return, but only after the wedding.And they would begin to live and live, but then events began to rise with a swift jack: the envious Turtle finally accumulated magic for a human appearance, pretended to be a Buddhist monk Fahai and at one holiday drugged Bai Suzhen with cunning wine, which made Bai Suzhen completely numb and lost all human shape. That is, it turned back into a snake. The husband, seeing the true appearance of his wife, immediately glued his flippers in horror. The snake, wasting no time in vain, puts the freshly deceased into a cryogenic chamber, and she blows with her girlfriend on Mount Emeishan (there is such a sacred Taoist mountain near the city of Chengdu, where pandas are), where she steals Chinese revitalizing herbs, with which she resurrects her husband. Having returned the female appearance before this, of course, otherwise you won’t get enough herbs.

The husband understands that the wife is still a snake, but she can’t do anything, she loves - that’s all! Therefore, the young continued a happy family life.But no matter how! Turtle Fahai does not let up and, having kidnapped Xu Xian, imprisons him in an impregnable temple. The snake sisters attack the temple, flooding it and killing a bunch of people around. The pans are fighting - the lads crack their forelocks. All for nothing, since Bai Suzhen is pregnant and it is contraindicated for her to overexert herself.
However, our Xu Xian is not some kind of xuxian, but quite a smart comrade, he leaves the temple on his own and arrives at his beloved in Hangzhou, where their son is born.The annoying Fahai tracks them down again and now hides Bai Suzhen in the Leifeng Pagoda for twenty years. Finally a logical connection!
The son, meanwhile, having graduated from MGIMO, is going home, in twenty years it is possible to demobilize, not like graduating from MGIMO. The kind aunt Green Snake wants to make a gift to her nephew, finds the villain Fahay and shows this turtle where the crayfish hibernate. The terrible spell immediately expires, Bai Suzhen is released from the pagoda, and Fahay hides in a crab shell. Therefore, the orangeish crab shells are the Buddhist cape of Fahay.
And the son, dad and the snake are together a friendly family!
End.

** Museum of Contemporary Art 浙江美术馆

Zhejiang Art Museum "Zhejiang Meishuguang" - from the old center you can walk, just drive the characters into.

Address: 138 Nanshan Road
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, open on holidays, but closed on Mondays.
Entrance: free, they stop letting in half an hour before closing.
Museum website in English

** Silk Museum 中国丝绸博物馆

Silk Museum "Sychou Bouguang" - about the production of silk and clothes from it, about the history of the Silk Road.
Opening hours: 08:30-16:30
Free admission

** Tea Museum 茶叶博物馆

On the ground floor there is the history of Chinese tea, on the second floor there are dishes and an exhibition of different varieties and methods of processing and tea parties. Free admission. The museum has a shop with dishes, samples and books about tea in Chinese and English, as well as a tea room and a tea shop.

If you really want to have a tea ceremony, you can pay 50 yuan, but you don’t need to buy anything, the prices are inflated several times! Although it will be easier and more correct in the city, there you will be brewed for free, and the prices will be lower.

Address: 88 Longjing Road
Opening hours:
May 1-October 7: 9:00-17:00, except Mondays
October 8-April 30 8:30-16:30, except Mondays
Free admission

** Source of Jumping Tiger "Hupao" 虎跑

There should be another legend here, about a tiger, a monkey and a source, but Roma has not bothered with this yet. In short: the source is magical, and the best tea is brewed on its water. Around the source are gazebos, greenery, hills and beauty. Everything murmurs, at the source there is a small line with bottles, they take pictures against the background of a plastic tiger, and you are on the neighboring pavilions and paths.

Opening hours: 07:00 - 18:15 (tickets stop selling half an hour in advance)
Entrance: 15-20 yuan
Address: 灵隐路法云弄1号

Zoo

The zoo (杭州动物园 Hángzhōu Dòngwùyuán) is located next to Hupao Park, on the same 虎跑路. Entrance costs 20 yuan. As we don’t know, they weren’t, but they don’t recommend it very much: small enclosures, chains, it’s a pity for animals.

* Longjing Village 龙井村

A nice place in the hills next to the tea museum, next to Shifeng Peak, where the Longjing variety of the same name "Shifeng Longjing" is harvested. In the spring, you can watch the process of collecting and processing tea, have lunch on one of the terraces near the locals and how everyone is doing here.

