Huzhou Attractions
Huzhou lies 50km/31mi north of Hangzhou and 200km/124mi southwest of Shanghai.
Nothing definite is known of the origins of Huzhou. All that is certain is that there must have been an important settlement there as early as 602, as in that year it was raised to the status of capital of an administrative district directly under the rule of the province. From the 7th C onwards the town developed into one of the most important silk centers in southeast China. Under the last two imperial dynasties (from the 14th C to the early 20th) it became the leading producer of artists' brushes, a position which Huzhou can still lay claim today. Feather fans are another well-known product.
Nothing definite is known of the origins of Huzhou. All that is certain is that there must have been an important settlement there as early as 602, as in that year it was raised to the status of capital of an administrative district directly under the rule of the province. From the 7th C onwards the town developed into one of the most important silk centers in southeast China. Under the last two imperial dynasties (from the 14th C to the early 20th) it became the leading producer of artists' brushes, a position which Huzhou can still lay claim today. Feather fans are another well-known product.
Feiying Ta Pagoda
The Feiying Ta Pagoda, which stands in the city center, is often referred to as the ''pagoda within a pagoda'' (Tali Ta), as it consists of two concentric octagonal structures. The inner pagoda is made of heavy stone, the outer one of bricks and wood. The original 8th C building was destroyed by lightning in 1150. The inner part was rebuilt in the same year, the outer in 1234.
Temple of the Iron Buddha
The Temple of the Iron Buddha (Tiefo Si) in the west of the city dates from 1369. It is also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, because in the main hall a 2m/6.5ft) iron statue of the Avalokiteshvara dating from 1022 is kept.
