(File photo)
The G20 Hangzhou Summit brought world leaders from 20 major economies to the city and provided a unique opportunity to showcase Hangzhou's culture, customs and cuisines. Many heads of state also traveled with their spouses who took in the area's sights and attractions.
The First Lady of Canada, Sophie Trudeau visited China National Silk Museum and China National Tea Museum, wandered along Wulin Fashion Road, Hefang Street and Hangzhou Tower, dined at Wei Zhuang Restaurant, and also biked along Su Causeway. She also visited Lingyin Temple and Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond — the latter being one of the most popular West Lake scenic points.
Turkey's First Lady Emine Erdogan visited Orioles Singing in the Willows, another prominent West Lake viewing spot, had lunch at Guiyu Restaurant, and saw the Grand Canal. She also visited the silk museum, tea museum and Lingyin Temple. Her tour also included stops at Hu Qingyu Chinese Pharmacy as well as Hu Xueyan's Former Residence on Hefang Street.
The route for the First Lady of Argentina, Juliana Awada, also included the China National Silk Museum, Lingyin Temple and Hefang Street. Additionally, she went to the China National Tea Museum's Longjing Museum and biked around West Lake.
Of course, one doesn't have to be a visiting dignitary to experience these charming attractions. Today, Shanghai Daily takes a closer look at some of the first-lady-friendly sights that deserve a spot on your own itinerary.
Lingyin Temple
In total seven first ladies toured Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and most famous Buddhist temples.
Hangzhou is often described as "Southeast Buddhist Country" because its temples have particularly devout followers and Lingyin is one of the region's best gems.
There has been a temple in the area as far back as the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD 317-420), when a visiting Indian monk was inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery and the surrounding mountains.
The nearby hills and peaks contain numerous pagodas and Buddhist grottoes. The most famous is Feilai Peak, located in front of the main temple.
The peak is made of craggy limestone that, according to legend, originated in India but was magically transported to Hangzhou overnight in a demonstration of the power of Buddhism.
Lingyin provides worshippers with simple, mild vegetarian food made with local vegetables and noodles.
Address: 1 Linyin Rd
Transport: Buses No. 7, 807, 837 to Lingyin Stop
Admission: 45 yuan (US$6.7) for entrance at Feilai Peak, 30 yuan for entrance at Lingyin Temple
