Midsummer West Lake, Playing in the Misty Rain | Hangzhou, a Graduation Trip for the Little Ones

📍 Hangzhou · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 44 likes

My little one who has been on the road with me since a young age

In the blink of an eye, it's time for kindergarten graduation.

Life needs a sense of ritual,

and I wanted to give Dingdang a unique graduation memory.

So, I invited a couple of good friends,

by the midsummer West Lake,

to treat the little ones to a graduation trip.

That, this summer,

in the children's hearts, became the happiest memory.

They joyfully ran in Xixi Wetland,

they splashed to their hearts' content at Nine Creeks and Misty Trees,

they delighted in tea picking among the pastoral scenery of Longwu Tea Town,

they felt the cultural heritage of Zen Buddhism and the serene, timeless aura of a thousand-year-old temple at Feilai Peak in the rain,

they also savored the lotus breeze and dewy bamboo at Quyuan Garden after the rain,

and they followed their moms and dads to the City Balcony at dusk, admiring the dazzling city lights and feeling this city's modern urban vibe.

Traveling with kids, self-driving is the best choice. This time, we chose the Ora R1, which matches the lively and spirited temperament of the little ones. Driving these cute, stylish Ora R1s, we formed a cool motorcade, cruising through the streets and alleys of summer Hangzhou. Come on, with the little ones, let's go on a graduation trip!

Ever since Ge You and Shu Qi's Lunar New Year blockbuster 'If You Are the One' was released in 2008, I've been deeply intrigued by that place called 'Xixi Wetland'—the creaking oars on the jade-like waterways, the tranquil tea time on those oar boats, all filled me with endless yearning. And this longing has lasted for a whole decade.

Ten years ago I was still a young girl, and now the child beside me is already up to my waist, but this yearning hasn't faded with time. The moment we decided on Hangzhou as our destination, the words 'Xixi Wetland' were the first to pop into my mind. So, for our very first stop, we naturally settled on Xixi National Wetland Park.

To do a job well, one must first sharpen one's tools. Before we started playing, the first thing was naturally to pick up our little travel companion that would stay with us for the next few days—the Ora R1. A group photo before departure, here we go~

This was a gathering of little ones under the guise of a graduation trip, so naturally, each car had to be equipped with a safety seat to protect our treasures.

The Ora R1 comes with built-in ISO-fix safety seat interfaces. No complicated installation—just insert and press, and the safety seat is installed with ease. Before the dads even had a chance to lend a hand, we moms had easily finished the installation, earning unanimous approval from the mom squad.

Though compact and cute in appearance, the R1 boasts plenty of space. The spacious back seat fits two safety seats, catering to families with two kids. Our little hangers-on can come along on the road with us easily~

The front driving space is also surprisingly roomy. It's hard to imagine that such a small car could have such ample space and layout. Comfort was the first impression from the driver's seat.

The full leather seats further enhance the driving and riding comfort, adding a premium feel.

For a family trip, we inevitably pack all sorts of things for the baby, plus dad's camera gear, and two suitcases are our standard configuration. At first, we worried they wouldn't fit, but after opening the trunk, I realized I was overthinking it. The R1's super-spacious trunk swallowed the two suitcases easily, giving us so many surprises.

With everything ready, we set off towards Xixi Wetland, igniting the kids' joyful graduation journey!

I'm not sure if the romantic love story of 'If You Are the One' made Xixi Wetland famous, or if Xixi Wetland's natural elegance and timelessness brought fame to 'If You Are the One,' or perhaps they mutually elevated each other. In any case, these two words are synonymous in our hearts.

The 2010s-born kids haven't yet savored the cinematic, beautifully witty love story, but that doesn't stop them from freely bursting with innocence and joy in front of the colorful 'If You Are the One' sign.

Xixi Wetland Park is huge, with many entrances, and our first stop headed straight for the Zhoujia Village entrance, because that's where the oar boats I yearned for the most were located.

Without any modern propulsion, relying purely on human power, the oar boat is synonymous with returning to simplicity, and it's the most beautiful sight along this waterway. After the rain, a misty layer of moisture hovered over the channel. The rich, layered greens were the most stunning colors of a midsummer Hangzhou.

Oar boats charge by the hour, 100 yuan for one hour. Normally, one boat carries six people, but during the pandemic to avoid gatherings, three per boat was recommended. We happened to be three families, each boarding their own boat, drifting into a leisurely time on the wetland.

The wetland's ecosystem is superb—wild ducks were everywhere, and the green lotus flowers along the banks were in full bloom.

