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Home 禄 City specials 禄 Hangzhou

Staying cool is easy with these handy tips

By Xu Wenwen | August 5, 2015, Wednesday | Print Edition

HANGZHOU is one of China’s most scenic cities and attracts tourists from home and abroad, even in the summer when the temperature can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. If you out there in the blistering heat, here are six things to do to stay cool.

• Air-raid shelters

Former air-raid shelters that were built decades ago are open in the summer as a place where citizens can go to escape the heat.

Many seniors take their grandchildren to the nearest air-raid shelter and spend the day. Sometimes volunteers give performances. They can be noisy, but if you are an adventurer who wants to observe how locals live they may just make for a memorable stop on your trip.

The air-raid shelters at Yuhuangshan Tunnel, and at 97-1 Shuguang Road are recommended because they are near West Lake.

• Camping at Daqinggu

Only a 30-minute drive from urban Hangzhou, Daqinggu, literally meaning large clear valley, is a Xanadu consisting of slopes covered by various vegetation and large wide lawns. It offers a leisure experience completely opposite to what a noisy city gives. Plus it’s always cooler.

Camping in the valley is relaxing. During nights campers only hear birds tweeting, insects chirping. Wake up and gaze at grass, streams and flowers.

Tents can be rented for 150 yuan (US$24) per tent (capacity of two), while sleeping bags and other accessories are also available.

Have a barbecue before gazing at the stars. Bring your own food and rent a grill, or pay 78 yuan per person for a set that includes food and the grill.

Call (0571) 8886-3832 to make a reservation.

• Zilai Cave

This is one of the coolest places in Hangzhou during the summer — it’s 20 degrees at the entrance of the cave. Temperatures in the innermost area of the cave drop to 10 degrees, so bring a coat.

The cave is in the middle of Yuhuang Mountain. It’s not a natural cave but was excavated during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) by priests from a nearby Taoist temple as a summer retreat and a place to pray or meditate.

• Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

This place is considered one of West Lake’s most beautiful attractions and makes for a solid summer retreat.

With its origin in the mountains west of West Lake, Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies is actually one stream, but its name comes from the tributaries that flow into it.

The location also is popular with hikers, who can take a day trip to discover its old pavilions, lush vegetation and hills before reaching Longjing Village.

• Lotus viewing at West Lake

Admiring lotus flowers is a popular pastime in the summer. The flowers appear in the lake’s northern and eastern areas. Beishan Road and Qu Yuan Feng He (Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard) are the best viewing spots.

Go early if possible, like 6am to 7am as it will be cooler and fewer tourists. By 10am, tourists are competing with one another for the best spot to take photos of the flowers. Going early also gives you a chance to watch locals doing their morning exercises. This ranges from groups doing tai chi to the dancing grannies.

• Bamboo-lined path at Yunqi

Straight, smooth and slim strands of bamboo have a refreshing look and reduce the air temperature by providing shade from the sun.

The Bamboo-lined path at Yunqi is traditionally known as a “cool and wet” summer retreat because of its location — it stands between West Lake and the Qiantang River, and lies at the foot of Wuyun Hill.

The abundant bamboo generates moisture, which turns into fog that lingers. When the air pressure drops the fog turns into a mist and that is said to be the best time to go.

Visiting is simple: Follow a stone path winding along Wuyun Hill. Old pavilions and huge trees dot the area.

Several teahouses run by tea farmers can be found. They serve authentic local cuisine and Hangzhou tea.

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