Why Hangzhou China is truly for lovers (and Valentine’s Day)

Hangzhou is the most romantic city, and Suzhou next.

There is a Chinese saying: “Heaven above, Suzhou Hangzhou below”.

So many poets in history wrote poetry to praise the beauty and serenity of West Lake.

It was the capital of Song which preceded Yuan Dynasty when Marco Polo came to China. He wrote about Hangzhou as the richest and the most beautiful city in the world with more Chinese historical and cultural sites.

Known as the "Lovers' Capital of Romance," Hangzhou is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and legendary tales of love.

Attractions:

Broken Bridge, Long Bridge, Xiling Bridge, Yanggong Causeway, Wansong Academy, Yue Lao Temple Hangzhou is famous for its tea and silk.

Ever since ancient times, Hangzhou, known as the "Capital of Tea in China.

When I was growing up, my parents took me to one of these tourism fairs in Cleveland, Ohio, which introduced me to a slogan I just couldn’t understand: Virginia is for lovers. I’d been to the state of Virginia. The Blue Ridge Mountains were pretty enough, and so were the beaches. But to say that this state was for lovers? It didn’t seem right to me.

I was destined to discover and eventually settle in a city that, in my mind, truly was for lovers (and truly deserved such a slogan). Hangzhou, China!

Hangzhou really is the ideal place for people in love. And if you’ve never visited before, here are four reasons why it could be the perfect place to spend your Valentine’s Day.

(Leifeng Pagoda was like paying homage to one of China’s greatest love stories.)

1. It’s the setting of one of the greatest love stories in Chinese history (The White Snake or 白蛇传)

(For John and me, visiting Leifeng Pagoda was like paying homage to one of China’s greatest love stories)

The forbidden love story of the Madame White Snake – a magical snake who turns into a lovely young woman and captures the heart of Xu Xian – is considered one of China’s most beloved folktales. And it all happened right here in beautiful Hangzhou (supposedly, at least!).

Why not flirt at the Broken Bridge (断桥) on Bai Causeway, where the white snake and Xu Xian first fell in love? You could also buy yourselves a little tang hulu there just as Xu Xian did, the sweet and tart candied fruits on a stick that first entwined Xu Xian’s fate together with the white snake in the story.

On the opposite side of the lake, climb to the top of the reconstructed Leifeng Pagoda, where the white snake was imprisoned for loving and marrying Xu Xian.

As you and your lover admire the view from the top – the glistening surface of the lake fringed by the endless emerald gardens – you can feel grateful that you’re both free to love one another in that moment.

2. The West Lake is the perfect place for lovers to stroll and relax

(come to the West Lake and even you won’t be able to resist kissing your loved one!)

Hangzhou’s West Lake has been famous for thousands of years and inspired countless works of art, poems and even replicas of the lake itself (including Kunming Lake at Beijing’s Summer Palace). It’s a breathtaking destination – and, not surprisingly, one with many perfect places for lovers to stroll and relax.

3. There’s nothing sexier than a private tea for two in a Hangzhou teahouse from the aromatic delights of Hangzhou’s famous Dragonwell tea to an exquisite spread of all-you-can-eat snacks, hot food and even dessert.

Some private rooms even allow you to sit on the floor, making the whole atmosphere that much more romantic.

While there are many teahouses in Hangzhou, I highly recommend Qingteng Teahouse (青藤茶楼), especially the branch in the Wyndham Hotel which offers private rooms and unforgettably delectable set meals – the perfect combination for any pair of lovers.

4. You can enjoy flowers every season of the year

In wintertime, you’ll find plum blossoms beside the West Lake, reminding us all that even in harsh conditions, the most delicate beauty can flourish and prevail.

You know it’s spring when sweet white peach blossoms surround the West Lake.

Summertime welcomes the lotus blossoms in the West Lake, each as pink as a blushing bride, a jewel to behold.

Ref: Why Hangzhou China is truly for lovers (and Valentine’s Day) (speakingofchina) Photo Credit-tripadvisor, speackingofchina