Gazing into the clear water, you will be amazed at the brilliant reflections of the bamboo in the water.Photograph byDong Jun

For anyone who longs to escape from city hustle, a stroll in lush bamboo groves is a hugely enjoyable experience for bamboo usually offers a great sensual treat.

The sounds of the wind moving through lush and thick bamboo and springs bubbling through the forest can be soothing.

Bamboo Path at Yunqi, a scenic spot listed as one of the 10 new scenes of the West Lake in Hangzhou, is just such a natural paradise ready to revive and refresh body and soul.

Located southwest of West Lake, on the north bank of Qiantang River, the bamboo path is about 15 kilometers from the West Lake.

Yunqi literally means clouds lingering. Legends tell of the colorful auspicious clouds from the nearby Wuyun Hill that used to linger around the place.

Famed for its tranquility, the stone-paved footpath is lined with thousands of bamboo plants.

The air is fresh and tinged with a pleasant fragrance and the short trip is accompanied by the chirping of birds and the bubbling of brooks. Worries and burdens are gradually washed away with the waves of the sea of bamboo.

It takes on a different aspect each season. In spring, one can enjoy the bamboo shoots sprouting. In summer, one can cool in the bamboo forest. In autumn, falling leaves spin around. In winter, the forest's quiet dominates.

Walking along the path, visitors can come across the pond called the "mind-purifying pond".

Walking along the path, you come across the pond called the "mind purifying pond." Gazing into the clear water, you will be amazed at the brilliant reflections of the bamboo in the water.

Adding more grace to the grove, the Xixin, Sanju, Huilong, Yuexing, Huangzhu and Yuyu pavilions have been built along the path. Tourists can pause at them to find peace in mind.

Bamboo chairs are available at some of the pavilions. It can be a wonderful experience enjoying the rain while sitting in a pavilion.

The grove is highlighted by three sweet gum trees more than 1,000 years old. The largest tree is 10 meters high and 480 centimeters in diameter.

The area is also known as one of main tea production areas in Hangzhou - other areas include Shifeng, Longjing, Hupao and Meijiawu.

It can be a wonderful experience sipping a cup of Longjing tea - dragon well tea - while enjoying the rain in the tranquil Bamboo Path.

(Shanghai Daily March 2, 2009)