Ora accompanies us on our journey, and here we are, peacefully enjoying our wonderful vacation~

Xixi Wetland is divided into three phases. After finishing the leisurely oar boat tour, we immediately headed to Xixi Wetland Phase Two, a free and open area. On the Fudi Causeway of Phase Two, in addition to the natural wetland scenery on both sides and buildings in traditional ancient style, there are also many cafés and small eateries, making it a tourist resort area with an extremely strong artistic vibe.

After the rain, puddles appeared in the parking lot, perfect for a reflection shot of our Ora R1. I took the chance to strike a car model ID photo, haha.

'Fudi' pedestrian street is 2,300 meters long, over seven meters wide, running north–south through the entire Xixi National Wetland Park. Along the way, there are six small bridges with the character 'Fu' (blessing) in their names: Yuanfu Bridge, Yongfu Bridge, Qingfu Bridge, Xiangfu Bridge, Guangfu Bridge, and Quanfu Bridge. The sidewalks along the street are also imprinted with various calligraphy styles of the character 'Fu.' The kids were earnestly studying the different styles, counting how many 'Fu' characters they had collected.

And on this pedestrian street, the buildings on both sides are in ancient style, with highly atmospheric dining spots—perfect for a slow stroll.

Here, the children ran and jumped around like crazy, fully enjoying the happy moments of their graduation trip.

A little landscape corner recreating ancient weaving and dyeing techniques, with a row of large dye vats, looked rather imposing.

The three adorably silly little ones were just so cute and lovable.

At the far end of Phase Two, there is also the Hong Clan Ancestral Hall. It is said they were once a prominent family of Xixi, owning much of the land. Back then, to help the common people take refuge from disasters, they let them stay on their grounds, and eventually donated this private land to the government, which is why we now all can enjoy Xixi Wetland today. This ancestral hall was built in their memory.

But we preferred the archway opposite the hall. Against the lush, tranquil greenery, we all ran over to take photos~

I can't recall the name of this small bridge, but it was one of the 'Fu' bridges. A warm family moment of four on the bridge.

A child's happiness is simple—a string of bubbles can make them forget recent annoyances and rebuild deep friendships.

Flying ponytails, ah, that's the flavor of youth~

The old auntie also played cute on the bridge—riding the waves beyond 30, we all have our own splendor.

'Xixi, and stay a while' is the famous line left by Emperor Gaozong of Song when he visited Xixi, and it's now the most popular photo spot in Xixi Phase Two. Whoever walks by can hardly resist leaving a silhouette at the corner of the wall.

The family of four lined up in steps, playful and adorable.

And with friends joining in, we finally had a rare family-of-three group photo during the trip. Mr. Hippo also emerged from behind the scenes to show his face in front of the camera~

There are many restaurants with elegant surroundings in Phase Two, hidden among the lush greenery by a pond. Like fine wine in a deep alley, they don't need flashy advertising to attract diners who seek them out by reputation.

After 5 p.m., cars are allowed onto the pedestrian street. So, we chose our dinner spot here and also drove our Ora R1s into the heart of Xixi Wetland.

With their cute retro styling and vibrant colors, our Ora motorcade became an eye-catching sight in Xixi Wetland, drawing admiring glances wherever we went.

Snap a random shot, and a masterpiece is easily captured.

Little car models took the stage, instantly elevating our fleet's looks by several notches.

Dinner was sumptuous and delicious. The first day of the trip happened to be the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, and the children also spent the festive occasion together during their journey~

As dinner ended the sky gradually grew dark. Start the car, lights on! The moment the R1's running lights lit up, it truly dazzled that tranquil night.

Driving back from Xixi Wetland to the hotel, our Ora R1s were undoubtedly the most eye-catching scenery along the way. The runway-style daytime running lights are recognizable at a glance, day or night, out of the traffic flow. The exclamation-mark-shaped wheel hubs are Ora R1's exclusive design, both beautiful and highly distinctive~

The first stop of the little ones' graduation trip, Xixi Wetland, accompanied by Ora—perfect~

Tea is Hangzhou's most important specialty and the essence of Hangzhou culture. For the kids' graduation trip, we didn't want cliché visits to crowded tourist spots; we wanted to give them a different kind of memory. So, for the second stop, we chose Longwu Tea Town. Amid the pastoral countryside, we let them experience the profoundness of tea culture, enjoy the natural fragrance of tea leaves in nature, taste the joy of labor through tea picking, and harvest the most beautiful memories of their graduation trip.

Longwu Tea Town is located in the southwest of Hangzhou, about 15 kilometers from the city center. Surrounded by mountains, the tea gardens stretch in rolling waves. It is the largest production area for West Lake Longjing tea and is known as the 'Home of 10,000 Dan of Tea.'