A cup of tea directly with tea leaves = 20-30 yuan
Entrance ticket to Longjing Park with the same Dragon Well (a pool with a stone dragon head) and the same eighteen imperial bushes of Longjing = 10 yuan

There are many stories and legends about Hangzhou, but there are few historical architectural monuments left. From evidence of a brilliant flourishing under the Southern Song Dynasty for one hundred and fifty years (1127-1279) nothing has survived; still best description capitals of that era (under the name Qinsay) left Marco Polo, who called it "the most brilliant city in the world." Today's Hangzhou is booming, as is the entire Shanghai region; many skyscrapers have been built here, which, when viewed from Xihu Lake, look awkward and ugly; therefore, romantic panoramas are not always waiting for you. Nevertheless, it is believed that those who have not seen Hangzhou have not seen the essential, one might say, the front side of China. It is enough to spend two days here, but if you arrived on an excursion from Shanghai, in extreme cases, one overnight stay is enough - after which, of course, you will want to stay longer to indulge in idle leisure.

There are many pretty places in Hangzhou: only the view of Xihu Lake beckons to take a walk. Well-kept parks are pleasing to the eye and give a refreshing coolness, benches are waiting for you everywhere, bars, ice cream parlors and restaurants are found every now and then, and numerous boats depart from the eastern coast. .

Around Wushanguangchang Square

There are two landmarks on the southern edge of the old city; they can be seen on foot: near Wushanguachan Square there is a reconstructed street of the old city with the historical Huqingyutan Pharmacy, and on the hill there is the Chenghuangge observation tower in the form of a pagoda. The landmark is Ushanguachan Square at the northern tip of the hill.

Streets of the Old City and Huqingyutan Pharmacy

Heading east from the square, on Hefang Jie Street, you can see a large ensemble of recently restored commercial and residential buildings in vintage style- So (although not so neat) most of the old city of Hangzhou looked like, while in the 1980-1990s. the wave of demolition of old buildings and the construction of new buildings did not begin. Behind them lies the most beautiful historical building (1874) cities in original form: Huqingyuitang Pharmacy. However, the word "pharmacy" is misleading, because it is not just a trading floor, but practically a palace: with several yards and a common usable area 4000 sq. m. It pleases the eye with wonderful, gilded wood carvings, courtyards immersed in greenery with growing medicinal plants, as well as a pharmacy museum. Medicines are not only sold here, but also prepared - including in front of visitors. Hefang Jie, Dajing Xiang 95. Opening hours: daily. 8.30-18.00.

Pavilion of the Guardian God of the City (Chenghuang Ge)

If you return to Wushanguachan Square, and from there begin to climb the mountain, you will see a 42-meter tower built in 2000, decorated with curved roofs in the form of pagodas. Due to its ponderous proportions, it immediately catches the eye - a rather repulsive sight, especially when viewed from Xihu Lake. But if you are on this tower itself, then, on the contrary, a wonderful view of the lake and the city opens up. Climb up (on the elevator) best after dark. On the ground floor, large dioramas illustrate the history of the city; in particular, Hangzhou is shown as it was 800 years before the Song emperors made it their residence. Even higher is the tea house, where you can listen to classical Chinese music live. Below, next to the tower is (also recently erected) a temple in honor of the guardian god of the city, who was responsible for the prosperity of Hangzhou at a time when people still believed in gods. But this is not just an attraction for tourists - here you can get to know the cultural tradition of China. Opening hours: daily 7.30-22.00.

Lingying Monastery and Mount Feilai Feng

After Xihu Lake, Feilai Feng Mountain, along with Lingyinsi Monastery in Hangzhou, is considered the number two attraction. In a shady valley, along which a stream flows, rocks adorned with ancient sculptures hang on one side, and an impressive Buddha temple rises on the other. Thus, a wonderful ensemble of nature and religious art is created. If thousands of tourists didn’t come here every day, then here, 3 km west of Lake Xihu, it would be impossible to suspect that a city with a million inhabitants is located very close by.

