The recent Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, brought the world’s attention to a spectacular opening ceremony that dazzled the senses. It was a momentous occasion that reminded me of Hangzhou’s unique charm—a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. In this blog post, I am trying to introduce some Hangzhou’s rich history, cultural significance, and the enchanting West Lake that graces this remarkable destination.
Hangzhou’s historical significance dates back over a thousand years. As the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), it was the political, economic, and cultural center of ancient China. The city’s past is vividly reflected in its well-preserved landmarks, such as the Grand Canal, which was once the world’s busiest and longest artificial waterway. The canal played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange between northern and southern China.
Hangzhou’s cultural heritage is as rich as its history. The city is celebrated for its pivotal role in nurturing Chinese art, literature, and philosophy. It is home to numerous temples, museums, and historical sites. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Six Harmonies Pagoda, which offers breathtaking views of the Qiantang River. Additionally, Hangzhou is renowned for its tea culture, with the world-famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea originating from the lush plantations that surround the West Lake.
Nature’s Masterpiece: The West Lake
The West Lake, or Xi Hu in Chinese, is Hangzhou’s crown jewel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its picturesque beauty. Surrounded by lush hills, willow-lined pathways, and charming pagodas, the lake’s serenity has been an inspiration to poets, artists, and philosophers for centuries. Its natural allure changes with the seasons, making it a destination worth visiting year-round.
Highlights of the West Lake
Leifeng Pagoda, perched atop Sunset Hill, is a historical gem that offers sweeping vistas of the West Lake. As the sun gracefully descends below the horizon, this iconic pagoda bathes the lake in its enchanting glow, creating a magical setting perfect for a romantic evening. But beyond its scenic beauty, Leifeng Pagoda is intertwined with a captivating and somewhat tragic love story that has captured the hearts of generations.
In the Chinese folk tale “The Legend of the White Snake,” the story unfolds with the white snake, who falls deeply in love with a young man named Xu Xian. In a remarkable transformation, the white snake assumes the guise of a young lady and marries Xu Xian. However, their love is not without obstacles. The wise monk Fahai recognizes the bride’s true identity as a white snake and cunningly deceives Xu Xian, leading him to Jinshan. In a valiant attempt to rescue Xu Xian, the White Lady rushes to Jinshan, only to be suppressed under the Leifeng Pagoda by Fahai.
The hidden interior of Leifeng Pagoda is adorned with intricate carvings crafted in the style of Dongyang woodcarvings. These carvings vividly depict the captivating love story of Bai Niangzi (the White Snake) and Xu Xian as told in the legend of “The Legend of the White Snake.” The carvings employ five distinct techniques, including round carving, semi-round carving, high relief, deep relief, and shallow relief. These techniques are skillfully combined into a form known as “overlay carving,” which serves to enhance the storytelling and character portrayal within the legend.
Leifeng Pagoda, with its breathtaking views and rich cultural significance, stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and storytelling. It invites visitors to delve into the enchanting world of Chinese folklore while appreciating the timeless beauty of the West Lake at sunset.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: This picturesque scene features three small pagodas surrounded by water, beautifully illuminated during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s a breathtaking sight that draws thousands of visitors each year.
West Lake Cruise: Exploring the lake by boat provides a unique perspective of its beauty. As you glide across the serene waters, you’ll pass by charming islets, arched bridges, and elegant lakeside gardens.
Lingyin Temple: Located in the vicinity of the West Lake, Lingyin Temple is one of China’s most ancient and revered Buddhist temples. Its serene atmosphere and intricate carvings make it a cultural treasure.
According to historical tradition, the origins of Lingyin Monastery trace back to the year 328 AD, during the Eastern Jin dynasty (266–420). The monastery was established by an Indian monk known as Huili in Chinese. Right from its inception, Lingyin gained widespread recognition as a prominent Buddhist institution in the Jiangnan region.
During its zenith under the Wuyue Kingdom (907–978), Lingyin Temple stood as a grand edifice. It comprised nine multi-story buildings, 18 pavilions, 72 halls, and more than 1300 dormitory rooms, providing a sanctuary for over 3000 monks. The legacy of this era is also etched into the rich Buddhist carvings that adorn the Feilai Feng grottos and the surrounding mountains.
In the later years of the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), Lingyin Monastery retained its eminence, securing its position as one of the ten most significant temples of the Chan sect in the Jiangnan region. Regrettably, this prominence did not shield the monastery from the ravages of time and external threats. Over the centuries, Lingyin Temple has undergone reconstruction no less than sixteen times. While some of the existing structures date back to earlier Chinese dynasties, much of what stands today are modern restorations from the late Qing period (1644–1911).
