"Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences".
West Lake(西湖)
West Lake is a famous freshwater lake located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The lake covers an area of 6.39 square kilometers and stretches 3.2 kilometers from north to south and 2.8 kilometers from east to west.
West Lake, located in Hangzhou, China, is over 2,000 years old! It has been celebrated for its beauty and cultural significance for centuries, with its history dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). The lake has inspired countless poets, artists, and writers throughout Chinese history especially during the Tang Dynasty.
The current lake, roughly oval in shape, was dredged during past dynasties and spans 3.3 km from north to south, 2.8 km from east to west, with a shoreline circumference of 15 km and a total water area of 5.6 square kilometers.
West Lake was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, recognized for its influence on garden design in China, Japan, and Korea.
It has also been featured on Chinese currency and in the Chinese passport.
Upon reaching Hangzhou, we took the cab to our first destination to LeiFeng Pagoda which is located in West Lake. The city looked grey for our first impression and the rain poured down while we were in the cab, but it doesn't deter our trip to West Lake.
Below view was the very first look we received upon alighting from the cab which was paid via Alipay. This is the Leifeng Pagoda! Finally, I see it in "person"!
Despite the rain, there are many people here and everyone were in high spirit!
The ticket counter is located at the front from the main door of LeiFeng Pagoda, mere 30m walk away.
Per ticket at CNY40 which is SGD8, enter the main door via scanning the ticket, followed by security check and the exploration start!!
My Mr. said he want to look for "Madam White Snake".
LeiFeng Pagoda(雷峰塔)
The original pagoda was built in 975 AD during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period by the King of Wuyue, Qian Chu, for his favorite concubine, Consort Huang. From 975 AD until 2024 AD is exactly 1049 years. That's quite a long and rich history, particularly for a place as significant as the Leifeng Pagoda!
The pagoda was damaged during wars and later renovated during the Southern Song Dynasty. The pagoda collapsed on September 25, 1924, due to disrepair and theft of its bricks.
The pagoda was rebuilt in 2002 using modern materials and techniques, including a steel structure and copper parts.
The pagoda stands at 71.7 meters (234 feet) tall, has a total of five decks. Visitors can explore each level, which includes various exhibit halls, offering historical and cultural displays related to the pagoda's history, the legend of the White Snake, and the surrounding area's cultural heritage. The top deck provides panoramic views of West Lake and the city of Hangzhou. The pagoda is equipped with modern amenities such as elevators, exhibit halls, and broadband internet.
At the end of escalator, we reached the base of the pagoda.
Due to a superstition belief that the bricks from the tower could repel illness or prevent miscarriage, many people stole bricks from the tower to grind into powder. On the afternoon of September 25, 1924, the pagoda finally collapsed due to disrepair as only the ruins remain.
In October 1999, the provincial and municipal governments decided to rebuild Leifeng Pagoda on top of the ruins of the old one. The new pagoda opened on 25 October 2002, which is composed of a 1400 tonne steel structure with 200 tonnes of copper parts. It contains four sightseeing elevators, and modern amenities such as air conditioning, television, and speakers. At the entrance of the pagoda, there are two autonomous escalators to carry visitors to the base of the pagoda.
The original base of the pagoda is kept in good condition, as well as the artifacts discovered in the underground chamber. It is proven that "Madam White Snake" is not here.
Queue in orderly for the elevator, we took it right up to level 5.
I went to the nearest door once the lift door opened to get the view that I always wanted to see. 烟雨朦胧
The phrase "烟雨朦胧" can be translated as "misty rain" or "hazy drizzle" in English. It conveys a poetic sense of a landscape veiled in soft rain and mist, creating an atmosphere of mystery, serenity, and gentle beauty. It's often used to describe picturesque or dreamlike scenery. Isn't it fascinating how a few words can paint such a vivid image?
The lake appears ethereal, with its waters blending seamlessly into the horizon.
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The lake itself is expansive, framed by rolling hills and lush foliage, with the occasional sight of traditional Chinese architecture like arched bridges and waterside pavilions.
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The pagoda itself, steeped in history and legend, adds a touch of mystique to the scenery. It's a sight that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
During spring, the cherry blossoms and weeping willows around the lake add vibrant colors to the scenery, while autumn transforms it into a palette of golden reds and yellows.
