Hong Kong and Hangzhou: first time around

Hong Kong

We passed our free time in Hong Kong window shopping along Kowloon’s Nathan Road, taking in the stunning views from Victoria Peak, and cruising across the harbor on the famous Star Ferry. I also visited the Hong Kong Historical Museum which provided a fascinating and very information background on the development of this unique and thriving city. One morning, an Aussie friend and I got up early to do some Tai Chi in the park with the locals. Fun, fun! 

Hangzhou

Next stop was Hangzhou, a moderately attractive city centered on the lily-choked West Lake and surrounded by gardens and temples and pavilions. Dany and I spent the day walking all over town, exploring the fantastic temples, and visiting a local tea-production area (Hangzhou is also the centre of one of China's best-known tea-growing areas and home to numerous traditional teahouses.) And, not to let a spare moment pass unfilled...we also hopped on the train and took a short ride over to the nearby town of Shaoxing, just to check out life in a more sleepy village in this part of China.