The temple is also associated with a famous and eccentric monk, Jigong. The legends of this mad monk find their roots in the life of a historical figure named Li Xiuyuan (1148-1209). Born into a family of officials with a long-standing Buddhist tradition in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, Li Xiuyuan’s life took a different course when his parents passed away at the age of 18. He made his way to Lingyin Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Hangzhou, where he became a monk.
Under the guidance of Hui Yuan, a senior abbot at Lingyin Temple, Li received the Buddhist name Daoji. However, he was not inclined toward the temple’s customary routines of sutra chanting and meditation. In defiance of strict Buddhist rules, he indulged in eating meat and drinking alcohol, even publicly. His appearance often featured a dirty, tattered cassock, and he could be spotted wandering the streets in a half-drunken state.
Despite his peculiar behavior, Li endeared himself to the local community. He displayed great compassion for the poor and disadvantaged, possessed remarkable skills in medicine, and was known for his ability to treat complex ailments, often saving lives. He was also noted for his wit and what some considered magical abilities. As a result, he became known as Ji Gong the Living Buddha, a folk hero whose legacy has endured in China for over 800 years.
Ji Gong’s distinctive image, with a crumpled hat, ragged robe, and a worn-out palm leaf fan, remains familiar to the public. In fact, an ink painting of Jigong HuoFo, created by the artist H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, is displayed in the International Art Museum of America. This artwork skillfully captures the monk’s details, including his skin, meridians, and veins, utilizing fine brushwork and realism to vividly portray the life of this beggar-like figure who held a special place in the hearts of many.
Another remarkable natural treasure worth mentioning is Longjing Tea. West Lake Longjing tea is among China’s most prestigious teas, renowned for its attributes of “vibrant green color, rich fragrance, mellow taste, and exquisite appearance.” It is often referred to as the “Four Uniques.” Cultivated in five primary production regions—ShiFeng, Longjing, Yunxi, Hupao, and Meijiawu—West Lake Longjing tea is celebrated for its superior quality. Among these regions, ShiFeng stands out as the finest, and “Mingqian tea” is its most coveted variety, frequently chosen as a high-quality gift for special occasions. Shifeng Longjing tea is predominantly produced in the renowned tea villages of Hangzhou Longjing Village and Wengjiashan Village, signifying the “Number One Tea Village in the World.”
Moreover, it’s worth noting that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has masterfully crafted a tea called “Bi Yu Chun,” which has achieved the highest-grade ranking in China. His Holiness has elevated the traditional techniques of tea production to a level of perfection, resulting in the creation of this exceptional green tea.
Bi Yu Chun possesses a unique flavor and unparalleled quality. Its tea leaves are compact and delicate, retaining their natural fuzz, boasting the color and luster of green jade. This tea exudes a pure aroma reminiscent of chicken broth or roasted chestnuts. It offers a pleasantly refreshing taste that lingers, maintaining its rich flavor for an extended duration. The tea is beautifully translucent, displaying a radiant green akin to that of green jade, akin to a mountain spring. Long after you savor it, the delightful flavor of Bi Yu Chun lingers in your thoughts.
In June of 1989, a competition was held to select the finest Chinese teas. Bi Yu Chun was among the contenders, alongside esteemed Chinese teas like Shi Feng Long Jing, Dong Ting Bi Luo Chun, and Jun Shan Yin Zhen. Evaluated by a committee of tea experts based on the conventional standards for tea evaluation, Bi Yu Chun scored an outstanding 101 points, surpassing all other grades to earn the title of the top Chinese tea. Experts hailed Bi Yu Chun for rectifying the three common shortcomings of Chinese green tea: insufficient greenness, a bitter and astringent taste, and an inability to withstand steeping well. Bi Yu Chun has thus exceeded the highest global standards for tea production and is acclaimed as the premier Chinese tea.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III‘s talents extend beyond being an exceptional painter; he is also a superb tea artisan. The wisdom and knowledge of His Holiness are truly profound and transcend human imagination.
Hangzhou, with its rich history, cultural significance, and the enchanting West Lake, offers a unique blend of experiences that captivate the soul. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic sites, sipping on a cup of Longjing tea, or strolling along the shores of the West Lake, Hangzhou is a destination that promises an unforgettable journey through China’s past and present. It’s a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege to visit.
Hangzhou: Where History, Culture, and Natural Beauty Converge
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/09/28/hangzhou-where-history-culture-and-natural-beauty-converge/
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingyin_Temple https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leifeng_Pagoda#:~:text=Leifeng%20Pagoda%20was%20one%20of,Fahai%20under%20the%20Leifeng%20Pagoda., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingyin_Temple
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