West Lake
West Lake – is located in the easternmost part of China and is a real attraction of Hangzhou. The lake has long been famous for its picturesqueness, which attracts numerous tourists, both from China and from other countries of the world. The coastline of the lake is 15 km, and its area is 5.8 km2.
Lake Sihu was also world famous thanks to ten named famous places, among which « Luna over the peaceful lake in the fall », « Two peak piercing clouds » and others. Together they are called « 10 species of Sihu ». Near each such place is a plate where four corresponding characters are applied, with a special imperial tool.
Lake Sihu is about 2,000 years old, and earlier a river flowed in its place. Even under the rule of the Tang Dynasty, this glorious pond had twice as many modern dimensions.
As you know, since 781, the ruling governor of the city worried about the drinking water of local residents and gave a decree to dig six wells that connected to the lake with pipes that went underground. To date, only the ruins of one of these wells have been preserved.
The subsequent governor, who ruled here at the end of the VIII century, took care of the fields that at that time suffered from droughts. He ordered the construction of a strong dam in this place, with the help of which the issue of controlling the water level, as well as increasing productivity, was resolved. Also, thanks to this ruler, a number of trees were planted along the road adjacent to the lake, which complemented local landscapes.
At a time when the city of Hangzhou was appointed the capital of U Yue, the coastal zone turned into a shopping center, where not only local, but also overseas merchants were located. As you know, in the U Yue era, Buddhism panelled here, in connection with which many different temples were erected on the surrounding territory, which carried a Buddhist faith.
Around 1227, the city of Hangzhou was elected the capital of the South Song dynasty. Since that time, there has been a sharp economic recovery, as well as the growth of the local population. It is then that rumors about the most wonderful natural landscapes of the area, which were readily described in verses and poems, diverge far.
Later, the construction of railways, as well as highways, led to an increase in the number of tourists off the shores of Lake Sihu. From that moment, the local government began to ennoble the circle to attract travelers.
In 1929, an exhibition was organized for the initiatives of local authorities on the lake, which was international in nature. At this time, there were about 20 million visitors.
The city of Hangzhou after the organization of China was transformed into the main tourist center of China. Since that time, work has been actively underway to ennoble the territory, as well as deepen the reservoir. Parks were also organized in the circle of the lake, where you can have a good time with the whole family.
As for the local flora, it is quite diverse: wonderful flowers of magnolia, sakura, osmantus and many other flowers delight visitors' eyes. The shore of Lake Sihu is planted with a small number of peaches, willow. Especially beautiful in this place when the color of magnificent peaches blooms. From the beginning of summer, you can admire the wonderful lotuses that bloom all summer. In the autumn season, in the circle of the lake you can see numerous osmantiuses, which are considered a symbol of Hangzhou. During the Chinese New Year holidays, one cannot help but notice the flowering of the meihua plum.
The government also takes great care of local fauna and ecology, which makes the local environmental situation improving every year. In the pond you can meet carps, and on the coastal territory there are quagmas and kingfishers.
The climate on Lake Sihu is mild, which allows you to visit this area for a whole year.
Sihu Lake also has a beautiful legend called « White Snake Legend ». This story conquers people from a long time, because it speaks of the beauty, wisdom and devotion of the two sisters.
The wonderful Lake Sihu attracts many visitors, because the tourist infrastructure is very developed in its circle.
