#53 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College-Hangzhou Revisited- West Lake

Asia » China » Zhejiang » Hangzhou
April 22nd 2007

Published: April 22nd 2007

To the Chinese people and foreign tourists alike, Hangzhou is one of the most important tourist destinations in the whole of China. A heaven on earth with its pervading greenery and parks and in it’s midst its star attraction- West Lake. On my previous visit about the same time last year, I was on a guided tour that had been organized by my college. (see previous blog entry- # 8 May Madness)... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 44, Displayed: 21

Comment Follow (3) Message

Susan Storr

Sue Treadie

This blog was started in 2006 when I embarked on a new life adventure teaching English in China. It was a wonderful, enriching and enlightening experience. Many of you came on this journey with me. For those of you who are searching for more meaning and satisfaction in your life and feel that teaching languages overseas might fit the bill, I enthusiastically encourage you to take up the challenge as I did nine years ago. You will never regret it. In fact you will probably say "Why didn't I do this years ago?" I then began a journal of my journey home to Australia- the long way round! U... full info

Blog Options

Top Photos Blog Map

Print Version

[blog=149633]

[blogger=19423]

Quiet Corner

Despite the crowds, one may always find some little quiet haven to sit and relax and enjoy the view.

Ancient Stele

Ancient writings etched on stone before the advent of books.

Students

One of my favourite aspects of West Lake is the way that a number of discreet parks have been created, each with their own style and distinguishing features. In each of these parks there is usually at least one group of brass sculptures representing that park. Here is one such example . Just superb workmanship.

Horseman

Here's another. This one is depicting part of an old legend concerning a famous poet.His horseman readies the poet's horse for the journey.

Ancient Farewell

The poet takes his leave from his trusted servants.

King Qian's Temple

Also known as the Temple of the City God.

King Qian Statue

Qian Liu himself.

Camping out?

An increasingly common sight is people actually sitting on grassy areas provided in parks and gardens. Many are still fenced off and are "just for looking". As in Shanghai, there is growing realization that people enjoy sitting down and relaxing in these areas, so more and more places are being replanted with suitable grass species in order to withstand the human "traffic".

Shhhh! Don't disturb the growing grass!

The more common sight is an area fenced off like this. I just love the sign "Don't Disturb the growing grass"!

Sue & Leifeng Pagoda

This pagoda was saved by a group of local businessmen as part of the reredevelopment of the southern shores of West Lake. This current tower was rebuilt in about 2001 after it had been derelict for some time. It is now maintained by the Leifeng Tower Culture & Tourism Development Co Ltd.

Escalating

For those who do not like the stairs! Entrance to Leifeng Pagoda/Tower.

Interior Roof Feature

Leifeng Pagoda has been recreated using ancient construction techniques.

Legends in Relief

Each level of the pagoda features a different art form on its walls. Here is a relief carving from a tabloid of several retelling a famous legend of West Lake.

Relief Carving

As the visitor climbs the different levels the art work reflects man's progress towards enlightenment. This etching features Buddha in heaven with a number of deities and bodhisattvas- a rank of supernatural beings in their last incarnation before enlightenment.

Cherry Blossoms Closeup

For the floral enthusiasts a few more spring blossom shots!

Cherry Blossoms Brighten Up A Hazy View

....and again.....

Fabulous Flowers

Colourful gardens...

Floral Splendour

gorgeous.....

Wisteria?

I have no idea what this flower is, but it reminds me of our magnificent wisteria vine we had growing over our "tool shed" (ex outside WC) in the back yard when I was growing up in Mt Gravatt, Brisbane.

A Picture in pInk & white

I was quite taken with this lovely tree with its bicolour floral display

Wedding Photos On The Run

West Lake is an extremely popular place for couples to have their wedding photos taken. Here one couple rushes from one spot to another in the hunt for the "perfect" shot.

9th June 2007

zoe li
non-member comment

hi: nice to see your wonderful pictures again! i wonder how did you get those interesting historical stories, and surprised me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! look forward to your next travel crops!

16th June 2007

Jenny Engstrom
non-member comment

Hi! I never use this address, and I'm about to close it off..jenny1adventure@hotmail.com... I use whiteoceanwave@hotmail.com. Pls write me your emailaddress to that address please! would love to catch up with you! As i can see you have many stories to tell....and ..so have I.. Jenny

Tot: 0.08s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 11; qc: 23; dbt: 0.0488s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb

Do not copy images or text from this page without requesting and receiving permission. All rights are reserved by the author and photographer.

Contact Susan Storr (Sue Treadie) - a lack of a response does not mean that you have permission to use material from this page.

#53 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College-Hangzhou Revisited- West Lake

Copyright Notice: All Rights Reserved