For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai for a few days, Hangzhou's West Lake and tea plantations provide an easy and

peaceful getaway, reports Bian Yi

What better way to escape the crowds and traffic of Expo 2010 Shanghai than by taking trip out of town? And you are spoilt for choice if you want to visit a place close to the city.

You may have heard the saying: "In heaven there is paradise, on earth there is Hangzhou and Suzhou". Or maybe you are familiar with the words of Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi: "Recalling all the beautiful places in Jiangnan, I am most impressed by Hangzhou".

The picturesque natural landscapes in this beautiful and relaxing region, including the famous West Lake, make much-vaunted Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, an ideal place for those in need of a few days away from Shanghai.

With branches of leafy willow trees delicately brushing the surface of tranquil West Lake, peach blossoms stretching gloriously along causeways, emerald bamboo shoots peeping through rich, dark soil, and the tops of fragrant tea bushes shifting in the breeze, springtime is heaven in Hangzhou.

Some advice: Avoid the crowded tourist and historical sites and spend time outdoors at West Lake and the nearby Mei Jiawu Tea Plantation. You'll only need two days for a revitalizing break, making it ideal for a weekend away.

On the first day, head to Bai Causeway, the most beautiful causeway at West Lake. Go early to avoid the crowds and, more importantly, to enjoy the ethereal sight of rising morning mist atop the lake.

Part of the beauty of West Lake lies in the reflection of the willow and peach trees along Bai Causeway. Here, the serenity and silence of the lake is broken only by birdsong and the gentle sound of boat oars caressing the water.

One of the best routes is from Broken Bridge to the Autumn Moon on Calm Lake, where visitors can enjoy the splendid views of Solitary Hill and West Lake. Take a break from walking along the 3-kilometer causeway at one of the many cafs or teahouses en route.

At Xiling Yinshe Teahouse, on Solitary Hill, you can enjoy beautiful views of West Lake. The teahouse not only affords views of picturesque landscapes, exquisite pavilions and terraces, but it is also the meeting place of the renowned Xiling Seal Engravers Society, founded hundreds years ago. Here, visitors can view a variety of seal engravings.

After a walk along Bai Causeway, take a lakeside bike ride. The best place for cycling is Taiziwan Park, flush with a plethora of flower types, including tulips and cherry blossoms. Bicycle rentals cost from 5 to 10 yuan per hour.

The next stop is Su Causeway - another scenic causeway with more blossoming flowers and trees, but fewer tourists. Visitors will find this a quieter place to relax and convene with nature than Bai Causeway.

Not far from Su Causeway is Yanggong Causeway, a main section of West Lake. Greenery covers the causeway, which is lined with phoenix trees, and towering firs and pines.

Mei Jiawu Tea Plantation should be your main destination for the second day. Here, the fragrance of fresh Longjing tea fills the air. Visitors can pick their own tea leaves and taste fresh-brewed tea using these leaves. While relaxing in a serene village watching tea harvesters at work, you will feel immersed in China's tea culture.

Visitors can take home some of the famous tea, although it's not cheap. Longjing tea in Mei Jiawu costs about 1,000 yuan per 50 grams, but with a little bargaining, prices can go as low as 700 yuan.

For lunch, try the delicious chicken broth, cooked with fresh chickens raised at Mei Jiawu. After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing, playing cards and chatting with local people.

(China Daily 05/07/2010 page43)