Name and history

Lingyinsi name ("House of the Spirit"), speaks for itself: one who wants to renounce the world, for him, hermitage in the forest or on the mountain seems like a miracle. But how to explain the name Fei Laifeng, the Arriving Mountain? It is believed that the monastery was founded in 326 by an Indian monk who considered this rocky peak (170 m) very similar to one of the mountains of his homeland - as if it had flown here to China. Later, in the X-XIV centuries. more than three hundred Buddhist sculptures and reliefs were carved out of the rock here, most of them in natural caves. The most famous figure is the laughing corpulent Buddha of the Song era near the monastery. However, among the current monastic buildings there is not one older than one hundred and forty years. The only reminders of hoary antiquity are two stone columns of sutras in front of the road - they were created in 969 - and two damaged stone pagodas of the same era in the first courtyard. Thanks to the influx of tourists and numerous donations in the period after Mao's death, the monastery has expanded significantly - and construction work has not yet been completed.

Hall of Heavenly Kings

Six figures in this hall correspond to the generally accepted scheme, there is a common casket of a cheerful fat Buddha and Weito, who, in incredibly rich decorations, sits on the opposite side and carefully watches what is happening inside the temple. The main hall of Daxionbaodian, 33 meters high, restored in 1953, impresses with its size. In the center, the Buddha Shakyamuni sits on a throne, which was carved from camphor wood and covered with gilding. Together with a pedestal and a halo around the head, its height is 19.6 m. The figures on the sides of it are twenty guardian gods of Buddhism; they are followed by the enlightened disciples of the Buddha. On the reverse side, the reliefs depict the story of the youth Shancai, who, on his way to the state of Buddha, visited fifty-three teachers, including the goddess of mercy Guanyin, her figure stands in the center on a giant fish, on which she moves across the oceans to save people.

Healing Buddha Hall

This embodiment of Buddhist philanthropy is surrounded by two of his assistants and twelve patrons of twelve two-hour periods in a day.

back halls

This is followed by two more, also very spacious halls, erected after the death of Mao. Their sculptural decorations are only partially completed so far, in the basement of the penultimate monastery there is a treasury of the monastery, in which ritual utensils, valuable written works and vestments are exhibited.

Hall of Five Hundred Arhats

The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, a building of modern times, is to a certain extent a symbol of the economic boom in the region: a lot of money has been invested here. The figures of five hundred holy monks are made in supernatural size and have no analogues in all of China in their size. Their receptacle is correspondingly huge too; in plan, it has the shape of the Buddhist symbol of infinity: the swastika. Opening hours: daily 7.00-17.00.

From the Old Town you can take nostalgic wooden buses (routes 1 and 2 to the final stop).

Roundabout with added value

Another road leads to Lingyinsi Monastery. Approximately 700 m from the main gate, you can take a cable car Beigao-Feng and climb the High North Peak. At an altitude of 314 m, a beautiful panorama opens - and here you can make a sacrifice to the god of wealth. You need to walk half an hour down to the monastery - through the forest. So you can avoid the hustle and bustle at the main entrance.

South and southwest

Lake Xihu is not the only thing that shapes the "spirit" of Hangzhou. Another element is the surrounding hills and tea plantations in the valleys, between them - caves, bamboo groves, in addition, let's not forget about silk as a reflection of the Hangzhou way of life. It is better to go around all these places on a bicycle, a trip along with a visit to two museums and other sites may well take a whole day. Alternatively, a combination can be considered hiking with bus or taxi rides. If you prefer public transport, then take bus number 27 from Baidi Dam (north end) or tourist bus number 3, both go to the "Dragon Well Village".

tea museum

From the middle of Xishan Lu Street to west bank Xihu Lake in the direction of "Dragon Well Village" Longjing Lu Street departs. If you go along it and turn into the second street to the right, you can get to the tea museum (Zhongguochaeboutan), which in a beautiful setting represents the history and culture of growing, processing and making tea - all inscriptions are duplicated on English language. Shuangfeng Sip bus stop. Opening hours: daily 8.20-16.20.

Longjingcun Village

The Tea Museum stands in the middle of the birthplace of the most famous tea in all of China: the Dragon Well. (Longjing cha). Tea plantations, through which lies a further two-kilometer path to the village of the same name Longjingcun and directly to the “dragon well” itself, are not the only ones supplying this popular brand, which, however, depending on the collection, is divided into very different price categories from each other. Therefore, be careful when buying tea leaves from private individuals, which local vendors try to force tourists to do at the final station! First, find out in some store what is the range of prices for tea of ​​various qualities. Longjing tea leaves are more expensive here than elsewhere, but guaranteed to be fresh.

