HANGZHOU
2008-9-12
Peak Flying From Afar - Peak Flying From Afar,stands next to Ling Yin Temple and is a must see in Hangzhou. There are many legends about the peak's name.A well known legend states that an Indian monk arrived in the valley 1,600 years ago and was surprised to see a peak so dissimilar from any other one in the valley. He believed that the peak had flown over from India because the shape, although unique in China, was common in India. However, he did not know why the peak would have flown to this spot so far from his country. Hence the peak's name was created and has passed down to the present day.
It is about 700 feet tall, is a pure limestone mountain that is very distinctive from the sandstone mountains around it.The caves of this mountain shelter about 330 stone statues dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries.The statues appear in a variety of poses ranging from standing,to sitting,to sleeping.A favorite may be the Laughing Buddha,sitting on the cliff along the stream with exposed breast and belly. If you wonder why he has such a big belly, the answer is that his belly is where the Buddha keeps all of the world's troubles.
The LingYin temple is without doubt a premier showpiece in the West Lake environs.The presence of a temple on this site can be traced back to 1,600 years ago.The name in Chinaese means "Temple of the Soul's Retreat"for the setting has a quiet and beautiful grandeur that encourages a feeling of peace and for contemplation.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is delicately decorated with phoenixes and dragons. Images of the Four Heavenly Kings stand upon either side of the Maitreya,a laughing Buddha with a huge belly who is said to be able to 'endure all intolerance and laugh at every laughable person in the world,' as he welcomes those who enter the hall.
The Hall of the Great Hero is single storey construction.The double eaved roof soars to a pinnacle of 110 feet making it probably the highest single storey buildings to be found in China.The statue of Sakyamuni carved from 24 sections of camphor wood with an overall height of 82 feet.This is also one of the largest wooden statues in China and is covered with gold leaf. 
Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor- Flower Harbor Park is adjacent to Su Causeway consisting of Red Fish Pool, Peony Garden, Flower Garden,widespread lawns and woods,occupying an area of 21 hectares.It is famed for its half-a-year-long flower scenery.The best time for flower viewing is when spring translates itself smoothly into summer.It is full of flowers.The red fish pond is fringed with blossoms and verdant trees while fishes hover and float soundlessly; the peony garden showcases the celestial tints and aromas in supreme elegance;streams bubble their way into the flower harbor,without minding the changing time.The widespread lawn is deeply colored by green grasses, and the dense wood hides away paths stretching into it under its flourishing grace.A visit to the Flower Harbor is a trip into a picturesque poem.You can look at fish, admire flowers, touch trees, listen to birds chirping, and witness the exodus of spring and the arrival of summer.You will find yourself close to nature by looking up at the sky, looking down at reflections in water,trying to memorize the momentary shapes of clouds,strolling in a drizzle,or counting stars glittering in the universe
Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway - The Su Causeway became a popular tourist attraction as early as 1090. That year, Su Dongpo, a famous poet in the Song Dynasty and the governor of Hangzhou,had the lake dredged. The silt and debris were piled up and formed into a causeway. In order to honor the poet governor,local people named the Causeway after him. Today's causeway is the result of many refurbishing projects over centuries.romanticized as Spring Dawn by Su Causeway, the scenery has stayed on the top of the best ten resorts around the West Lake since 1127.A.D. Ranged with peach, willow, magnolia and hibiscus trees, the 2.8 kilometer long Su Causeway spans the West Lake from the south to the north. Along the Causeway stand six single span stone arch bridges by the name of Yingbo (reflecting the waves), Suolan (locking the waves), Wangshan (looking at distant hills), Yadi (causeway ballast), Dongpu (eastern ford), Kuahong (spanning rainbow).When spring comes, willow trees swing slightly in the breeze. Peach trees are full of blooms, giving out intoxicating fragrance. Six bridges are the best place to enjoy springtime.Walking on the causeway,one can look at the lake and the surrounding hills, absorbing all the visual and aural pleasures created by the breathtaking panorama.
NEXT DAY
Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow - Leifeng Pagoda is another renowned scenic spot in Hangzhou. Originally built in the 10th century, Leifeng Pagoda used to stand in front of Jingci Temple on Nanping Mountain, but it didn't stand the test of time, the Pagoda collapsed in early 1900s. In 2002, Leifeng Pagoda was reconstructed; then comes back the typical Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda, one of the ten charms of West Lake, as the Pagoda looks especially majestic when surrounded by the golden hues of the setting sun. With combination of a traditional aesthetic style and modern architecture techniques, Leifeng Pagoda affords a view of West Lake in its entirety.
Yellow Dragon Cave Dressed in Green - Yellow Dragon Cave Dressed in Green,Various kinds of bamboo are available around the cave, such as black bamboo,square bamboo etc.On a green huge high steep rock,there is a spring issuing from the mouth of the yellow dragon and tricking down into the pool below.Near the pool, there two nice pavilions called Fragrant Snow and Crane¡¯s Stopover. Now this garden also is served as a folk custom display and entertainment side.When you enter the courtyard, you will see the musicians in the ancient uniform play the Chinese traditional musical instruments.
Karst Landscape
ITINERARY
1.ONE DAY TOUR
Lunch first,
Cruising around the West Lake (about 50 min) to enjoy the view of Su Causeway, Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, Bai Causeway and the Broken Bridge.
Sightseeing in the Viewing Fish at the Flower Harbor(about 60min),
Watching the Silk Performance(about 50).
Coach to Linying Temple, sightseeing around the Peak Flying Afar and the Lingyin Temple(about 120 min)( The admission for the Temple is covered by tourists)
then drive to Meijiawu Tea Culture Village for tasting tea.
NOTICE
CHARGE: Adult ticket 248yuan
PROVIDE:return coach fare,admission,lunch,local tour guide in CHN;
the incense fee for Linying Temple excluded
You can pay 120yuan for a seat in the coach for the above people.It also inclued lunch.
But the admission is excluded,you may buy it at the entrance.
2.TWO DAYS TOUR
(1)the 1st day is the same as above,check in hotel in downtown
(2)leave hotel about 9.Sightseeing around the Samite Karst Landscape(about 120 min),
then lunch(excluded),then Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow(about 60 min), Yellow Dragon Cave Dressed in Green (about 50 min)
then meet the coach leave Hangzhou
NOTICE
CHARGE: Adult ticket 368yuan
PROVIDE:return coach fare,admission,first lunch only,local tour guide in CHN,accommodation in double-bed standard room;
the incense fee for Linying Temple excluded
You can pay 160yuan for a seat in the coach for the above people.It also inclued lunch.
But the admission is excluded,you may buy it at the entrance.
TRAVELERS DISCOUNT:
1.Cruising around the West Lake
The admission for adult is 25 yuan;Kids 100-130cm are 50% off.
2.Peak Flying From Afar
The admission for adult is 35 yuan;Elder over 70 years old are free;Kids 100-130cm are 50% off
3.The LingYin temple
the incense fee for Linying Temple is 25 yuan;No discount
4.Karst landscapr
The admission for adult is 48 yuan;Kids 100-130cm are 50% off
5.Leifeng Pagoda
The admission for adult is 40 yuan;Elder over 70 years old and Kids 100-130cm are 50% off
6.Yellow Dragon Cave Dressed in Green
The admission for adult is 15 yuan;Elder over 70 years old are free;Kids 100-130cm are 50% off
OTHERS:
Tourist accident insurance is.highly recommended to travelers.2 yuan for each for one day tour
Do remember take your passport on yourself for discount
This route will be cancelled if the expressway is blocked due to the bad weather.
Do remember to ask for the invoice if you buy something veluables.
If you take the trip by yourself,you have to share the room with others
or pay for the banlance and then share by youself only