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The Legend of the White Snake: The pagoda is closely associated with the legend of the White Snake (Bai Suzhen) and her love story with Xu Xian. This folktale is one of China's Four Great Folktales and has been retold in various forms, including opera, films, and TV series. According to the legend, a white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen fell in love with a human, Xu Xian. The evil monk Fahai imprisoned Bai Suzhen under the pagoda, leading to a tragic love story. Over the centuries, Leifeng Pagoda has become a symbol of loyalty and love. The story of Bai Suzhen's imprisonment and eventual reunion with Xu Xian resonates deeply with visitors. Well, we saw, and we see. Bai SuZhen is not being imprisoned here today. maybe she indeed was.
Goggled and got the original look of the pagoda.
The pagoda's wooden elements were burned during the Ming dynasty when Japanese pirates attacked Hangzhou, leaving only the brick skeleton. Over time, the structure fell into disrepair, and due to superstitions about the bricks having protective powers, many were stolen. Eventually, the pagoda collapsed in 1924.
Green Tea Restaurant (绿茶餐厅) - Got Dongpo pork.
绿茶餐厅 is located in West Lake, it is famous for its authentic Zhejiang cuisine and its beautiful surroundings.
The restaurant is designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, reflecting the scenic surroundings.
The restaurant is set by a pond with lotus flowers, creating a serene, picturesque environment. The decor includes traditional Chinese elements like wooden furniture and bamboo screens.
The table we choose was located in a small dining area that is well surrounded by pond views.
Ordered and paid for our food through Alipay, we ordered DongPo Pork (东波肉), Xiao Long Bao (小笼包), Spicy chicken (口水鸡) and Vermicelli with prawns (粉丝襄虾) at the damage of CNY211 which is about SGD43.
Xiao Long Bao (小笼包)
As seen on the picture, the dish was served with one broken one, what a shame that the kitchen still presents it out to customer.
Maybe this is the restaurant culture, we don't want to make a fuss as the service crew was not bad. We took it to our stride; the skin is much thicker than we expected. We actually prefer thinner skins with much filling as this is where to define how skilled the chef is.
The soup of the XLB tasted fine, meat is well marinated, we can get similar taste in most restaurants in China as well as in Singapore. It was pretty cold so I thought a little hot soup will be good.
Spicy Chicken (口水鸡)
The dish features tender, poached chicken—usually served cold—bathed in a rich, spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, black vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sugar. This combination creates a harmonious mix of numbingly spicy, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It's often garnished with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro, adding layers of texture and freshness. It tasted not bad to us.
Braised Pork (红烧肉)
Thumbs up for this dish！Super well marinated and well stewed to the good texture of what it should be. Braised Pork (红烧肉) is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, cherished for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The dish is most commonly made using pork belly, known for its ideal balance of fat and lean meat, which becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking
It is very soft that we could cut it with chopstick. My Mr. always love this dish very much and I am glad that I can cook too!
Here is my version:
Vermicelli with prawns (粉丝襄虾)
Another dish for thumbs up too! This hotplate dish is perfect for this cold weather!
The vermicelli absorbs the flavorful juices from the prawns, along with a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, Shaoxing wine and chili oil. The result is a harmonious blend of umami, slight sweetness, and a hint of spice. It's often garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions for added aroma and color.
Last picture of this serene environment before we order a DD for our next destination.
YueFei Temple(岳王庙)
Commonly known in Chinese as Yuewang Temple is a temple built in honour of Yue Fei, a general of the Southern Song dynasty who fought against the Jurchen Jin dynasty during the Jin–Song Wars, after the capital of China moved south to Hangzhou.
The temple ground is located near the West Lake, in central Hangzhou. The temple was first constructed during the Song dynasty in 1221 to commemorate Yue Fei. The site includes Yue Fei's Temple, Loyalty Temple and Yue Fei's Mausoleum inside. The temple was reconstructed several times in later date. The tombs and the tomb sculptures in the temple all date from the 12th century, and have been meticulously restored, the current structure dating back to 1715 during the Qing Dynasty.
Right opposite of the temple is a bazaar which we shall pop over later.
The very first look upon entry before heading to ticket office - feel so patriotism in the atmosphere.
"烈激怀壮" evokes a sense of fiery passion, emotional intensity, and heroic aspirations held deeply in one's heart. It's often used to describe someone with a bold and spirited character or an unwavering resolve to achieve something great. It aligns with the spirit of patriotism and heroic deeds, much like Yue Fei's legendary dedication.
My understanding to the meaning:
1) 烈: Intense, fierce, or passionate. 2) 激: Excited, roused, or stirred up. 3) 怀: Embrace, cherish, or hold in the heart. 4) 壮: Majestic, strong, or heroic.
