Hangzhou - Sun-Ling's Birthday

Where we head back to Hangzhou and celebrate Sun-Ling's birthday with long hike through the city and hills.

And to top it off, fried noodles and a cake. Thanks Jo Ma (Maternal Aunt)!






First stop of the day: We ride Line 1 of the new-ish Hangzhou Metro from the suburbs into town to check out the Phoenix Mosque, one of the three oldest mosques in China (circa 620 AD), which has a Chinese-style roof above its three domes and a mostly Islamic interior and entrance.








After walking through the Old Town and along West Lake we headed into the hills. If we have the family history right, Sun-Ling's maternal grandparents had their wedding banquet in this restaurant.


It's across the street from a McDonald's.


A revitalized old street.


Chinese tour group in the Old Town. Hangzhou gets loads of tourists.


As we headed up into the hills around West Lake we passed several tea houses where local hangout to drink tea (of course), play cards, exercise and socialize their birds.


This guys was one of the group of folks who were exercising by hitting trees with their hands.


Sun-Ling on the trail. Most trails in Hangzhou are paved as in the photo.






Pagoda.


At one point in the hike we came across a small valley where several ladies were picking tea leaves.


Then we got off the trail and had a bit of an adventure before finding our way back on track.


We were then rewarded with a fine view of West Lake.


After descending, we walked along the lake and did some shopping in a light rain before returning to Aunt and Uncle's apartment.


Annoying electric carts constantly circle right next to the lake.