Come to Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the best advertised tourist destination on English-speaking Chinese TV, complete with catchy tune that ends up being in your head all day. Marco Polo visited and called it the most delightful city in the world. We think it's a pretty place, too. West Lake is truly magnificent, surrounded by mountains, but actually a bit smaller than we had imagined. We rented some sweet little Chinese bikes and biked around the west and north shores of the lake, and along a causeway that cuts through the mid-west section of the lake. Beautiful.

We also took a hike into the mountains, in search of a Taoist compound. The great thing about these old trails...the ancient ones didn't believe in switchbacks...it was steep staircase all the way to the top. Near the top, secluded among the trees, we found the Taoist compound. There were a lot of locals (maybe believers) relaxing and enjoying the view of the lake below. Dozens of caged birds hung in the trees throughout the compound.

Having visited a Taoist compound, we've now visited what we'd consider the three major Eastern religions in China: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Once again, we were surprised by the external similarities between Taoism and the others. Take away the yin-yang symbols, and replace the giant golden statues with giant golden Buddhas, and we--with our very limited insight into these religions--might be hard pressed to tell them apart just by looking at a temple. Lots of incense and statues. Obviously, the doctrines and philosophy of "the way" are unique, and are fascinating.