The West Lake, or 西湖, has been an integral part of Chinese history for almost 2,000 years. Even in its early history, it was a place of importance; a place that poets have written numerous poems about, a place of peace and tranquility. In fact, so well-loved is this body of water, that other man-made landscapes of national importance, such as the lake at the Summer Palace in Beijing.
It is said that the West Lake is the incarnation of one of the Four Beauties called Xi Shi. So beautiful is this lake, that it is said politicians have given up their wealth and power to live in relative isolation here. All it takes is a brief moment when you first arrive to realize why this place has such a strong pull on the people here. Even with the smoggy pollution back in 2006, the lake is vast and gorgeous. Its bridges are both majestic and innately comforting somehow, and the small nooks and buildings that lie around this lake are equally calming and beautiful.
Although this lake was admittedly smoggy a decade ago, the pollution only minimally detracted from the beauty of this place. Even so, environmental improvements that have been made over the years have likely reverted this lake to heave on earth; I can only imagine how astonishing the landscape will be with blue skies and clearer water. In fact, when I return to Mainland China on my next trip, I am planning to make this one of my must-see stops.
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