Places to visit along the Shanghai-Hangzhou high-speed railway
Hangzhou captures the spirit of ancient China.[Photo: Agencies]
The Shanghai-Hangzhou high-speed railway has linked these two eastern cities of China since October 26. The trains run as fast as 350 kilometers per hour and connect six celebrated destinations along the line. Taking the high-speed railway tour has become a hot topic for tourists.
The departure station, Hangzhou, captures the spirit of ancient China. This is the land of silk, tea and inspiration, which is a favorite destination for Chinese travelers for hundreds of years and for a good reason. The air is moist and sweet, and the West Lake is dotted with many pagodas and gardens that provide innumerable opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Surprises remain for any visitor who takes a few minutes to avoid crowds and find a place to sit in the company of centuries-old bridges and groves of bamboo and pine trees. West of West Lake stands Lingyin Temple at the foot of the Beigao Peak and it faces the Feilai Peak across a stream. With many old trees, bamboo, and peaceful and beautiful surroundings, the Lingyin Temple is one of the most famous temples south of the Yangtze River.
People visit Chaoshan for the blooming plum blossoms in winter.[Photo: Agencies]
After a sixteen-minute trip from Hangzhou, you can arrive at Yuhang, which is located to the northeast, known as the backyard of Hangzhou. It is famous for the Tangqi ancient village and the Chaoshan plum blossoms.
In summer, tourists come to Tangqi for abundant, high quality loquats, a type of yellow fruit. Standing on the southern tip of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Tangqi is a typical water town with exquisite bridges and ancient temples. In winter, people visit Chaoshan for the blooming plum blossoms. Over 30 kinds of plum blossoms cover the five square-kilometer area that appears like an ice world.
The high-speed train passes Yuhang every one or two hours, and a trip from Hangzhou to here costs 12 yuan.
The most well-known scenery in Haining is the world-famous Haining tide.[Photo: Agencies]
Go ahead for 3 minutes and the train arrives at Haining, facing the Qiantang River to the south. The most well-known scenery here is the world-famous Haining tide. From first to fifth; 15th to 20th every lunar month has great tides on those days. So you can view them 120 days a year. On every 18th day of the eighth lunar month is the "viewing tides" day, a Chinese custom.
Haining is China's biggest production base for leather products, known as the "city of leather". Fine leather bags with low prices in huge shopping malls are attractive for tourists.
Only one train from Hangzhou, however, stops at Haining daily. It departs at 8:20 p.m.
Xitang has a tranquil natural environment with a densely knitted network of streams.[Photo: Agencies]
Xitang town in Jiashan County is the next stop after 14 minutes.
Xitang has a tranquil natural environment with a densely knitted network of streams. Nine canals converge at the town, dividing it into eight zones, while numerous bridges connect the water town as a whole. The setting of the town is likened to nine dragons holding a jewel with wind blowing from all directions. Many well-preserved buildings with high architectural value can be found here. Taking a boat trip through the town, the special ambience of its typical architecture and picturesque natural scenery will surely create unforgettable memories.
Dayun town with hot springs beside Xitang is another popular choice for tourists. The planned international hot spring resort will offer visitors a fantastic place for a hot bath.
Fengjing is known for its Ming and Qing Dynasty-style houses.[Photo: Agencies]
When the train enters Shanghai, Fengjing town near Jinshan station is worth visiting. Located southwest of Shanghai, Fengjing is known for its Ming and Qing Dynasty-style houses. Fengjing's North Street displays a well-preserved historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, Fengjing has been rich in cultural celebrities since ancient times. To promote the local heritage during the Shanghai Expo, Fengjing presented historical performances showing how its ancestors studied hard to accomplish various academic achievements.
Fengjing is also a cradle for folk handicrafts, such as carving, paper-cutting and embroidery.
Only one train from Hangzhou stops at Jinshan station every day. It takes 41 minutes and costs 59 yuan.
Source: China.org.cn
