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The Most Beautiful Sites of West Lake
Autumn Moon on Calm Lake
At the western end of Bai Causeway is located a lakeside park which houses a stone tablet bearing the etched calligraphy of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, which reads: "Autumn Moon on Calm Lake". The lake is a special place to appreciate the moon and the effect of moonlight on the land.The moon seems especially bright over the waters. The hills look purplish bathed in the moonlight. The best time for nighttime viewing is on Mid-Autumn Day.
Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge
The stone-arched Broken Bridge is where the characters of a famous Chinese folktale, Xu Xian and a beautiful girl (who is actually a white snake), first meet and fall in love with each other.
After a snowfall, when the snow on the more exposed side has melted, with the shaded side remaining white, it looks as if a long white belt has been ripped apart on the bridge, thus earning the name "Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge".
Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows
An imperial garden during the Southern Song Dynasty, the site is now a park open to all. Featuring green willows and singing orioles, there are lawns, pavilions, and bridges that are very impressive, as well.
Viewing Fish and Lotus Ponds at Flower Pond
Flower Pond Park occupies an area of twenty-one hectares on a peninsula in the southwest corner of the lake. In its center is Red Fish Pond, where the visitor can relax to the sight of brightly colored fish and the sound of sweet birdsong. Visiting is a highly enjoyable experience.
Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda
Leifeng Pagoda lies in front of Jingxi Temple on Nanping Mountain. The pagoda looks especially majestic when surrounded by the golden hues of the setting sun. Deteriorating until it actually crumbled apart, in 2002, Leifeng Pagoda was reconstructed. It now combines a traditional aesthetic with modern building techniques. Standing on the top floor of the new pagoda, affords a view of West Lake in its entirety.
Twin Peaks Soaring through the Clouds
While its difficult to take your eyes off the tranquil waters, take time to gaze at the skies above West Lake. Youll be rewarded with the sight of two limestone mountains past the northern edge of the lake, one to the northeast and one to the northwest, five kilometers apart. On a drizzling day in spring or autumn, the two peaks come and go amongst the drifting rain clouds.
Evening Bell at Nanping Mountain
Nanping Mountain stretches along the southern bank of the lake. At dusk, with the sun sinking into the West, a huge bell at Jingxi Temple, built on the mountain, is struck. The sound reverberates across the lake below.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
If you can catch one of the tour coaches that leave after dark, this one is not to be missed. Just off the southern shore of the Island of Little Oceans stand three small pagodas that seem to float on the water. Each about 2 meters high, when candles are placed inside on moonlit nights, the effect is of 4 moons dancing on the shimmering night waters. The scene is especially magical when the giant glowing moon on the night of Mid-Autumn Day is overhead.
In recent years, the people of Hangzhou have selected "Ten New Scenes of the West Lake", as well as built a few new attractions C for example a tea museum, a silk museum, etc. The ten new scenes are beautiful, and the new attractions will leave you with a greater appreciation for the areas famous commodities. But if you only have a day, its tough to argue with the tried and true.(Text by Han Yueling and Allen Chai Photo Source:Chinaculture.org)
