What does it feel like to have a blind date on a bamboo raft? Such a creative idea is sure to bring fun to people who are looking for a bit of romance.

Hangzhou, with its crisscross river networks and breathtaking landscape, is offering visitors brand-new experiences for their river expeditions, in which romanticism may have the upper hand.

The Shuangxi rafting tourist spot, located in Yuhang District, northwest Hangzhou, promises to impress its visitors with interesting "dating" experiences that are unique to traditional Chinese folk culture.

Floating onboard a row of bamboo rafts within the hills and greenery that stretches for miles, young men and women will be able to get to know each other and have fun together through such ingenious activities like water games and folk song relays.

On July 25, about 200 young people in Yuhang joined such a romantic tour which heralded the beginning of the annual rafting carnival at Shuangxi. By taking advantage of the abundant water resources there, the carnival has become a big local event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. This year's carnival, geared towards tourists both from home and abroad drawn by the ongoing Olympic Games, is expected to last until the end of September.

Water games are considered the most intriguing part of the carnival, in which tourists find themselves showered with river water by their fellow rafters. At this time of joyous celebration, no one would object being soaked to the skin, which brings luck and good fortune.

Music is also indispensable. During the rafting trip, visitors are able to hear beautiful love songs sung by the local men and women from the banks, who are dressed in their holiday best and trying to "woo" the tourists. If they feel in the mood, visitors can open their mouths and echo their songs, which is a gesture of love according to the traditional Chinese folk custom.

When night falls, it is also a good opportunity to spend time with friends and lovers on a raft. But no sooner have the visitors enjoyed themselves with the colorful lamps on the banks than they are greeted with the bonfire and a party at the end of the trip. There, hearty singing and dancing brings them new joy.

With an area of 7.5 sq km, Shuangxi rafting tourist spot is a well-known tourist destination in China with its proliferation of bamboo and a well-known tea culture.

The area is home to 5,000 mu (333.33 hectares) of bamboo forest, which is considered the essence of its appeal. There, visitors get a first hand experience of the bamboo culture, seeing for themselves the intricacies of bamboo architecture and related artifacts.

Inspired by its beautiful scenery, numerous ancient poets and scholars have left behind their odes to Shaungxi. Among them, Lu Yu is undoubtedly the most famous. Regarded as the "Sage of Tea" for his contribution to Chinese tea culture, Lu lived there and completed his monumental book entitled Classic of Tea, which is the first definitive work on cultivating, making and drinking tea. Today, the place is closely associated with tea culture and has special attraction for people who are interested in it.

Shuangxi scenic spot is not only about rafting. Visitors can also treat themselves to the delicacies of rural cuisine, while at the same time enjoy such sports as swimming and volleyball. Riding cattle trucks can also be fun, as people get away from their urban routines to rediscover the freshness of life.

Hangzhou China Travel Service: (24h) 86-571-88398499, 13588476467