New Ten Views of West Lake
The major attractions of this area include: the Tiger Spring Temple, the Tiger Spring, the Luxuriant Green Cliff, the Five Dynasties Sutra Pillars, Tiger Status, “Hongyi ” Monk Tomb, the Hall of Jigong Monk, the Bell Towner and the Arhat Hall etc.
A legend goes that there used to be a monk who disguised himself as a carefree monk named “Daoji”. This monk is known as a Robin Hood in China who left a lot of popular stories. Now there is a Monk Ji Gong Memorial which is specially built to commemorate him. With the continuous renovation, the Tiger Spring Temple now is a very nice garden featuring the odd rocks and the sweet osthusman trees.
Nine Greeks Meandering Through a Misty Forest
As one of “New Top Ten”, this attraction is situated west of West Lake. It is locally called as Nine Greeks and Eighteen Gullies. Actually, all the creeks in this area have two originations, one at west is in Shizi Hill, and the other at east is in Yangmei Hill. Flowing to the south, they meander their way through Xu Village and then empty into the Qiantang River. In 1986, this area was developed and was chosen as one of the “New Ten Views of West Lake”. This attraction features waters and wooded hills. With serene rustic charms, it remains as natural as ever. It will be a good choice to make a walking tour of this attraction along the path in the valley. Four oft-quoted lines poem go like this: “Te hills � rang after range, the trails � winding and climbing, the creeks � murmuring and gurgling, the trees � high and lowly.”
Ruan Gong Islet Submerged in Greenery
This attraction locates on a small green islet in the West Lake. According to the historical records, the islet was built from lake � bottom silt in 1880 under Zhejiang Provincial Governor Ruanyuan during the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, the islet was named as “Ruan Gong Islet” to commemorate him. It is one of the three famous islands in the West Lake. It stood for more than a hundred years as a wildlife refuge since the soil was too soft to support the buildings. In 1982, in order to create a new tourist attraction, this islet was topped with over 1000 tons of earth to provide a foundation for around 240 square meters construction project. Some bamboo halls, pavilions and a paved road were built on the islets. After that, a fishing terrace was opened to the public. This islet features the complex of all-bamboo buildings surrounded with varieties of trees and flowers. Therefore, this spot was named as “Ruan Gong Islet Submerged in Greenery” .
The whole islet is covered with green woods, just like a piece of jadeite in a jasper plate. It appears unique yet natural with all the green willows, bamboos, camphor trees, osmanthus trees and roses. Walking along the islet, you will immediately find yourself in a place like Shangri-la. Getting ashore from a rowing boat and looking back, you can find the islet just like a fairy islet with its distinct reflection in the clear water.
Currently, the Ruan Gong Islet is set up as a venue of a gala night featuring an ancient Chinese style. The program is renewed every year. In the recent years, a performance called “Qianlong’s (an emperor in the Qing Dynasty) Tour to the south of the Changjiang River” is put on.
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