West Lake is the centerpiece of Hangzhou, my hometown in Zhejiang province.

Countless works of literature have been penned in honor of the lake, that sits in the center of the city surrounded by mountains on three sides. This fresh water lake is considered a divine blessing by the residents and has rightfully earned the moniker "paradise on earth" for Hangzhou.

With its rich natural resources and cultural heritage, Hangzhou is also known as "Home of Silk", "Tea Capital" and "Town of Fish and Rice".

We take much pride in these names and believe all the credit goes to West Lake.

As soon as children learn to speak, parents teach them to love their hometown by repeating the old Chinese saying: "Above there is heaven, below there is Hangzhou".

I remember during my primary school years, teachers often led us to read poems about the lake. The most popular ones were those written by the two great poets Bai Juyi (AD772-846) and Su Shi (1037-1101), who once governed Hangzhou during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Every time we went for a spring or autumn outing around the lake, we couldn't help but read these poems out loudly. Even now when I walk along the lake, the same poems sprout from my mouth.

A lot of young couples fall in love when touring the lake. My parents were one of them. Their first date was on a fine spring day, when the peach trees just begin to blossom and the willow trees slowly turn green. My parents always joke that their love for each other was actually their love for the lake.

I first took the lake to be the home of Lady White Snake, a good and beautiful snake in human form who longed for human love, in an ancient Chinese fairy tale. When I started school, the lake became a fun place to hang out with my friends.

And now, it is a symbol of home, of comfort and warmth. Only when I moved to Beijing last year did I realize how much I miss it. Recently, I returned to Hangzhou and the first place I visited was West Lake. When I saw all the green around the lake and felt the first brush of a light breeze stroking my face, I felt as though spring had arrived.

The people of Hangzhou believe the city has it all - climate, food, and living quality - and most are loathe to move away.

They enjoy the richness of the land and are willing to pay for things which make their lives better. The property prices in Hangzhou are among the highest in the nation, luxurious brands easily find their way there, and well-decorated teahouses and restaurants are always crammed with people.

Perhaps because of this, outsiders often criticize the people of Hangzhou for being indulgent and unadventurous. But actually, the city has been listed by Forbes for five years as one of the nation's best places for business, a place that is home to China's largest online marketplace for domestic trade Alibaba, the biggest auto parts maker, Wan Xiang Group, and the well-known soft drinks producer, Wahaha.

The balance of life and work, I think, can be explained by the general nature of the people of Hangzhou. Mild and peaceful like West Lake, they seldom talk about their ambitions, but are hard working and pragmatic.

There are so many places to go to in Hangzhou, depending on the season. Spring is the right time for drinking green tea, summer is ideal for seeing the lotus in bloom, autumn is the best for smelling the sweet osmanthus and winter is perfect for sipping a little yellow wine.

But the most important place is, undoubtedly, West Lake, which never fails to surprise. You can either visit historical sites or just saunter around. Start at any location around the lake, and entry to all parks is free.

Rent a bicycle if the weather is good. My favorite thing to do is riding along the 2.4 km long Sudi causeway, especially during spring and autumn. I feel like I'm am flying above the water and the smell of different flowers and trees is intoxicating.

Oh, and don't forget the food. Lou Wai Lou, not far away from Sudi causeway, is my top recommendation. I love all the dishes, too numerous for me to list here. Pick a seat by the window and let the waitress guide you through the cuisine.

With a view of the West Lake to treat your eyes, and tasty Hangzhou-style dishes to tease your palate, you are set for an exclusive date with an exclusive place - Hangzhou.

By Qiu Yijiao (China Daily)