Hupao Spring (Tiger Running Spring) in Hangzhou

Set against the beautiful backdrop of nature is the Daci(Compassion) Hill, the home of the famous and inspiring Hupao Spring.





Hupao is literally translated from Chinese to mean Tiger Running, hence the name of this spring which may sound weird to most people when one first hear of it.


The name of the spring owes its origins to a legendary story of a monk, Xing Kong, who was living in the temple named after the Daci Hill; the Daci Temple. Due to the lack of source of water in the area, Xing Kong was feeling unwell and he was planning to leave Hangzhou as he was unable to continue to survive any longer. It was then that same night when he thought of leaving, he had a queer dream where an immortal appeared before him and told him not to worry any longer as there will be two tigers appearing tomorrow. The two tigers will be running and they will be leading to the new source of fountain/water where they will dig and water will spring out from the ground.
True enough, the next day, two tigers appeared at the foot of the hill and dug a hole from the ground and there was water, thus the spring was named after the two running tigers who brought the water to life.
That was how Hupao got its name; from two running tigers.


A statue of tiger in honor of the tiger who found the spring.

The uniqueness of the Hupao Spring is the quality of the water, which was reputed to be the third best in the whole of China.

In actual fact, the spring was formed from the underground water seeping through the faults; veins and cracks of the quartz sandstone on the cliffs/rocks which were unspoilt by foreign materials, thus the water that flows from the spring comes out crystal clear and clean due to the natural filtration system in place. The water also contains a high level of radon content (a type of radioactive material) and tastes sweet and pure, not to mention the cold taste, making it undoubtedly the third best in China, for its good taste and also the health benefits due to the contents in the water.

The quality of the water of Hupao Spring also makes it excellent to brew the famous Longjing tea; in fact, the combination tastes great, adding another attraction to this place and also Hangzhou.



Another interesting thing to note about the water from the spring is that apparently if you were to pour the water into a bowl, the water would rise 3mm above the bowl edge and it will not overflow even when a coin is put into the bowl. This is a scientifically proven phenomenon and it is all due to the high tension surface of the water.

The Hupao Spring is surrounded by trees and forests, and the place is now turned into the Tiger Running Spring Forest Park.


Besides the nature and also the sounds of clear water gushing against the small rocks forming a small stream around the park, there is also a memorial dedicated to a famous scholar and poet, Li Shantong which was erected to pay homage to him for his outstanding works in drama, painting, poetry, calligraphy and music.


There were originally three wells from the spring; however, they have since combined them and there are now two large pools in the park.




There is also a tea house, to enjoy the brew of the Longjing (Dragon Well) tea with the water from the Hupao Spring.


The whole park itself is a myriad of colors; from the tall trees with colorful leaves to the landscapes and the clear water.


It was said that the park could remind one of spring, as there is that unmistakable scent of spring in the air, and I hereby echo that call as walking through the whole park, despite it being winter, still makes me think of the beauties of spring.


It's fascinating that the locals are even seen filling water from water sources and the spring within the park, and that confirmed the theory or any doubt whether the water is suitable for drinking.


Our tour guide, who was telling us against taking photos of some of the statues


A statue of the monk Xing Kong with the two tigers (photo from the web)


A statue of tiger head sprouting water from the spring (photo from the web)


This is definitely a beautiful place to boast of Hangzhou's treasures, and it is even said that having a cup of Longjing brewed with water from the Hupao Spring will just complete your trip to Hangzhou :)

Perth 2010: DAY 2 - Kings Park Part 2 (Trees, bushlands, scenic views and walks)

Flowers are not the only main attraction in this majestic park, which is surrounded by amazing and strikingly unique trees which provided great shades to all the visitors while walking around the park, be it for leisure or for exercise.


Proper walkways are also constructed over the park and garden to made easy access to most parts of the park and also for the convenience of the old, children and wheelchair bound.


The unique tree behind me is the Cedar tree, and it just looks so fairy-tale like =)


Another unique tree


Bushlands are also abundant in the park; which was part of Mount Eliza's natural bushland and they overlook the wonderful landscape of Perth City.


I also find it unique that these natural bushlands were preserved for admiration while bushes were usually set in fire in other parts of the world as they were deemed as a nuisance while they are treated with respect here =)




The view of the city can be observed from all over the park and gardens; and they are all just breathtakingly beautiful.


The view include that of the city buildings, the Swan River, and the meeting of the two rivers in the city.




There are also benches and pavilions around the park for those who get tired of walking around for long hours




To be continued...

Perth 2010: DAY 2 - Kings Park (Kings Park/Wild Flowers Festival)

Kings Park is the top attraction spot when you google for attractions in Perth, and although I was wondering what could be so interesting about a nature park, I was soon in awe of this huge park nestled in the middle of the city.

It is said to be one of the largest inner city parks in the world and it even surpassed the large Central Park in New York (as quoted from Wikipedia)
Kings Park is really huge and is not just a popular tourist attraction but also one of the favorite spot for the locals for picnics while admiring the natural beauty of nature.

Kings Park is also located on Mount Eliza, a hill which overlooks Perth City and is part of the backbone which formed the botanic park and bushlands.
The park was originally named as Perth Park when it was officially opened in 1895, August 10th.
The renaming to Kings Park took place in the year 1901, in conjunction with the ascension of King Edward VII to the British throne. It was also to commemorate the honourable visit of Princess Mary and George, The Duke of Cornwall to Perth during the same time frame.
In fact, one of the drives was named after the royal princess; May Drive.

If you think that Kings Park is only for nature lovers and that you can probably spend only an hour here, you will need to think again and rearrange your schedule.
Driving around the huge park is not really advisable if you have not tried to explore the park on foot before.

Furthermore, there is nothing to worry about parking space as the park itself houses five internal car parks, and the best part is, it's free (unlike most of the other car parks in Perth and it is really rare to find a free car park)



September is really a good month to visit the Kings Park as it hosts the annual Kings Park festival, showcasing a wide variety and assortment of wildflowers which are the pride of the country, in conjunction with the beautiful start of spring.






There are also free guided walk tours to bring you around the gardens and explore the wildflowers in depth


There is also a tourist information centre whereby friendly volunteers helped to guide you with instructions.


If that is not good enough, feel free to self-navigate through the map and the free brochures available in the center.




It is the festival of the Wild flowers, so be prepared to be greeted by the lovely spread all over the park and garden.
The theme of this festival in conjunction with the spring season attracted visitors from all over Australia and also the world, and it is no wonder it is the pride of Kings Park which earned its name as the Kings Park festival.


We were told by the friendly guides at the Tourist Information Center that most of the wild flowers can be found right at the main entrance of the park where they grow most of the wild flowers within the same spot for easier navigation or appreciation of the visitors to the park.


(It is also a helpful motion for those who would not be able to traverse through the entire park to admire each and every wild flower in bloom, not a bad idea, that one =)







Aren't the wild flowers just beautiful? =)

This is a very unique flower, and as I have overheard from a passing local telling her friend, it is found in Western Australia.
I love the velvety texture of the stalk of the flower; which is named Mangle Kangaroo.

More wild flowers





To be continued...