Every household here owns vast tea gardens and has developed tourism based on them—tea leaf picking, farmhouse dining. In short, this is a treasure resort hidden by city people. Casually pick a basket of tea leaves in the tea garden, hand them over to the owner who will roast them for you on the spot, and you can brew a cup of Longjing while leisurely enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea, just waiting to take home the tea you picked and processed.

Traveling with kids, compared to mechanically ticking off tourist spots, getting close to nature more easily brings them happiness. Wearing the bamboo hats that the farmhouse owner uses daily for work, off we went with the kids up the mountain to pick tea!

Innocent childhood friends, playing in the fields—such pure and simple little joys~

Longjing tea is all about timing. The best Yüqian Longjing (Pre-Rain Longjing) needs to be picked around Qingming Festival. By the time we went, the tea leaves were already of little value. In this enormous tea garden, the owner generously said, 'Pick whatever you want, hahaha~'

But to educate and entertain the kids with tea knowledge, we still braved the scorching sun, earnestly climbed up the tea hills, seriously selected fresh tender buds, and diligently went about our great tea-picking mission.

That day, the sun was fierce, and sweat dripped down, but it couldn't stop the children's persistence and seriousness. The little ones totally immersed in the tea garden were truly charming and adorable.

Of course, in between tea picking, another important thing was to take a group of beautiful photos.

Harvesting a full basket of tea leaves, we returned with a full load to find a place to fill our bellies. Although the tea mountain was scorching under the sun, descending the mountain and walking through the woods, it was completely pleasantly cool.

Our Ora R1 little cars zipped through the emerald green forests, adding vibrant colors to that sea of green and making the whole scene look vivid, clear, and exceptionally beautiful.

We found a hidden pastoral restaurant, and three junior car models took the stage—way cooler than any pretty car model.

This is a tiny tea room hidden in the mountain woods, serving the most authentic Pre-Rain Longjing. Sipping a cup of fine tea, spending a fairy-like afternoon—this place is pretty much the original source of a paradise!

The light filtering through the dense trees was just right. Dingdang, who had been running towards us, seemed bathed in a halo, shimmering with light. The interplay of light and shadow was absolutely breathtaking.

The little models came online again~ Tender sibling moments, childhood friendship playtime, and, of course, the deep bond of the iron triangle.

The graduation trip became more and more wonderful with each playful adventure.

To let the kids feel more joy from nature, the destinations we chose were mostly on the city's outskirts. After coming out from Longwu, we drove along mountain roads, aiming directly for Nine Creeks and Misty Trees—bringing the children to play in the water!

But the driving pleasure on mountain roads also needs the strong backing of long battery life. The Ora R1's ultra-low power consumption and 351 km ultra-long range were the most powerful support for our driving enjoyment! The high-definition electronic screen in the car can also select the 'New Energy' button with one touch, displaying the remaining battery power in real-time, making it easy for us to plan the rest of our itinerary and drive with more peace of mind.

The mobile app also allows scheduled charging; with Ora R1's thoughtful escort, even long journeys leave us worry-free.

The second stop of the graduation trip, Longwu Tea Mountain, accompanied by Ora—perfect~

Nine Creeks and Misty Trees, also known as Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies, is one of the New Ten Scenes of West Lake, located beneath Jiguanlong in the mountains west of West Lake. The eighteen gullies symbolize countless small streams, babbling along. In the humid and hot Hangzhou summer, this is a cool retreat. We deliberately chose this stop for the kids' trip to unleash their innate love for water, allowing them to fully enjoy the joy of summer among the babbling streams.

Along the mountain paths, the flowing water at Nine Creeks threads through overlapping hills, scattered tea plantations, and winding paths, with the gentle murmuring of streams and the chirping of mountain birds. On sunny days it's a feast for the eyes, on cloudy days it's shrouded in mist, and we were lucky enough to catch its beauty in various forms. After the rain, the sky cleared, the leaves turned verdant, and the lake water was emerald green—it presented its most beautiful face to us!

Each twist and turn in the mountains offered a tranquil, rich green—the most beautiful color of summer.

It is said that the loveliest season here is autumn. In deep autumn, the mountain is adorned with alternating red and yellow, their reflections on the crystal-clear lake surface resembling a fairyland.

See, amidst the fresh green, occasionally a mischievous child secretly changes color, eagerly awaiting a gorgeous bloom.

Nine Creeks is an excellent hiking route. Many choose to take off their shoes and socks and walk directly in the streams, enjoying incomparable pleasure.

