Hangzhou part 2

On Sunday, we got up somewhat early (we are on vacation after all!) to head off and have a nice walk around the west lake in Hangzhou.

The area is very tourist friendly and features beautiful sights in every direction. There's gardens everywhere
The obvious attraction of the lake itself
The architecture is traditional style chinese
With some exceptions
Even the boats are scenic
Not to worry if you get hungry or thirsty along the way, there are plenty of options for a pit stop, from the more formal restaurants and tea houses
to friendly little stalls with drinks and snacks
A series of causeways have been built to better admire the beauty of the lake
And a bunch of scenic crossings
Rest areas are easily available
And there are beautifully kept gardens all around the lake
As well as this pond full of giant red fish
Some statues as well to commemorate important Chinese figures
And even a turtle lake
There is attention to detail everywhere with beautiful carvings
Overlooking the lake is this temple/observatory topped with a golden spire
Some more pictures of the lakeAnd this one at a nice garden
On the way back to downtown from the lake, we saw a few nice properties. It seemed to be no admittance so I assume they are either reserved for private functions or cottages for the ultra rich.

Hangzhou was definitively a bit more difficult to navigate than Shanghai with signs very often having no picture explanation or English subtext.
We took one last look at the lake before heading out for dinner
Dinner was difficult with the city being so busy with the tourists hanging around after the fireworks from last night. Our first choice restaurant made us wait for over half an hour until we gave up (we had a train to catch after all!) and found one tucked away in a more residential neighbourhood. It was much cheaper than our first choice anyways and most probably just as delicious

Shrimps with walnuts
Tender beef and vegetables
Delicious eggplant
And this cut up green veggie (bokchoy?)
On the way to the train station (on foot tonight!) we stumbled upon this night market offering anything from electronics to DVD/CDs, foods, clothing, underwear, handbags and watches.
We also saw that Shanghai doesn't have a monopoly on buildings with science fiction lights
At the train station, this little stall had everything for the weary traveller. Look at this double fried sandwich, looks delicious!