| While its neighbor Shanghai steps up preparations | | | | features legends and poetry that showcases the |
| for the World Expo, Hangzhou is poised to use its | | | | charm of the colorful centuries-old lake. |
| proximity and reputation as the "back garden" of | | | | West Lake |
| the bustling commercial hub to attract more | | | | Lingyin Temple |
| tourists. Long famed as a popular tourist | | | | Meaning "temple of soul's retreat", Lingyin is one |
| destination due to its luxuriant foliage and rich | | | | of the oldest Buddhist temples in China. Though |
| cultural heritage, the capital of East China's | | | | situated in a mountain valley, it receives a throng |
| Zhejiang province has designated this year as | | | | of visitors in all seasons. Locals say that praying |
| Hangzhou Tourism Friendship Year. With the | | | | there will bring good luck. After the second stage |
| theme of "touring Hangzhou and sharing a quality | | | | of renovation project was completed in October |
| life", tourism officials have unveiled a new list of | | | | 2008, it reportedly became the "biggest Buddhist |
| scenic spots to enhance its appeal. Some of the | | | | cultural tourism center" south of the Yangtze |
| names on the list may sound familiar to frequent | | | | River. |
| visitors to the city, yet years of construction, | | | | |
| renovation and continuing efforts in environmental | | | | Lingyin Temple |
| preservation have resulted in a new look that will | | | | Taiziwan Park |
| surprise visitors, the city authorities said. | | | | Taiziwan, a free park in the city, is famed for |
| Highlights include: | | | | thousands of Japanese cherry trees. When in full |
| Wetlands wonderland | | | | blossom in mid-March, the park flames with white |
| With the blockbuster If You Are The One on the | | | | flowers that attract flocks of visitors to the |
| screen, the movie's locale in Xixi national urban | | | | gorgeous scene. The park is considered an ideal |
| wetland park – the first of its kind in the | | | | site for wedding ceremonies. In addition to the |
| country – has impressed audiences. A | | | | popularity with photographers and new couples, |
| combination of urban lakes, agricultural wetlands | | | | the park also holds a regular tulip exhibition. |
| and cultural heritage, the park is alluring throughout | | | | |
| a year, offering an easy countryside walk in | | | | Taiziwan Park |
| spring, a place to pick water chestnuts amid the | | | | Nine Streams |
| scent of lotus in summer, a pleasure in | | | | The scenic Nine Streams area provides a relaxing |
| appreciating reeds and flowers in autumn, and a | | | | green world with its rich water resources that |
| journey to seek plum blossoms in winter. After its | | | | include flickering streams and cascading waterfalls. |
| first two construction stages enhanced the | | | | Standing in a pavilion tucked in the mountains and |
| eco-system and showcased folk customs, the | | | | listening to the natural chords of twittering birds |
| third stage is focused on an historical residence | | | | and trees singing in a gentle breeze, you will feel |
| – Hong Yuan, home to prominent playwright | | | | an intimate closeness with the nature. |
| Hong Sheng, who wrote during the very early | | | | Nine Streams |
| years of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Hong's | | | | Sea world |
| vintage Peking opera, the Palace of Eternal Youth, | | | | Polar Sea World is an ocean park that provides |
| was based on the widely known love story of an | | | | visitors the opportunity to view and come in |
| emperor in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and his | | | | contact with animals like whales, dolphins, polar |
| favorite concubine. The well-preserved residence | | | | bears, arctic foxes and seals. At a restaurant in |
| adds to the charm of the wetland park. | | | | the park, diners have special companions – |
| Golden waterways | | | | dolphins and whales swimming nearby. The |
| The Grand Canal, one of the world's oldest | | | | sea-themed restaurant also has aquariums as its |
| manmade waterways, is seen as a lifeline for the | | | | walls. Traveling through a 100-m-long "undersea" |
| city. Stretching from Beijing to Hangzhou, the | | | | passage is accompanied by hundreds of aquatic |
| ancient canal, once a key artery linking the north | | | | animals. The ocean park has been designated as a |
| and the south, has found a modern use. The | | | | treatment center for children suffering from |
| Hangzhou leg of the canal runs through the city | | | | autism. Researches have found that dolphins help |
| and is still functional. With 48 bridges spanning the | | | | to treat the illness. |
| waterway – including the famous Guangji | | | | Hangzhou Sea World |
| Bridge more than 500 years old – the ancient | | | | Holiday resort |
| canal remains a major tourism attraction of the | | | | Offering rich entertainment and performances, |
| city. | | | | Hangzhou Paradise Park is reportedly the biggest |
| West Lake | | | | holiday resort in eastern China. A Holland-themed |
| West Lake is probably the most frequently visited | | | | park, an eco-friendly park, a hot spring vacation |
| place in Hangzhou. The Impression of West Lake, | | | | village, a meeting center, and tennis and golf clubs, |
| a stage performance directed by renowned | | | | all make the park a multi-functional destination. In |
| directors Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge and Fan | | | | particular extreme sports are a highlight of the |
| Yue, offers a panorama of the legendary lake. | | | | park, including a bungee jump 33 m above water, |
| With the natural picturesque landscape of the | | | | giant swings that rise 40 m and water skiing |
| West Lake as a background, the performance | | | | behind speedboats. |