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West
Lake
It
covers a total area of about 60 square kilometers,
with 100 or so picturesque scenic spots
or key historical sites. Back in the Southern
Song Dynasty, the West Lake was already
famous for its ten scenic spots, which were
given imperial recognition by Emperors Kangxi
and Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty. Ten
new West Lake scenic spots have named in
recent years. Gushan (Solitary Hill), the
Su Causeway and Bai Causeway as well as
the three artifical islets on the West Lake
are a must for tourists. The Temple of the
Soul's Retreat half hidden in the woods,
the Peak that Flew from Afar, Yue Fei's
Temple, the Pagoda of Six Harmonies and
Jingci Temple are all frequented by visitors.
They may also find it an enjoyable experience
to tour Wushan Hill, Yuhuang Hill and Baoshi
(Precious Stone) Hill around the lake, the
three famous springs at Longjing, Hupao
and Yuquan and Shiwu Cave, Yanxia Cave and
Ziyun Cave. Viewing Goldfish at Flower Harbor,
Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan and Listening
to Orioles Singing in the Willows are also
interesting scenes to visit. The recently
opened four museums on silk, tea, Chinese
medicine and kilns offer much for the visitors
to see.
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