Everyone enjoyed the multi-stop cultural tour. Photo: Jiang Yue
Experiencer
By Hazel Fiona Self
What a fun, fascinating afternoon, seeing culture, history and architectural styles from different periods of Chinese history. This is a multi-stop cultural tour in an Asian Games themed bus of “Smart Hangzhou 2022” organized by Hangzhoufeel.
Starting at the recently reopened, newly restored Deshou Palace and Southern Song Dynasty Ruins Museum, a former residence of Qin Hui, prime minister of the Song Dynasty and later, Emperor Gaozong, founder of the Southern Song Dynasty. Walking through the exposed ruins, renovated buildings, open courtyards and landscaped gardens there is an air of tranquility in an otherwise bustling city. Exhibitions of excavated porcelain, calligraphy and other works of art give a real insight into the everyday lives of both the nobility and laymen of bygone times.
On to the Xiling Seal Engravers Society and China Sigillography Museum. An association founded in 1905 by 4 famous experts which showcases the Intangible Cultural Heritage of hand engraving characters onto stone or copper to make a personal seal. This ancient practice, which dates back as far as the 16th Century BC, is still in use today, with people often stamping official documents with their personal seal instead of handwriting a signature. Here we were able to try our hand at the earliest technology in Ancient China, inscription rubbing. The delicate procedure of transferring handcarved characters from a stone to a thin piece of paper using just water, a brush, ink and a great deal of patience. I genuinely feel a sense of pride and achievement with my effort!
Finally, we visited the Huanglong Sports Centre. A collection of 3 modernised stadiums that will host sporting events such as athletics, tennis, swimmimg, diving, gymnastics and, probably most importantly, the gold medal football matches for both men and women at the upcoming 19th Asian Games. Standing on the football pitch it is hard not to feel small and insignificant, surrounded by the 55,000 spectator seats and massive screens that will televise the events. The basketball court has the most modern of technology, to offer full coverage and 4 centre screens plus 2 end screens that mean no one will miss a shot of the game. The 50m swimming pool and seperate diving pool sit are housed in a visually pleasing building that evokes thoughts of waves and water.
A truly delightful way to spend time, exploring ancient palaces, cultural museums and modern sporting venues, all thanks to Hangzhoufeel.