West Lake at Hangzhou has influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history. It's been a long time Chinese tourist destination and today West Lake is popular for bridal photo's. Birds photographed at lake include the Chinese blackbird and Black-crowned Night-Heron. Hangzhou is the birthplace of the pan roasted (Longjing) Dragon Well green tea hence tea plantation visit. Historically, Hangzhou dates back to 221bc & was one of the 7 ancient Chinese capitals. Nearby is Suzhou, the final destination of the Grand Canal from Beijing (see Venice of China album) and famous for Chinese gardens such as the Master-of-Nets. Shantang Street caters mainly to locals, selling fish, eels, yabbies and frogs.