West Lake

  • Osmanthus Chestnut Soup

    In the ancient city of Hangzhou, where the West Lake shimmers like a mirror and the hills are cloaked in a veil of mist, autumn arrives with a double blessing: the ripening of chestnuts and the blooming of osmanthus flowers. The air fills with a fragrance so intoxicating that locals have found a way…

  • Cong Bao Hui

    In the ancient city of Hangzhou, where mist rises from West Lake and the air carries whispers of poets and emperors, there is a humble street snack that has been sizzling on iron griddles for over 800 years. Known as Cong Bao Hui(葱包桧, 葱包烩) – “Scallion Pancake Roll, Scallion-Wrapped Roll” – this crispy, savoury…

  • West Lake Water Shield Soup

    In the culinary landscape of Hangzhou – a city celebrated for its misty hills, ancient temples, and the shimmering waters of West Lake – few dishes carry as much cultural weight as West Lake Water Shield Soup (西湖莼菜汤). Known locally as “Chicken and Ham Water Shield Soup” (鸡火莼菜汤), this humble yet elegant dish is…

  • Dry-Fried Rings

    In the culinary landscape of Hangzhou – a city celebrated for its poetic scenery and refined palate – few dishes capture the imagination quite like Dry-Fried Rings (干炸响铃). With a name that playfully evokes the sound of a bell, this golden, crispy, and irresistibly light dish is one of the most beloved classics of…

  • Dongpo Pork

    In the city of Hangzhou, where misty hills meet ancient temples and the shimmering waters of West Lake have inspired poets for centuries, one dish stands above all others as a testament to culinary artistry and historical romance: Dongpo pork (东坡肉). Named after the legendary Song dynasty poet, statesman, and gastronome Su Dongpo (1037–1101),…

  • Longjing Shrimp

    In the picturesque city of Hangzhou, where green hills meet misty waters and the aroma of tea lingers in the air, one dish stands as a testament to the elegance of Zhejiang cuisine: Longjing shrimp (龙井虾仁) – also known as Dragon Well shrimp. A masterpiece of subtlety, this dish pairs the freshest river shrimp…

  • Spring View in Hangzhou [Tang Poems]

    — Bai Juyi Viewed from the Seaside Tower morning clouds look bright; Along the riverbank I tread on fine sand white. The General’s Temple hears roaring nocturnal tide; Spring dwells in the Beauty’s Bower green willow hide. The red sleeves weave brocade broidered with flowers fine; Blue streamers show amid pear blossoms a shop…

  • A Spring Walk by Qiantang Lake [Tang Poems]

    — Bai Juyi West of Jia Pavilion and north of Lonely Hill, Water brims level with the bank and clouds hang low. Disputing for sunny trees, early orioles trill; Pecking vernal mud in, young swallows come and go. A riot of blooms begins to dazzle the eye; Amid short grass the horse hoofs can…