West Lake: the Beginning of Romance 浪(làng) 漫(màn)

West Lake which is located in Hangzhou, south China’s Zhejiang Province is a word-famous scenic spot. West Lake is regarded as the “paradise on earth”. Every year, thousands of tourists from both China and other countries come to this place of interest to appreciate its profound beauty.

There are many famous scenic beauties making the West Lake charming and picturesque such as “Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard”, “Autumn Moon on Calm Lake”, “Melting Snow on Broken Bridge”, “Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows”, “Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset”, “Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill”, “Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor”, “Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway”, “Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds”, and “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon”.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: It was once a pond that housed free captive animals. Architectural names near the zigzag Bridge of Nine Turnings are all related to it, like Nine Lions Stone, Net Unfolding Pavilion, and Hearts Communion Pavilion. Three pools actually refer to three spherical hollow pagodas, which are about two meters high. When putting lanterns in the pagodas, the lights of the moon, the lantern and the pool shine together, forming charming scenery.

Melting Snow on Broken Bridge: Broken Bridge is the place where Xu Xian and Lady White Snake Meet in a Chinese folk legend. Therefore, young lovers flocked there to take photos to record their romances.

Autumn Moon on Calm Lake: There is an imperial study pavilion on the lakeside, three sides of which are surrounded by water, making it a spectacular site to enjoy the beauties of the moon and the lake. It is proved by a poet, who once wrote "the vast, calm lake is bright as a mirror; the year-round moon is brightest in autumn".

Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows: This scenic spot was originally the imperial garden of Southern Song Dynasty and named "Garden of Dense Beauties". During the flowery spring season, orioles happily sing in the wispy willows, making picturesque scenery. So it got the name of Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows.