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.
7 comments:
Happy birthday, Sun-Ling! Still lingering less than 50, I see. Nice you can be in China and celebrate with relatives.
Re: your "fine" view of West Lake. Appears so hazey and glum, not what I'd expect of a bright and sunny view of an NC Lake from a mt top.
Many happy returns!
Looks like a great cake.
I visited Hangzhou on National Day, looks amazingly empty in comparison!
Happy Birthday Sun-Ling!
Happy belated birthday Sun Ling!
Love the blog!
Ed, Agreed, the lake view is not so fine; however, we are loving HZ so much that almost everything is "fine". haha. The haze is caused by emissions from gasoline-powered cars.
Kathy, We now been in Hangzhou for a week, and I can report that there are many, many tourists every day of the week - more on weekends of course - although I suspect nothing like National Day. SL's uncle informed us that on weekends driving private vehicle around West Lake is restricted (prohibited?).
Thank everyone for all the birthday wishes, spent the day hiking in the hills of HZ, indeed a happy birthday.
What a beautiful cake!
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