Main Hall: The central hall houses a large statue of Yue Fei, depicting him in a colorful embroidered round cushion cover, holding a sword. The hall also features a tablet with Yue Fei's original handwriting, which states "还我河山" means "returning our territory and keeping it integrated" in English.
I think the tablet on the top of below picture is that powerful 4 words of his original handwriting: "还我河山".
The main hall of Yue Fei Temple is a striking example of traditional Chinese architecture, exuding solemnity and grandeur. The hall features a double-eaved roof, a hallmark of Qing Dynasty design, and is adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.
Inside, a large, dignified statue of Yue Fei stands at the center, symbolizing his heroic spirit and unwavering loyalty. The hall is also decorated with historical artifacts, paintings, and plaques that narrate his life and achievements. The overall atmosphere is one of reverence and respect, making it a deeply moving experience for visitors.
He is known for his famous tattoo - "精忠报国" which means "With Full Faithfulness, Serving the State," it was inscribed on his back by his mother at a young age upon serving the country.
"尽忠门", which translates to "Gate of Utmost Loyalty," is an entrance gate at Yue Fei Temple in Hangzhou.
Passing through this gate, visitors are reminded of Yue Fei's heroic spirit and the values of patriotism and integrity that the temple commemorates. It's a meaningful and solemn part of the temple's architecture. This area of the temple is decorated with trees and greenery, we came at the right time to see the blooming of Plum flowers.
Walking further in, the path led us to the graves to Yue Fei and his son Yue Yun where we bowed and paid our respect.
This area includes the tombs of Yue Fei and his son, Yue Yun. The garden is adorned with stone horses, tigers, and sheep from the Ming Dynasty.
The emperors of Ming Dynasty admired Yue Fei so much that he constructed iron ornaments to commemorates.
Before Yue Fei's tomb is the location of the four villians iron statues, with chests bare and hands bound behind their backs, facing the tomb and kneeling as a form of atonement.
Iron Statues: Near to the tombs, there are four iron statues representing the chief conspirators who falsely accused Yue Fei. These statues are depicted in a kneeling position as a form of atonement.
1) Qin Hui (秦桧): The Prime Minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, who was the chief conspirator behind Yue Fei's false accusations.
2) Madam Zhang (王氏): Qin Hui's wife, who played a role in the conspiracy.
3) Wan Qi Xie (万俟卨): A court official who was involved in the plot.
Zhang Jun (张俊): A general who was also implicated in the conspiracy that led to the death of Yue Fei.
Before the Covid days, people who visited this place will spit saliva on these 4 villains which is a symbolic act of disdain and condemnation. They deserved to be "遗臭万年" - it is a Chinese idiom used metaphorically to describe someone whose actions are so heinous or despicable that their reputation will be eternally tarnished, bringing shame and disgrace that will linger for generation.
This act has become a cultural tradition over centuries, reflecting the public's enduring respect for Yue Fei's loyalty and patriotism, as well as their disdain for treachery. Today, the statues are protected as historical relics, but their presence continues to evoke strong emotions tied to Yue Fei's legacy. Now, after Covid and for hygiene purposes, spiting is not allowed.
This temple even features a stone tablet gallery. This gallery showcases various stone inscriptions, including historical records, calligraphy, and poetry, many of which honor Yue Fei, the legendary general commemorated by the temple.
The most popular one is this: "满江红" (Mǎn Jiāng Hóng)
This poem, often titled "满江红·怒发冲冠" ("Mǎn Jiāng Hóng: Fury Fills My Crown"), expresses Yue Fei's deep anger and sorrow over the invasion of China by the Jin dynasty and his unwavering determination to reclaim lost territories. The poem is celebrated for its powerful imagery, emotional intensity, and patriotic fervor that is renowned for its patriotic and heroic spirit, reflecting Yue Fei's determination to defend his homeland during the Jin-Song Wars.
怒发冲冠，凭栏处、潇潇雨歇。
抬望眼，仰天长啸，壮怀激烈。
三十功名尘与土，八千里路云和月。
莫等闲、白了少年头，空悲切。
靖康耻，犹未雪。臣子恨，何时灭？
驾长车，踏破贺兰山缺。
壮志饥餐胡虏肉，笑谈渴饮匈奴血。
待从头、收拾旧山河，朝天阙。
Here’s a glimpse of its essence:
It begins with the poet's fiery anger and frustration, symbolized by "怒发冲冠" (fury so intense it makes his hair stand on end).
