Two Days Tour in Hangzhou

　Day First, after a nice sleep at your hotel, we will pick up you for sightseeing in Hangzhou . Firstly, we should go and must go for the sightseeing is the West Lake . Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt the six square kilometers (1483 acres) of water became the famous West Lake . With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake , Yuehu Lake , West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favorite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'. A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans , that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.

　After the lake tour, we could pass the Red Carp Pond . It is the heart of Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor Park , one of the ten places of interests at West Lake . Countless carps live and play in the Pond, fascinating thousands of tourists each year. Located west of South Su Causeway, Flower Harbor dates back to the South Song Dynasty. Originally it was a private garden near Huajia (Flower) Hill, hence the name Flower Harbor . In the year 1699 Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty visited West Lake and wrote "Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor ," which was later inscribed on a stone stele standing near the pond. Emperor Qianlong also wrote a poem about Flower Harbor . Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor has developed into a large park of over 20 hectares (about 49.42 acres) made up of five scenic spots; namely, red carp pond, peony park, flower harbor, lawn, and grove.

　With its winding shores, Red Carp Pond is located in the middle of the park's south end where tourists lean on the rails of a zigzag bridge. As they enjoy the antics of the swarms of carp, breezes create a picturesque snowfall of petals to float on the water.

　 West of the Pond is a unique peony park, it is with a peony pavilion centered on a raise. Around the pavilion various peonies and hundreds of herbaceous peonies are planted, classified into a dozen flower patches. Every year on about April 20 in the lunar calendar, these Kinds of Flowers bloom. On the path to the pavilion stands an ancient plum tree. A black and white pebble design under the plum tree duplicates its shadow. The peonies contrast beautifully with the serene plum tree. The peony pavilion affords a panorama view. To the east, lush trees extend to the Su causeway. The south view reveals the verdant Nanping Hill with a jade belt of water. An arch bridge connects shimmering Inner West Lake and Lesser South Lake, like two mirrors framed in emerald. To the north a large broad lawn interspersed with arbors provides retreat for tourists.

　For centuries, like the West Lake itself, the Red Carp Pond has afforded beauty and cultural respite to emperors and poets alike who expressed their admiration through poems, calligraphy, and drawings.

　After that, it is the time for lunch. Hangzhou dishes are belonging to Huaiyang Culinary. There are so many different dishes for you to choose, and each dish may have a story inside. You will be taken into the Chinese cuisine culture. Beautiful lake with unforgettable meal, you seem to live in the Heaven. This is a quite common seeing in China .

　In the afternoon, we will take you to Ling Yin Temple which is the temple of Soul 's Retreat. The temple is without doubt a premier showpiece in the West Lake environs and is notable also as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples of China . The presence of a temple on this site can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420AD) when, according to local legend, Huili an Indian monk came to the area where he was inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery to be found here. To his mind this had to be a dwelling of the Immortals and so he gave the temple a name "Ling Yin ( Temple of the Soul's Retreat). The Chinese name is translated into English as either " Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or ' Temple of Inspired Seclusion ' for the setting has a quiet and beautiful grandeur that encourages a feeling of peace and for contemplation.

　The temple was to gain in importance during the Five Dynasties (907-960 AD) when the King of the Wu Yue State initiated a large-scale development of the temple as a sign of his devotion to Buddha. In its heyday, the temple comprised nine buildings, eighteen pavilions, seventy-seven palaces and halls with over thirteen hundred rooms providing accommodation for around three thousand monks. The Temple contains an important collection of Buddhist literature together with many other treasures. As a consequence it is a great centre of information for those who wish to study aspects of Chinese Buddhism in detail. The palaces, pavilions and halls together with their many figures of Buddhist deities represent in total a splendid and unique collection of architectural and artistic cultural relics. The various buildings and pagodas date from the Southern Song, Ming and Tang Dynasties. Among the ancient writings are scriptures written on pattra leaves, the Diamond Sutra copied by Dong Qichang in the Ming Dynasty and a wood cut edition published during the Qing Dynasty.

　Before back to the hotel, we will pass the Hangzhou Botanical Garden , which is c overing an area of about 230 hectares, could be found at the foot of Jade Spring Hill in the northwest end of West Lake . It was originally built in 1965, and is not only a park in which to feast your eyes on beautiful plants, but also a research base where fields such as the cultivation of plants and protection of environment are studied. The garden has wonderful scenery and an excellent environment. It is beautiful, with decorative architecture including pavilions and kiosks. Verdant trees, colorful and lovely flowers, and extremely fresh air seem to bring people into a world full of the pleasure of natural beauty.