Valley of the Nine Streams

Then the path leads south along Jiuxi Lu Street. (nine streams) through an idyllic, car-free valley strewn with tea plantations and bamboo groves, with a waterfall and a pond; there is also a restaurant. After walking 4 km, you will reach the Qiantangjiang River. Bus routes K 4, K 504 and 514 go back to the city or to the next destination of the trip.

Liuhe Pagoda

Three kilometers south of Xihu Lake, or one kilometer downstream from where the Nine Streams Valley meets the Qiantangjiang River, Liuhe Pagoda, the symbol of the city, stands on a hill. Its name "Six Harmonies Pagoda" illustrates the six-fold unity and commonality of a Buddhist monastery: in teaching, leadership, reverence, worship, morality and faith. The wooden structure, almost 60 meters high, was last updated in 1900; in general, it traces its history back to 970. Since then, the brick core of the tower has been preserved in the original. From the top there is a beautiful view of the river and built in 1935-1937. railway-tram bridge 1.4 km long. Opening hours: daily 6.00-18.00.

Silk Museum

For the last section of the journey, but the city needs to take a taxi, since there is no bus service. The Silk Museum is located about one kilometer from southeast corner Lake Xihu. It is large and brand new, but little care is shown for it: most of more like a silk shop. Nevertheless, it's worth it. The history and technique of silk production, as well as historical silk costumes, are provided, in particular, with English inscriptions. Especially valuable is silk, which is more than a thousand years old. Yuhuangshan Lu 73. Opening hours: Tue-Sun. 8.45-16.30, Mon. 12.00-16.30. Entrance until 16.00.

Tidal wave

(on new moon or full moon)

Arrival and departure

Hangzhou is located in railway line Shanghai-Guangzhou, and several trains run here from Shanghai (travel time from 2 hours). Hangzhou has an airport with direct flights to Beijing and Hong Kong. Long-distance buses run to different settlements; It is interesting to take a tour to Huangshan Mountain (from the Western bus station, travel time 6 hours). Suzhou, a city with which there was a great cultural and historical rivalry, can be reached by steamboat along the Imperial Canal. The steamboat departs in the evenings at 17.30, travel time 13 hours: book in advance with travel agencies!

Purchases

The famous green tea leaves from the "dragon well" can be bought in many stores. They would be well complemented by a small tea set made of Yixing clay, especially when parting with this region. Other souvenirs, including fans, which Hangzhou is also famous for, can be purchased in one of the alleys of the old city near Wu-Shan Square.

Shaoxing

Located 60 km east of Hangzhou is the city of Shaoxing. (350 thousand inhabitants)- target day trip by train or bus. Up until the 1990s. he was famous picturesque quarters, where traditional one- and two-story houses and numerous canals set the tone. The latter are still preserved, but most of the old residential and commercial buildings had to give way to new buildings.

Neighborhood

The funnel-shaped mouth of the Qiantangjiang River at high tide (on new moon or full moon) causes a tidal wave. Poems were written about her two thousand years ago. It can be observed at the Liuheta Pagoda, but about 40 km down the river - the spectacle is even more impressive.

Shaoxing lies only slightly above sea level; its environs, especially to the north of the city, are cut up and down by canals and ponds. The traditionally agrarian region is now increasingly being replaced by industrial enterprises, transport facilities and residential settlements. Former peasants, who got rich through the sale of land and new crafts, built luxurious houses for themselves, so the territory in some places looks like a cottage village.

Old city

The central city square, the result of modern urban planning - taking into account the relief - seems to be liked local residents. In the west you can see a restored fragment of the city wall, in the south - a 40-meter brick Dashansyt pagoda. The temple to which it once belonged is long gone; it itself was built in 1228, but subsequently it was updated many times. Hongqi Lu (Red Banner Street)- not a memorial to dying socialism, but a beautifully restored street of the old city, leading from the southwestern end of the square to the south along the canal. There are some nice cafes and shops here. On the other side of the canal, you can walk back along Longshan Houjie Street. Possible alternative: from Hongqi Lu street at the first opportunity to cross the channel (westbound) and then go straight, and then climb the Fushan hill, where the park of the same name is located. At the top, the observation pagoda allows you to have a good view of the surroundings.