It reflects on the fleeting nature of personal glory and the enduring importance of national duty.
The poem concludes with a call to action, expressing the poet's resolve to restore the nation's former glory.
We ended the visit on this temple after this gallery. After learning about YueFei from books and television dramas, we are finally here to understand more, this is such an educating trip that will benefit us.
Below are some photos we took from various angles of the West Lake at ground level.
沉鱼落雁: So beautiful that fish sink and birds fall
水色秀丽: Graceful water scenery
缥缈幽静 : Ethereal and tranquil.
风景如画: Scenery like a painting
湖光山色: The beauty of lakes and mountains
云雾缭绕 : Shrouded in clouds and mist, describing the lake’s veiled beauty.
轻纱笼罩 : This phrase describes the lake as if covered by a delicate gauze, creating a soft and mysterious ambiance.
风景秀丽: Picturesque scenery
Wu Song's Tomb
This place laid the well-respected man from the Song Dynasty, Wu Song was a local police officer then who was arrested when he ambushed and killed a local tyrant whose father was a high-ranking officer in the imperial court.
In fact, he was so heroic that his name was casted in the fictional story - 《水浒传. The tomb of Wu Song, a character from the classic Chinese novel "Water Margin" (also known as "Outlaws of the Marsh"), is indeed located near West Lake in Hangzhou.
However, it's important to note that Wu Song is a fictional character, and the tomb was built as a memorial rather than marking the actual resting place of a real person. The tomb was constructed in the 1930s and later restored in 2004. It serves as a tribute to the legendary hero and reflects the cultural significance of the character in Chinese literature.
Su Xiao Xiao's Tomb
Su Xiao Xiao (蘇小小), also known as Little Su, was a famous Chinese courtesan and poet from Qiantang City (modern-day Hangzhou) during the Southern Qi Dynasty (479-501 AD). She was renowned for her exceptional beauty, intellectual talent, and her poetry. Born into a prosperous family, Su Xiao Xiao was cherished by her parents and received a good education. After her parents' death, she worked as a courtesan, captivating audience with her singing and poetry. Su Xiao Xiao's poetry often reflected themes of love, beauty, and humanity.
Qiu Jin's Tomb
Qiu Jin (秋瑾) was a revolutionary, feminist, and writer who lived during the late Qing Dynasty (1875–1907). She is celebrated as a national heroine and a symbol of women's empowerment in China. Known as the "Woman Knight of Mirror Lake" (鉴湖女侠), she was a passionate advocate for women's rights, including education and the abolition of foot-binding, and she fought for the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty to establish a republic.
Qiu Jin was executed in 1907 after a failed uprising against the Qing government, making her a martyr for the revolutionary cause. Her grave is located near West Lake in Hangzhou, where she is honored for her courage, ideals, and contributions to China's modernization and feminist movement.
Broken Bridge (断桥, Duan Qiao)
The Broken Bridge is a famous historical bridge located near West Lake in Hangzhou. Despite its name, the bridge is not actually broken. It gets its name from a visual illusion that occurs during winter: when the snow on the south side of the bridge melts under the sun, but the north side remains covered in snow, making it appear as if the bridge is broken.
The bridge dates back to the Tang Dynasty and was known as Baoyou Bridge during the Song Dynasty and Duanjia Bridge during the Yuan Dynasty.
It is famous for its connection to the Legend of the White Snake, a popular Chinese folklore where the bridge is the meeting place of the characters Bai SuZhen (the White Snake) and mortal Xu Xian where their love story begins at the picturesque West Lake.
There is another name to this bridge: 断桥残雪 (Melting Snow on Broken Bridge) refer to the same location at West Lake in Hangzhou. The term "断桥残雪" specifically highlights one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, describing the picturesque view of the bridge during winter. After a snowfall, the snow on the sunny side of the bridge melts while the shaded side remains covered, creating the illusion that the bridge is "broken." This unique phenomenon gives the scene its poetic name and adds to the romantic charm of the bridge.
February is one of the coldest months in Shanghai, it was even much colder in Hangzhou. We have come to the end of this blog on West Lake.
Here are the links of the blogs from this trip to Shanghai & Hangzhou:
7) The Legendary HangZhou of China - coming soon
Here below are some of the trips we have done in 2024:
11) "Sabuy "Mon Jam
12) "Sabuy' Mae Rim
Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc.
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Thanks, and Cheers
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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