Top Ten Scenes of the West Lake-Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows
This scenic spot is situated at the Qingbo Gate at southeast bank of the West Lake. In South Song Dynasty, it was an imperial garden named as Jujing Garden, and it was restored to the old scene of Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows in Qing Dynasty. Now it is a large park covering an area of 17 hectares. The whole park is divided into four scenic spots, respectively Youyi Garden, Wenying Garden, Jujing Garden and South Garden. The willow bush sets off the exotic trees and famous flowers like purple nanmu, cedar, magnolia grandiflora, flowering peach, Chinese flowering crab apple and Chinese rose. Here is a perfect view place for appreciating the scene with three sides of clouds and mountains and one side of waters. The shape of willows inside the Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows scenic spot is of various features: the fine branches of willows flutter like the drunken concubine, so the name “Drunken Willow” is obtained; the luxuriant and sturdy willows are as strong as the head of a lion, so the name “Lion Willow” is obtained; and looking from a faraway place, the willows are like young girls washing voiles, so the name “Washing Voile Willow” is obtained. Inside this scenic spot, with a name as “Willow Islet”, are golden orioles dancing in the air and competing to chirp. Therefore, the name “Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows” is obtained.