July 22, 2010

Hangzhou: LingYin Temple, Jade Market and Silk Factory

Today we had a free day, finally!  We took full advantage and hit the ground running to do some sightseeing in Hangzhou.  The first stop we made was to the LingYin Temple.  This is the most famous Temple in all of Zhejiang Province.  It is absolutely beautiful.  I am so glad we had a chance to visit.  Our guide, Savor explained all of the different statues and their unique history.  My favorite story is the story of the Monkey King, I would go into it, but it is late and I am beat so it would probably sound like an episode of South Park if I tried to re-tell it.  Next we went to a Jade Market where Mali got her first piece of Jade, and Mommy picked up a little jade for herself too.  Oh, and the owner who personally took us on a tour around his store and gave us a lesson on jade, said at the end of our visit that I was sexy!  After the Jade market my sexy self and my crew headed on over to the Silk Factory and saw how silk is made.  I bought a silk duvet and 3 dresses for Mali.  We were worn out and came back to our hotel for a nap and dinner of noodles and beer.  Tomorrow we head to Guangzhou.  Wish us luck on our first plane ride with Miss Mali.

See you in Guangzhou!