Hangzhou has long been a famous tourist attraction. The widely
expressed Chinese proverb, "in heaven there is paradise and
on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou" combined with the words
of Marco Polo who described this place as, "the most beautiful
and magnificent city in the world" have helped to make Hangzhou
one of the biggest tourist attractions in the entire country.
Fortunately, while any city would struggle to live up to a reputation
as "paradise", Hangzhou makes a good stab at it. Despite
the crowds, hoards of tour groups and the idyllic preconceptions
one might have before arrival, it is hard not to like this city.
Even the most cynical traveler will appreciate the West Lake for
its space and beauty, if nothing else.
