Brook Boutique Hotel Parkview

Xi Hu - Cruising on the Lake

by Aidy_p

We visited the lake at about 9am in the morning. The weather was just right and the temperature was great for a slow cruise on the wooden river boats. These boats, with it's flat bottom, wooden frame and tiled ceiling, brought about a true nostalgic feel to this boatride.

This is something that you should not miss.

A Day in Hangzhou

by Azri_Azmi

"Lets Go Hangzhou"

From Shanghai, I took a 2 hours van ride to Hangzhou. Been informed that Hangzhou will offer spectacular natural environment view and a place to buy tea & silk. We moved from our hotel in Shanghai around 0630.

It was a comfortable journey as the highway condition is not that bad. Rest area is available before the exit. Cleanliness of the rest area toilet on that day was just okay, not very clean.

The scenery along the highway is great. We can see farming community and farm houses all along the journey.

Once reached the city centre, I noticed that Hangzhou is a big city even. During our stopped at few traffic lights, many local approaches our van and offering themself as tourist guide.

For muslim, theres a community along a street in the heart of Hangzhou city. I can't exactly remember the street name. Along here also, theres a mosque and few Halal restaurants We had our lunch in one of the restaurant, although its halal, its not a very clean restaurant. We should choose the next door restaurant which look more presentable and they sell such a deliciuos roasted duck. We bought 2 birds back to our hotel in Shanghai.

"Activity in Hangzhou"

As the schedule for Hangzhou is just for a day without overnighting, we only managed to cover the followings :-

1) Visiting the Lei Feng Pagoda
2) Visiting West Lake
3) Visiting a muslim community street in centre of Hangzhou city
4) Shops for Silks
5) Visiting a tea plantation & shops for a good quaity Green Tea

"Hangzhou Sure a Nice Place to Visit"

I must say that visiting Hangzhou is very worth it. A great experience cruising the West Lake and visiting the muslim community street (I wish I could remember the street name).

There are still lots of activities / tourist spots that we missed in this such a short trip to Hangzhou and hopefully I could came back here and spend more time in this such beautiful place.