Hangzhou
Hangzhou is together with Suzhou regarded as "Paradise On the Earth" for its scenic beauty; also the provincial capital in Zhejiang province (city population: 1.7 million).
West Lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale.
The southern slopes of Jiqing Hill near West Lake are the home of famous Dragon Well Tea.
In a long, narrow valley to the northwest of the West Lake you will find Ling Yin Temple. The temple is without doubt a premier showpiece in the West Lake environs and is notable also as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples of China.
Buddha Maitreya is a laughing Buddha with a huge belly who is said to be able to 'endure all intolerance and laugh at every laughable person in the world'. The sculpture is originated from 1100, and one of the 380 stone sculptures near the Lingyin temple