Memorial sites of Lu Xun

Lu Xun, the famous writer of modern China, was born and raised in Shaoxing. On Luxun Zhonglu, Lu Xun's Middle Street, stands the house where he was born. Big estate The writer's parents remained practically untouched, and the original furnishings were largely preserved. Here you can get an idea of ​​life in the era of the last emperors. The big garden is especially beautiful. Lu Xun's way to school was very short: across the street and across the bridge to the other side of the canal. The school was tiny, the environment in it was extremely poor. In the neighborhood, an idea of ​​​​the life and work of the writer gives the Lu Xun memorial. All working hours memorial sites: daily 8.00-17.30.

Zucchini "Xianheng"

Kung Yijing, one of Lu Xun's most famous stories, takes place in the Xianheng tavern; it's about a Confucian-educated slacker who keeps afloat by stealing and, if he has money, comes here to drink a glass of rice wine. The zucchini today enjoys the fruits of its literary glory, turning into a real restaurant, large building with a double courtyard and many guest rooms. True, bottles of Shaoxing wine, the most famous rice wine in all of China, can be bought elsewhere, but drinking it here is undoubtedly more authentic - and this indicates your familiarity with Chinese literature. By the way, this wine is served warm. Xianhengjiudian, Luxun Zhonglu 179.

Arbor of orchids (Lantin)

Approximately 10 km southwest of the city there is an imitation of the tone of the gazebo, in which forty-two writers met in the spring of 353 to drink wine and compete in versification. Subsequently, Wang Xizhi, a master of calligraphy, wrote his famous “Foreword to the Arbor of Orchids” for the collection of poems. (Lanting Xu), which told about this event to posterity. Today there is a beautiful place with bamboo grove, a pond, pavilions, a tea house and a large stele, on which the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors immortalized the glory of this area with their own calligraphic writing. Opening hours: daily 8.00-17.00.

Hangzhou is the main city of Zhejiang Province, located in the southeastern part of China. In addition to being a political, economic, research and development city, cultural center province, it is still an important transport hub of the country. Mechanical engineering, metallurgy, chemical, textile, electrical and food industries are well developed here.

The city was formed 2 centuries before the beginning of our era, but Hangzhou began its rapid development in the 7th century. Famous traveller, Marco Polo, visited the city in the 13th century and was so struck by the beauty of Hangzhou that he called it the most beautiful place in the world. the globe. - very idiosyncratic.

How to Get to Hangzhou

The flight to Xiaoshan International Airport, which is only 27 km from Hangzhou, can take from 11 to 20 hours. The city can be reached by bus or taxi, but a car trip will cost five times more.

There are high-speed trains from Shanghai to Hangzhou, so if you fly to Shanghai, you can reach the city in just an hour. Travel time from Hong Kong Airport by bus is approximately 2.5 hours.

Prices in shops and restaurants

It is unlikely that anyone will return from a trip to China without souvenirs and gifts. The abundance of goods is such that it is time to get confused, however experienced travelers advise what you need to pay attention to when choosing a purchase, so:

• The best tea in China is Longjing Green Tea. Its pale green color, wonderful aroma, sweet taste are famous all over the world. By the way, if you wish, you can get to the tea ceremony in the Meijiau Village.
• The production technology of natural silk, its beauty and quality leave no one indifferent, and a piece of this material for an evening dress is the best gift.
• Blue porcelain is the pinnacle of applied art in China. Modern high-quality products are made in the best traditions of technology.
• The elegant design and high quality of Chinese fans put them on a par with great tea and silk.
• Local souvenirs are sold on shopping streets: bottled roots, small snakes, flower tea buds.
• It is impossible to resist Chinese lace, silk umbrellas, lotus drink.

The prices for all these goods are affordable, especially if you buy something in the markets, in small shops - here you can bargain, and the initial price is reduced to 50%.

There are about 300 hotels of different categories in Hangzhou, here tourists will always find a place to stay for every taste, prices start from 150 rubles to 5000 rubles.

Restaurants in Hangzheou are a separate issue. There are plenty of them on every corner, you will be offered both the most exotic national dishes and the menu of European cuisine. Beautiful interior design of restaurants, and the dishes themselves, set meals, tasty and healthy food - all this is Hangzhou.

What sights to see in Hangzhou

There are so many interesting places in the city that it is impossible to get around and see them in one trip.

Xihu Lake is divided into five parts by artificial embankments, in which you will see: Spring Dawn, Reflection of the Moon in three lakes, Goldfish in the Flower Bay, snowy landscapes, singing orioles, lotuses - the list of miracles is endless.

