

Hangzhou is renowned for its silk and green tea, and it holds the distinction of being the epicenter of the most thriving silk industry in all of China. It is also a key hub along the ancient Silk Road.
Traditionally, the allure of Hangzhou is said to converge around West Lake. Spanning over 6 km², West Lake is a freshwater lake recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2011.

Anecdotes from the past recount that West Lake was the only area in Hangzhou untouched by bombs and shells during the Japanese invasion of China. It is said that the Japanese military commander stationed in Hangzhou fell in love with a local girl who adored the poetic beauty of West Lake. As a result, every time the Japanese forces attacked or shelled Hangzhou, West Lake remained a 'restricted zone.' Hence, West Lake has preserved its natural beauty as it was originally created by nature, surrounded by numerous temples, shrines, and pavilions built by ancient locals. Among them, the Thunder Peak Pagoda is particularly famous and sacred, steeped in folklore about the White Snake.
Surrounded by lush green hills on three sides, West Lake is bounded by three dikes: the To dike, the Yanggong dike, and the Bai dike, with Hangzhou city on the fourth side. To the west of West Lake presents an impressive landscape of endless green tea hills in Longjing, a specialty not only of Hangzhou but also renowned throughout China.

Not only does Hangzhou boast West Lake, but it also features the West Marsh situated west of the city. Similar to West Lake, the West Marsh is expansive and includes many structures built in traditional style, reminiscent of ancient times when it served as a gateway to China.
If the tranquil and serene natural landscapes and ancient architectural wonders define Hangzhou, then from another perspective, its vibrant economic development creates a modern city with a distinctive flair. The bustling streets, teeming with tourists engaging in unhurried shopping, maintain a tranquil ambiance without the usual chaos and noise. The predominant products for sale are silk products, deeply rooted in the traditional essence of this region.
We visited the home of Mr. Le Ngoc Tam, a successful Vietnamese entrepreneur who lived in Hangzhou for an extended period. Our aim was to delve deeper into the local culture and understand why this city is adorned with majestic ancient trees. Mr. Tam, originally from Thanh Chuong, Nghe An, shared his insights: 'The people of Hangzhou are incredibly friendly, warm, and hospitable. Despite being a tourist destination, the city doesn't exploit visitors, and prices are transparent. Hangzhou boasts a well-developed public transportation system, offering various options for sightseeing and shopping. Importantly, the city government is dedicated to preserving greenery. During storms, they trim leaves, and trees are reinforced with iron supports at three corners for protection.'
Hangzhou tourism captivates with its poetic beauty, presenting landscapes that seem to beckon visitors back. Leaving Hangzhou, the memories of its people and scenery linger, prompting us to silently promise a return.
By My Anh/News Report
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourMarch 3, 2017