Outside the bustling city, there are three ancient temples. As one of the places of worship for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Shangtianzhu is not crowded with tourists but has a very strong incense offering. Fans of Leslie Cheung have set up a memorial tablet for him in the Dizang Hall, and every year on his birthday and death anniversary, fans come to pay their respects. What is more favored by the locals is that Santianzhu is located among scenic spots such as Baiyun Peak, Rudou Peak, Rudou Spring, and Baiyun Spring. The environment is tranquil, making it suitable for hiking and enjoying nature.
To truly understand the essence of a city, you must visit its universities. Zhejiang University Zhijiang Campus was established in 1897 and is located on the banks of the Qiantang River, beside the Liuhe Pagoda, nestled in the Yue Lun Mountains. The well-preserved old red brick teaching buildings exude a strong Republican era charm and a rich scholarly atmosphere. Due to its unique historical architectural style, Zhejiang University Zhijiang Campus is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Many works, including the TV series 'The Left Ear' and the movie 'Aftershock,' have been filmed here.
Amanfayun
A thousand-year-old ancient village, quiet and Zen-like. When you stand in the courtyard of Amanfayun, walking on the thousand-year-old stone path, it feels as if history permeates the air with the fragrance of plants. This is the rustic atmosphere we long for, combined with a calming Zen essence.
A tranquil bamboo sea, hidden dragons and crouching tigers. As one of the filming locations for 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' the bamboo at Yunqi Bamboo Path is exceptionally lush, imbued with the spiritual essence of Hangzhou. It is an excellent place for seclusion and meditation. Nearby are pavilions such as Xixin, Sanju, Huilong, Yuexing, Huangzhu, and Yuyu. A babbling brook flows along the path, and at the end of the bamboo path, ancient trees stand in rows. There are also cafes and tea rooms where you can sit and enjoy tea. In today's world, where PM2.5 levels are high, having such a place to cleanse your lungs is indeed very pleasant.
Yuhu Bay
Located south of West Lake, nestled between mountains and waters. Yuhu Bay is hidden among the natural scenery but boasts numerous historical relics, such as Huangmielou Water Pavilion, Wuzhuangyuan Archway, and Ziqi Cottage. Pavilions, archways, and cottages, in the solitude and tranquility, one can feel the melancholic sentiments of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Ancient incense path, full of wild charm. The name 'Maojiabu' originates from the Ming and Qing dynasties when the pier at the village entrance was covered with thatch, giving it a wild charm. It is also the starting point of the famous 'Ancient Incense Path'. It is a great place to find tranquility amidst the bustling West Lake. On one side, there are thatch clusters, piles of rocks, and picturesque lake and mountain scenery, full of wild charm. On the other side, white tea flowers in the tea garden are blooming, and the large green area is refreshing and pleasing to the eye against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds.
Jiuyao Mountain
Pavilions and towers overlook the West Lake. Jiuyao Mountain is connected to Nanping Mountain by stone steps. Walking from the foot of Nanping Mountain to the top of Jiuyao Mountain, the path has about 1000 steps, and it takes about half an hour to an hour to hike up, with stops along the way. At the top of Jiuyao Mountain, there are pavilions and towers with Jiangnan style where visitors can take a rest. At the same time, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful West Lake. The night hiking route passing through Jiuyao Mountain is quite famous locally in Hangzhou. Watching the starlight reflected in the West Lake from the top of the mountain is definitely a unique experience.
Hangzhou Imprint, a place to visit. This might be the most dilapidated community in Hangzhou city. The roads are narrow, sanitation is messy, and the houses are low, but this community, nestled against Phoenix Mountain, has old buildings and old railways, full of a strong local atmosphere, making it one of the favorite spots for locals. The community is located at the foot of Phoenix Mountain, the site of the Southern Song Dynasty Imperial City. The entire community is built along the mountain, with a serene environment. Within the community, there is a national key cultural relic protection unit - the Brahma Temple Sutra Pillar, as well as Moon Rock, Shengguo Temple, and the Old Tiger Cave Kiln Site, all rich in cultural heritage. Additionally, there is the alma mater of Tang Wei - Hangzhou Art Vocational School, which is also worth a visit.
Blessed by the love story of Liang and Zhu, located north of Phoenix Mountain. The story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai has been passed down through the ages, and their three years of studying together took place at Wansong Academy. The academy is situated on Wansong Ridge, north of Phoenix Mountain, and was originally built during the Tang Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar Wang Yangming once lectured here, giving it a rich historical background. The academy frequently hosts activities related to traditional culture, including Hanfu, flower arranging, calligraphy, bead stringing, and embroidery. Visiting this academy nestled among the mountains to listen to lectures, enjoy a cup of tea, and attend a 'Wansong Lecture' is an excellent choice for self-cultivation.
China Academy of Art Xiangshan Central Campus
Traditional gardens, modern fashion. As the first stop of the first episode of 'Keep Running, Brother', the Xiangshan Campus of the Academy of Art has gained much attention. As an institution that nurtures artists, its architectural features and surrounding environment are worth appreciating. Many of the architectural types here are unique creations by Wang Shu, who harmonizes the building's dynamic curves with the undulating hills, forming a visual link. The corridors and walkways snake through the interior and exterior of the buildings, leaving visitors in awe.