But for us, while the kids were having fun, they also needed to rest and recover. Self-driving was undoubtedly the best choice.

Thus, R1 faithfully followed us all the way to Nine Creeks. Driving along the mountain footpaths, weaving among the hikers coming and going, it added a different kind of scenery.

We parked the car, chose the best small waterfall with the most water, and let the children unleash themselves and splash to their hearts' content!

Loving water is perhaps a child's nature. Together with their friends, touching stones, having water fights, they were as joyful as a bunch of wild foals let loose.

Seeing the children's happiness, I couldn't help but be infected. Casting aside the parental authority, I joined him in the mountain wilds to be a wild child for a while~

I let Dingdang return to the little ones' group to touch stones, build caves, and play house with his friends.

Meanwhile, I simply let my skirt hem get wet and embraced nature. Taking a set of beautiful portraits is an eternal pursuit.

Playing until the sun set in the west, the children were reluctantly dragged ashore by the adults, but unexpectedly, we were gifted with a warm glow of sunset. That light and shadow was simply sublime~

The boys' friendship also grew infinitely stronger during the water battle. That buddy-buddy bond, I think, will be the warmest memory they recall when they look back on that summer.

The third stop of the graduation trip, Nine Creeks and Misty Trees, accompanied by Ora—perfect~

Hangzhou, the famous capital south of the Yangtze by West Lake, has been a favorite in the writings of poets and literati since ancient times. West Lake, comparable to the beauty Xi Shi whether lightly made up or richly adorned, is Hangzhou's most beautiful calling card. This landmark stop was indispensable for the kids' graduation trip.

Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden, Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow, Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds, Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon—the Ten Scenes of West Lake, from the classic heritage of the Southern Song Dynasty, encapsulate the beauty of the lake throughout the four seasons.

Of course, a short trip can't encompass all ten scenes at once. But just walking by West Lake, feeling the summer breeze from its shores, was already a wonderful journey.

The vast lake with boats returning at dusk through misty waves is the quintessential scenery of West Lake. Boating on the lake is the very essence of West Lake.

Summer in Hangzhou often brings rain. It was perfect to take shelter in an ornate boat, watching the raindrops create ripples on the lake's surface. Quietly mulling over one's thoughts, or using mom's phone to capture a beautiful scene to share, or secretly whispering secrets with a friend in the rain...

Summer is the most beautiful season at West Lake, and admiring the lotus at West Lake is a must-do when visiting Hangzhou in summer. After disembarking from the boat, we strolled to Quyuan Garden, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. It is said that during the Southern Song Dynasty, there was an official winery here, using the water from Jingsha Stream to make a famous wine. The nearby ponds were planted with lotus; whenever the summer wind blew, the aroma of wine and lotus filled the air and refreshed the heart, hence the name 'Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden.'

The poetic scene of 'Boundless green lotus leaves spreading to the horizon, lotus blossoms glowing red in the sunlight' vividly unfolded before our eyes. It was a perfect chance to share classical poetry with the kids, combining education with fun, letting them gain knowledge and grow through travel~

The little ones, in the rain at Quyuan Garden, captured the most beautiful memory of that summer, of Hangzhou, by West Lake.

Opposite Quyuan Garden lies the Yue Fei Temple, dedicated to the national hero who fought against the Jin during the Southern Song Dynasty. We took a distant group photo; those interested can also visit it~

In the parking lot, our little cars casually lined up in a row. West Lake in the rain was clear and lush, and the cars, washed shiny by the heavy rain, gleamed with a wonderfully textured glow. So beautiful!

Coming around to the back, their rear ends, too, were so round and cute.

It was the last day of the graduation trip, with Hangzhou drenched all day in heavy rain. Taking a quick break between downpours for another big group photo!

The fourth stop of the graduation trip, West Lake, accompanied by Ora—perfect~

Hangzhou not only boasts natural beauty but also a long history. Lingyin Temple, founded over 1,700 years ago, saw the little ones grow quiet here, feeling the serene, timeless character of a thousand-year-old temple and its centuries-old cultural depth.

Driving from West Lake to Lingyin Temple along Hubin Avenue, the lush green ambience of Hangzhou made one want to take a deep breath and savor the pure, cleansing air.

Lingyin Temple is backed by the North Peak and faces Feilai Peak. Built in 326 CE during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, it was hailed as one of the 'Five Mountains' of Chan Buddhism in the Southern Song. More than 1,000 years of history stands behind it.

