[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

Xianghu Lake, known as the sister of West Lake, is well known for its picturesque scenery and age-old history. Xianghu Lake Scenic Area is situated west of Xiaoshan district, about 20 kilometers away from downtown Hangzhou. The scenic area is the cradle of Zhejiang civilization. The discovery of Kuahuqiao historical site in 1990 proved Zhejiang civilization began about 8,000 years ago. The 8,000-year-old canoe unearthed at the historical site is believed to be the first canoe ever built in human history. In addition, it’s also the battlefield of Wu and Yue, two states located in the coastal area of southeast China during the Spring and Autumn Period (771 BC - 476 BC).

Kuahuqiao Bridge

Kuahuqiao Bridge was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). “Kuahuqiao” in Chinese means a bridge spanning Xianghu Lake, which divides the lake into "upper" and "lower" lakes. Kuahuqiao Historical Site is not far from the bridge. The historical site is where many discoveries were made from the Neolithic Age. Pottery, wood, bone and other stone artifacts were all discovered at the site. It’s the best place to understand the history of Hangzhou and Zhejiang. Kuahuqiao Bridge is also an excellent place to view the moon.

Chengshan Hill

During the late Spring and Autumn Period, King Koujian of Yue chose Chengshan Hill to be the protective station. They had beaten King Fuchai of Wu and got their homeland back. Chengshan Hill has several historical sites like the Castle of the Yue King and Roll Call Platform, the place where generals are entitled to lead troops into the battle.

Watching Fish in Xiangpu 

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

It features a Jiangnan style garden, with four waterside pavilions connected by bridges that separate the area into five fish-watching zones. Different fish-watching zones boast different fish. In the east zone, visitors can view native tubu fish.

The Ancient Towpath 

A towpath is a road at the bank of a river or a lake allowing humans to tow a boat while onshore. Towpaths are usually a combination of roads and bridges, which is a common scene in Xianghu Lake Scenic Area. Together with Xiang Causeway, Yue Causeway and bridges over Xianghu Lake, Xianghu Ancient Towpath vividly demonstrates the bridge culture of this water town.

Hangzhou Polar Ocean World 

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

Hangzhou Polar Ocean World is an ocean-themed park combining polar animal exhibitions and a landscape experience. In the park, you can view polar bears, polar wolves, sea lions, arctic fox, and dolphins up close. The landscape within the park is a marvelous rainforest on a beautiful Antarctic backdrop. The park has the largest ocean theater in the world where visitors can watch dolphin shows.

Kuahuqiao Museum 

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

Kuahuqiao Museum is a Kuahuqiao culture-themed museum where the artifacts found at the Kuahuqiao Historical Site are displayed. The museum has an exhibition hall and a historical relics hall. The museum uses modern high-tech equipment to best showcase the 8,000 years of Kuahuqiao culture. The first-recorded canoe in the world is on display on display along with precious relics like the oldest lacquer bow in the world and the oldest herb jar in China.

Xiasun Cultural Village

[Photo from en.gotohz.com]

The Xiasun tribe once resided along the northern bank of Xianghu Lake. The present Xiasun Cultural Village has an exhibition hall, ancestral hall, art gallery and antique street. The same person who built the Kuahuqiao Bridge also constructed the village’s Ancestral Hall of Sun during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).