Amanfayun

Lei Feng Pagoda

by touraco

The pagoda became a household name in China thanks to the popular folk tale, "The Legend of the White Snake", a touching love story about a girl who changed into a snake and a young man. The story has been repeatedly adapted for traditional operas and also for modern movies and TV series.

In the story, the couple are separated by an evil old monk with magical powers, who had the snake girl imprisoned under the Leifeng Pagoda for years. She is finally rescued by her son who caused the collapse of the pagoda.

In reality, the pagoda was almost destroyed by the Japanese during the invasion between 1522- 66 and later superstitious people took bricks from the pagoda and took the grounded powder of the bricks for curing diseases. So finally in 1924, the foot of the pagoda was dug hollow and it collapsed. The reconstruction of the place was only announced in November 2000 and completed in October 2002.

Beautiful Hangzhou

by tjstorck

"Don't forget about Hangzhou"

After living in Changqing for two and a half years, Hangzhou was a very pleasant and welcome surprise. I believe we have really hit the jack-pot and can say honestly the Hangzhou is one of the most beautiful places I have been to while in China.

Just a 2 hour train ride out of Shanghai - many tourists miss traveling to this oasis due to limited travel time. A major mistake I believe. Many a tourist only see the big cities of Beijing, Shanghai etc.. however CHina has a lot more to offer and I believe that Hangzhou is a place to get a different perspective.

Famous for it's lake, Hangzhou attracts over a million Chinese tourist from all over the country. The lake's beauty should not be underestimated. I have on several ocassions ridden around it and it presents itslf in a different light each time. Its peaceful and tranqual environment is breath-taking. Don't miss of on visiting Hangzhou - you will not regret it.

As they say in China "In Heaven there is paradise, In China there is Hangzhou"