The temple fronts Feilai Peak, and they are often viewed together. As the head of the Five Mountains of Chan Buddhism, the Feilai Peak grotto sculptures are an important work of stone cave art in southern China. These limestone carvings span from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period to the Ming Dynasty. Among over 470 statues, 335 are preserved in relatively complete or intact condition, solemnly beautiful and extremely precious. From the mountain gate to the entrance of Lingyin Temple, the path is lined with invaluable Buddhist sculptures preserved to this day—our priceless treasures!

The naturally formed Yixiantian (One-Line Sky) stone cave, when light pierces through, creates this absolutely gorgeous scene. At this moment, silence speaks louder than words!

Lingyin Temple is mainly arranged along a central axis: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Main Hall, the Medicine Buddha Hall, the Dharma Hall, and the Avatamsaka Hall, flanked by the Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Hall of Monk Jigong, Huayan Pavilion, Great Compassion Tower, and the Abbot's Quarters. The temple receives a great number of worshipers; even in heavy rain, pilgrims streamed in, praying devoutly. It's said that Lingyin Temple is especially effective for career blessings~

But what I loved even more was the architecture—the neatly laid blue tiles, the bright yellow walls, and the profound, boundless Zen feeling nestled among the emerald green mountain forests. All of it captivated me so much I couldn't move my feet.

Lingyin Temple is an imperial temple, so it boldly uses dragon motifs and sculptures, and the roof corners feature decorative beasts representing the dragon's nine sons. Every tiny detail showcases the majestic, awe-inspiring status of a royal edifice.

The heavy rain didn't dampen our sightseeing spirits at all. We climbed from the foot of the mountain all the way up to the highest hall, and also loved every corner made more refreshing and lively by the rain.

From a purely architectural perspective, Lingyin Temple is a treasure in itself. The layered progression of yellow walls and blue tiles, the ornamental pillars on each platform—all are priceless treasures worth cherishing and protecting. This place is also perfect for a portrait shoot. If it hadn't been raining so hard, I believe I would have clung to the camera and refused to leave.

The fifth stop of the graduation trip, Lingyin Temple. Though it poured, we remained highly excited. Accompanied by Ora, even the heavy rain held no regrets~

Hangzhou is not only a historic ancient capital and a scenic city south of the Yangtze; it is also a modern metropolis.

Here, there are row upon row of skyscrapers, and dazzling city lights that capture the imagination. For our graduation trip's final stop, we went to Hangzhou's rising star in the city center: the City Balcony, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings, to admire the brilliant urban neon lights and the stunning night view of the Qiantang River!

We arrived at the City Balcony just at dusk. The Qiantang River Bridge opposite, set against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers, glowed resplendently with its red bridge framework.

Gradually, we witnessed a breathtaking fiery sunset after the rain—a true blessing from above. The Qiantang River under our lens was a sight beyond this world.

Turning around, the skyscrapers on this side slowly lit up, setting the mood for Hangzhou's most beautiful night.

Every Tuesday and Friday between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., during that half-hour window, this entire cluster of high-rises stages a spectacular light show. From China's Four Great Inventions to modern scientific advances, Hangzhou's scenic beauty is showcased in the light show. The level of brilliance is absolutely worth waiting for.

In Hangzhou's summer, darkness falls very early. By the time the light show ends at 6 o'clock, the sky is completely dark. At that moment, if you turn around, you'll see the enchanting nightscape of the Qiantang River—a delightful surprise for the children at their last stop. Hangzhou's modern urban charm was fully displayed here.

The Ora R1 we chose this time is just like modern Hangzhou, packed with a sense of technology. One-button start, rotary gear selector, electronic handbrake, 9-inch high-definition touchscreen, multifunctional steering wheel—you can answer and make calls, change the radio channel, and perform many operations without taking your hands off the wheel. Even us moms from the mom squad had no trouble driving it at all.

The final stop of the graduation trip, Hangzhou City Balcony, with Ora's thoughtful accompaniment throughout the journey, gifted us the most wonderful surprise and came to a perfect conclusion~

Ahead of us, the road rolled out by our wheels always holds unknown joys waiting for us, with big hands holding little hands. Use wheels to free our feet, use the steering wheel to take Dingdang to enjoy beautiful scenery. The joy of self-driving is only understood once tried! With Ora's company, that joy is doubled. Driving Ora, where shall we go next?

Travelogue Contents:

1. Xixi Wetland, leisurely time on the oar boat

2. Longwu Tea Mountain, small delights amid tea-picking pastoral life

3. Nine Creeks and Misty Trees, joyful splashing in cool streams

4. Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden, lotus-scented breeze after rain by West Lake

5. Lingyin Temple in the rain, cultural depth of a thousand-year-old temple

6. City Balcony, taking in Hangzhou's urban charm

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