In June, we launched an online Asian Games trivia quiz on overseas social media FACEBOOK and TWITTER in order to promote the 19th Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou in 2022.
Two expats living in China, Vincenza and Shah, who are winners of the trivia quiz, were invited to Hangzhou for a two-day Hangzhou Asian Games tour from July 8 to 9, so that they could get to know the city and the Asian Games better.
The Most Memorable is West Lake
On the first day, they started from Su Causeway on Nanshan Road and walked across the six stone bridges on the causeway, namely Yingbo, Suolan, Wangshan, Yadi, Dongpu and Kuahong. Later, they enjoyed a cruise on the West Lake. As the boat paddled through the quiet water, they saw the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and listened to the stories of the lake...
Lian Lian, one of the mascots of the 19th Asian Games, with a lotus leaf and a pagoda of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon on the top of its head, was inspired by the West Lake.
Pre-Asian Games Hangzhou
The second day, they went to Hefang Street, the imperial street of the Southern Song Dynasty. It used to serve as an exclusive passage through which the emperors went to hold grand sacrifice rituals and an important venue for commercial and entertainment activities. It is now lined with many shops ranging from boutiques to groceries, catering for different levels of consumption. Today, Hefang Street still retains its original charm, and people can still get a glimpse of what it was like back then.
“Stop the cart as you know the taste is great. Get off the horse as the food smells so good. If you have any doubt about the taste, just look at the ingredients.” After walking through Hefang Street, Vincenza and Shah came to Zhiweiguan, a time-honored restaurant, to enjoy local flavors.
After having yummy food for lunch, they proceeded to Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, which will serve as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events of the 19th Asian Games in 2022. It is also known as the "Grand Lotus" because of its resemblance to a lotus flower with 28 large petals and 27 small ones. After that, they visited Hangzhou International Expo Center, the main venue for the G20 Summit 2016.
Finally, the two travelers embarked on a fantastic evening cruise on Qiantang River at the Olympic Sports Centre Pier, with evening breeze gently touching their cheeks and the rippling lake reflecting the brilliant lights. What an unforgettable trip it was!
More activities to come in August. Stay tuned!