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September 30, 2015

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Traditions offer antidote to holiday headaches

By Wu Huixin | September 30, 2015, Wednesday | Print Edition

FOR many, the National Day holiday means long lines and crowded tourist destinations. But for those who want to avoid the heaving tourist throngs and the hectic holiday experience, Hangzhou has plenty to offer.

Below, Shanghai Daily lists three time-honored activities that are local traditions among Hangzhou residents.

Watching Qiantang tide

Qiantang River has one of the world’s largest tidal bores — a phenomenon in which the edge of an incoming tide forms a wave as it pushes against the current of a river or bay. Along the Qiantang River, the rising tide can form a bore of more than 1.5 meters. This year, the best time to appreciate the bore is between September 28 and October 3.

Viewing the tide has been a tradition for centuries. This magnificent tidal phenomenon was mentioned as far back as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), when it was considered an incarnation of Wu Zixu, a statesman with the Wu Kingdom. At the height of his power Wu dredged rivers, built dams and developed agriculture irrigation systems, which helped reduce floods and stimulate local development.

Unfortunately Wu had a falling out with the imperial court and was forced to commit suicide by emperor Fu Chai. After his death, his body was discarded into the Qiantang River. Locals believed that Wu was reincarnated as the spirit of the bore. A temple was erected to commemorate Wu and people honored him each year around Mid-Autumn Festival.

Later, during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), which had its capital in Hangzhou, viewing the tide became an imperial activity.

In Hangzhou, the best places to observe these grand tides are on the Xisha Bridge, the Nanxing Bridge, Sanbao Village, Qibao Village and Bagongduan in Xiaoshan District.

Admiring the full moon

In ancient times, Mid-Autumn Festival was a major event for members of China’s literati class, who would gather to create poems celebrating the full moon — a symbol of happiness and reunion in Chinese culture.

Today the festival is mostly a time for family get-togethers, yet the tradition of observing the moon is still alive and well.

Though the festival may have come and gone, one can still see the full — or mostly full — moon for several more days.

Hangzhou is home to two well-known spots of moon-gazing: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn. The first location — an image of which graces the one-yuan note — features three stone pagodas dating to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The reflection of the full moon along with these three lit pagodas creates a poetic scene this time of year.

Meanwhile, Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn is situated at the end of the Bai Causeway and backs onto Solitary Hill. It has an open platform from which one can admire the full moon without obstruction from trees or buildings. From here, the peaceful lake acts like a mirror reflecting the moon.

Viewing osmanthus

Hangzhou has a long history of cultivating osmanthus. For centuries, viewing osmanthus blossoms has been a traditional activity for locals each autumn.

The most popular spot to view these flowers is Manjuelong Village, which is dotted with osmanthus trees bearing white, brown and gold flowers — all of which are now blossoming. Indeed, Manjuelong has more than 7,000 trees along its mountain paths.

In recent years, numerous hostels and guesthouses have opened in the area to cater to a growing number visitors.

Another village that is suitable for viewing osmanthus is Meijiawu, which features restaurants and teahouses on farms to accommodate tourists coming to see the flowers.

Weather permitting, many of these eateries place tables under the trees so diners can drink a cup of tea or play mahjong beneath the fragrant flowers. They also serve traditional dim sum made from the flowers themselves.

Hangzhou


 

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