　Some entertainment facilities in the botanic garden offer tourists a chance to relax to their hearts content. No matter what season it is, the garden will give tourists endless pleasure. The beautiful Yulan trees in spring, the leisure hours spent viewing the lotus or on the hammock forest in summer, the fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus in autumn, the pines and bamboos which are still green and vigorous in winter, all these will add great pleasure to any visit here.

　Day Two, after the breakfast in the hotel, we will move for t he Six Harmonies Pagoda which is located on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River , and south of West Lake . It is one of the true masterpieces of ancient Chinese architectures. Originally the pagoda was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581) by the ruler of the Wuyue State , a part of which became Zhejiang Province . The name 'Liuhe' comes from the six Buddhist ordinances and it is said that the reason for building this pagoda is to calm the tidal waters of the Qiantang River , and as a navigational aid.

　Upon ascending the pagoda, visitors will have a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the surging tides of the Qiantang River . Near by the Six Harmonies Pagoda an exhibition center detailing ancient pagodas in China was set up in recently upon Yuelun Hill. So visitors can visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda and then learn of the various ancient pagodas architectural styles to be found within China .

　By next stop, it will be Hupao Spring which is ranked the third in China according to scientific research on the quality of the water of the spring, followed by Leng Spring in Zhejiang and Hui Spring in Wuxi , Jiangsu Province. The pleasures to be gained from Hupao Spring are listening to the spring, viewing the spring, tasting the spring, feeling the spring, even dreaming that the spring enables every thought about the spring to come to mind.

　Hupao Spring is well famed for its unique fountain. People of all ages highly praise it after tasting a cup of Longjing tea made of water from Hupao fountain. Many laudatory poems about the spring have been composed by famous Chinese poets, both in ancient and in modern times. No surprise then that Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao (Tiger Running) fountain bring out the best in each other and are acknowledged as 'two wonders of West Lake '.

　Lunch again, Hangzhou dishes, you could enjoy it again. After it, we will arrangement two museums for you as these two are very famous in Hangzhou and are known by the world. The first one is China National Silk Museum and you could learn more about Chinese Silk. It situated at the southern bank of the West Lake, in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province , it is the first state-level professional silk museum in China as well as the biggest silk museum throughout the world. It opened to the public in 1992 and since 2004 people can visit it for free.

　The second is the National Tea Museum . China is the birthplace of tea with the longest history of tea culture. Today tea culture is a bright pearl in traditional Oriental culture. The National Tea Museum was opened in Hangzhou , Zhejiang Province in 1991. It is located in Longjing (Dragon Well) Village, west of charming West Lake , and covers an area of 22,000 square meters (about 5.4 acres) with a 3500 square meter (about 0.9 acres) construction area.

　This museum is the only one in China with the tea theme. The museum has no external walls but is enclosed by vegetation giving the unique impression that the halls and the tea in the museum depend upon each other. Additionally, one hundred distinctive Chinese characters relating to tea are enchased in the road to add color to your trip.

　Besides functioning as a museum, here is also a research institution which often holds conferences on tea and its culture. This work has received much attention from government as well as other sectors of society. In the museum, visitors also have opportunities to see a tea art performance and drink teas in a calm and quiet place.

　After the tea break, you should say goodbye to Hangzhou , we will transfer you to the airport or the railway station for your next destination.

　Tour Quotation:

　 Remark: Tour price should be discussed during 2008 Beijing Olympic period from July to September

　Remark: the price will be based on per person

　All the quotation will be including:

　1.  Private escorted tour

　2.  All the Entrance fees listed in the itinerary

　3.  Skillful driver with private vehicle

　4.  Only lunch

　5.  Excellent local guide

　6.  Domestic transportation
　     * All the ground transfer

　7.  All the quotation is by US Dollars which is based on the rate of Bank of China

　8.  Cancellation policy: Cancellation should be informed three days before departure otherwise should have 30% penalty of total price.

　9.  Payment policy: All the payment should be three days in advance before departure when you received the final confirmation and tickets

　10.  Payment method: cash, credit card and wire transfer

　  All the quotation will be NOT including:

　1.   International ticket and domestic ticket

　2.  Hotel

　3.  Personal Expenses.

　4.  Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers

　Notes: All the quotation would be changed due to the unexpected reason.