Near the lake there is the Dragon Well, Tiger and Jasper Spring, Yellow Dragon Cave, Pink Cloud Cave.

The Grand Canal links Hangzhou with Beijing, its length is ten times the length of the Suez Canal, and this was built grand building was 2 thousand years ago. The canal is the country's water artery, connecting the five main rivers of China, serving as a transport route for several centuries.

The octagonal Six Harmonies Pagoda stands on 24 supporting pillars. The pagoda is decorated with images of animals, exotic birds and flowers. Through all its floors there is a spiral staircase. Chinese architects They built the Pagoda in such a way that if you look from afar, you can see in it, as it were, two levels of different shades, symbolizing day and night.

At Lingyin Temple, you will be greeted with a peaceful atmosphere. The temple is hidden in the forest thicket of green hills surrounding the temple from three sides. A huge Buddha statue is located among the lotus petals.

Opposite the Lingyin Temple is the Arrived Peak, in which, according to legend, a white monkey lives. There are many caves, through the cracks in the ceilings of which you can see daylight and several dozen ancient sculptures.

In the Museum of Medicinal Herbs you will learn a lot about pharmacology, medicines and herbs, and in the Tea Museum you will admire the exhibition of old tea sets, here you can taste different types of tea, and also learn the secrets of making a drink.

In Quyuan Park, you will find Bamboo Garden, Lotus Garden, Lake with Beautiful Shores - all these places are very popular with tourists.

Cuisine and entertainment

Cuisine in Hangzhou is another wonder of the world, food is replete with varieties, fine culinary methods of processing products. Of the world-famous dishes, it is worth trying "Sweet and Sour Fish from the West Lake", "Sister Sun's Fish Soup", Dongpo Pork, "Dragon Well Tea Prawns with Tea".

In addition, an unforgettable experience will provide you with a visit concert hall, Blue Coast Club, Golden Coast Recreation Center, Village Golf Club, a host of Tea Houses.

The best vehicle for exploring the sights of Hangzhou is a bike. The roads in China are good, so cycling is convenient, especially in the narrow streets of the old buildings.

Some hotels provide bicycles for rent, and there are plenty of bike stands around the city, the fee for which is purely symbolic. An unforgettable event can be a trip with the services of a cycle rickshaw.

Hangzhou in China was named by Marco Polo "the most beautiful and sophisticated city in the world" and the "City of Heaven". The "unearthly" beauty of one of the capitals of ancient China still attracts travelers from all over the world. Forbidden Lake, sung by poets and famous for its ten magical species, the very names of which fascinate with mysterious images: the Autumn Moon on the Silent Lake, the Goldfish in the Flower Pool or the Two Peaks piercing the clouds. And also - majestic pagodas, ancient historical monuments, amazing tea ceremonies, magnificent silk and more. unique heritage Hangzhou.

Business card

History and modernity

Hangzhou in China - the capital of Zhejiang province and one of the ancient capitals of the Celestial Empire, is the southern point of the Grand Canal. Once, in the pre-Mongol era, the city was the most populated in the world, was called Lin'an and served as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. Hangzhou flourished during the Tang Dynasty and was the capital of the Wu and Yue states in the 10th century, and in the 12th and 13th centuries it was the capital of all of China. From the 14th to the 20th century, during the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hangzhou was one of the most important trade and commercial centers of the country, and today remains not only an important economic center of eastern China, but also attracts thousands of tourists. Visitors to Hangzhou will enjoy fantastic views of the legendary West Lake and picturesque parks, ancient monuments of history and architecture, interesting museums such as the museums of tea, silk and traditional Chinese medicine, and many other amazing sights.

