The Heavenly Hangzhou

March 24, 2007 Leave a comment

 
There is an old chinese saying "Heavens above, Paradise in SuHang" – For the Chinese, Hangzhou is China’s tourist capital. Marco Polo described it as "the finest and most beautiful city" when he passed through Hangzhou back in 13th century.
 
Many friends have been asking me to go Hangzhou. (Even my old mum and dad have been there). In fact, Feli and I were planning to visit Hangzhou on 1st day of 2007. Due to the bad weather and Feli’s backache, we called off the trip.
 

Last week, I received my 7th Visitor, Joanne. It was a very last minute trip…and before I knew it, Joanne was unloading her luggage in my new place. I am such a lucky bastard…7 visitors in my 10-month stay in Shanghai. Man, I can consider opening up a hotel for my friends. (Yes, like Hotel 25!)
And speaking about luck, you can’t imagine how lucky can I get. After a 2-hour train ride from Shanghai, we finally arrived at this 1922 Hotel. Just when we were to check in into our room, the staff asked for our travel documents. She was unable to let us check in unless we produce a passport. Shit, both of us left our passports at my Shanghai house!

 
I was given 2 options – Go back to Shanghai and come back with a passport or get someone to check in for us with his passport.  Coincidentally, my primary school buddy, Jinwei, was in town that weekend on a business trip. So, I ranged his number and asked him for help. In less than 30 minutes, Jinwei arrived with his Singapore Passport and checked us in. It was just a matter of "right place, right time". Amazing!
 

Hangzhou is very clean and beautiful (but beware of those greedy taxi-drivers and tour guide). I would call it a mini "Chinese Disney World" where you come face to face with these famous Chinese icons – Wu Song, White Snake Lady, General Yue Fei, Qin Hui, Ji Gong etc.. I have read about these characters when I was young…and they were kinda unreal…But in close proximity, I can feel their legend and live-ness.

We spent 8 hours, walking more than 10km around Lake West. We also had lunch at the famous "Lou Wai Lou" (er..food not so fantastic). We also visit the world famous + expensive "Long Jing Green Tea" plantation at the hill top. And we drank from the 1000-year old "Dragon Well" – named by QianLong.

A short 2-day stay. But it was a very beautiful and meaningful journey. Yes, I will come back again.  

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