Without Travel Approval (TA) and with no clear idea when it might arrive, I am left to dream about traveling to China. Today, I did a little research on the capital city of Zhejiang province. Madeleine lives in Taizhou City in Zhejiang province, but when we are finally united, we will meet her and her caretakers in Hangzhou which is, I am told, about a four hour drive from Taizhou and where the Civil Affairs office is located.
Hangzhou, population 6.4 million, is located in the Yangtze River Delta in the People's Republic of China, approximately 112 miles southwest of Shanghai. A popular tourist destination, Hangzhou is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. In fact, it has been ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China. One of Hangzhou's most popular sights is West Lake. The lake covers an area of 6 square kilometers and includes some of Hangzhou's most famous historic and scenic places. The area includes historical pagodas, cultural sites, as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills.
Tea is an important part of Hangzhou's economy and culture. Hangzhou is best known for originating Longjing, a famous variety of green tea. Hangzhou is also known for its artistic creations, such as silk, umbrellas, and Chinese hand-held folding fans.
According to Wikipedia, there are a couple of famous Chinese sayings about Hangzhou. The first is, "Be born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou, die in Liuzhou." (生在苏州, 活在杭州, 吃在广州, 死在柳州) The meaning here lies in the fact that Suzhou was renowned for its beautiful and highly civilized and educated citizens, Hangzhou for its scenery, Guangzhou for its food, and Liuzhou for its nanmu wood coffins which supposedly halted the decay of the body. The other is, "Above is Heaven, Below are Suzhou and Hangzhou." (上有天堂，下有苏杭) This phrase has a similar meaning to the English phrases "heaven on Earth" or "God's country."
I feel very fortunate that we will be able to visit this stunning city. I am ready to leave anytime. Do you hear that, CCAA? ANYTIME!
Lakeside Buildings on the West Lake
Lingyin Temple
Pagoda Bridge on West Lake
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Dreaming of Travel to China
Posted by Pam at 1:19 PM
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3 comments:
I loved reading that history. Thanks for sharing. It looks so beautiful and the polar opposite of the coal mining town we are headed to. I can't wait to see your photos while you are there. Soon...
Let me say it again. CCAA, LET THEM COME GET MADDIE!!!!! NOW. Ok, for sure it will happen now. They listen to me over there. :) Did you just see that pig fly by? (Oooh, bad joke considering the circumstances).
Anyway - looks like a beautiful place to visit...
It is a good thing to at least read up on where you will be. I hope China will get their act together soon.
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