What to see, where to visit

Lake Xihu in Hangzhou or West Lake is the city's most famous landmark. The ancient lake with an area of ​​about 5.6 square kilometers was formed from the lagoon of the Qiantang River more than 2,000 years ago, and today the lake complex, along with magnificent gardens and temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded on three sides by mountains, West Lake is a real oasis of calm and serenity. Here you can walk along the green alleys of the park, take a boat ride on the mirror surface and admire the 10 magical views that Lake Xihu is famous for. Spring dawn on the Su path - view of the path built in the 12th century by the scholar and poet Su Dongpo. The 2.8 km path connects 6 bridges and is covered with wonderful peach blossoms in spring. The view of the autumn moon on the Pacific Lake can be observed from the tea house - in the middle of autumn the moon is especially bright and reflected on the roofs of the graceful pavilions and the lush greenery of the garden. The view of the fish in the Flower Pool opens from the Su path: a sparkling spring flows down the hill into West Lake, a fragrant garden with many peonies blooming in April, a pond with goldfish impress with their exquisite beauty. An unusual view of the Lei Feng Pagoda, standing on the Broken Bridge. After a snowfall on the sunny side of the stone arch bridge, the snow melts, but remains on the shaded side, which makes the bridge look broken from afar. The view of the Three Ponds, in which the Moon is reflected, seems especially mysterious. In this place there are three miniature stone pagodas, 800 years old and only 2 m high. At night, during the celebration of Mid-Autumn, a candle is lit in each of the pagodas, and the bright full moon is reflected in the smooth water of the lake.

Also Xihu Lake in Hangzhou is famous for the view of the Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge, the view of the Orioles singing in the willow thicket, the view of the Two Peaks piercing the clouds, the summer view of the Crooked Courtyard and Lotus Pond, and the view of the Evening Bell on Nanping Mountain.

Lei Feng Pagoda in Hangzhou or Six Harmonies Pagoda, located on south coast West Lake, was built in 970 to reflect the tides of the Qiantang River. The 13-story pagoda is so named because of its proximity to the Temple of Six Harmonies, and from its upper level offers amazing panoramic views of the river and majestic mountains.

Pagoda Baochu in Hangzhou rises on the northern shore of the West Lake, on Jewel Hill. The grandiose 9-tiered pagoda 45 m high was erected in 963 - in the era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. The pagoda is distinguished by its elegant architecture, and its top is crowned with a beautiful decorative lantern.

Ling Yin Temple in Hangzhou or the Temple of Refuge of the Soul owes its name to the idyllic landscapes surrounding it. This is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in China. Ling Yin Temple was built in 328, and in the 10th century, more than 3,000 monks lived in it. The temple consists of the Hall of Medicine Buddha, the Hall of the Heavenly Ruler, which houses the statue of the Laughing Buddha, and the Hall of the Great Hero with a grandiose statue of Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. The 19 m high statue is located on a 10.5 m high lotus flower pedestal. Ling Yin Temple also houses a large collection of Buddhist relics. Next to the temple rises Mount Feilai Feng, 209 m high, on the slopes of which and inside the caves there are more than 500 images and statues of Buddha.

Gardens Hangzhou attracts numerous tourists with its amazing beauty. The Yuan Yuan Folk Garden at Huanglong or Yellow Dragon Cave is located on the northern shore of West Lake, surrounded by dense forests and bamboo thickets, and Huanglong Cave is a picturesque place where "stones were collected in order to create a pond." This wonderful garden popular place holding traditional Chinese weddings. The lotus garden is famous for its magical views, especially during the lotus season. Botanical Garden in Hangzhou covers an area of ​​230 hectares, on which more than 3.5 thousand plants grow. In a picturesque garden, spread out on a mountainside, horticultural art is presented and fascinating excursions are held, telling about research work.

tea museum in Hangzhou consists of 6 exhibition halls, telling about thousand years of history and the evolution of Chinese tea production. In the tea utensils hall, you can learn about the process of preparing and drinking tea, and the hall of customs reveals the secrets and subtleties of tea ceremonies. Of course, museum visitors will be able to taste different varieties of Chinese tea.

National Silk Museum in Hangzhou is located on the southern shore of the West Lake and introduces visitors to the history of silk. The exhibition halls of the museum are devoted to different topics related to silk - from history, silkworm, dyeing and weaving to the most modern achievements in this field. Also, most of the museum's expositions are devoted to the Great Silk Road and its influence on world history. In addition, the museum regularly hosts exhibitions and sales of silk.

Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou was established on the basis of the old Hu Qingyu Pharmacy and consists of an exhibition hall, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation workshop, a nursing home and a restaurant offering medical and dietary menus. Museum visitors can watch the production of unique drugs, the recipes of which have not changed since ancient times, as well as see ancient medical materials, a variety of plant, animal and mineral ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine, ancient appliances and apothecary utensils.

Hefang street in Hangzhou - an old pedestrian street reflecting special atmosphere cities. Along the street are numerous shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, silk and art, as well as tea houses, restaurants and eateries serving famous local dishes.