QUESTION: One of the most beautiful cities in China is Hangzhou in Zhejiang province in the south of China. The Song dynasty helped to make Hangzhou famous when they moved the imperial family there in the 12th Century. Today Hangzhou is a favorite destination for Chinese and international tourists alike.

The West Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hangzhou. Legend has it that the lake was created when what precious stone was dropped from the heavens:

A. Diamond
B. Amber
C. Emerald
D. Jade

ANSWERS:
A. Wrong. In China as in the West, the diamond signifies permanent romance and is a strong symbol of wealth and prosperity.

B. Not right, sorry. In the past Amber was worn by wealthy Chinese and the nobility to bring good luck and ward-off evil. Amber utensils including spoons, chopsticks and bowls from the Tang dynasty now command among the highest prices at antique auctions and are highly sought after.

C. Close but not right. Emerald is a traditional gift from children to their mothers and grandmothers especially in southern China. Usually associated with senior citizens it is rare to see younger people wearing emerald in China today.

D. No. Jade is the most popular precious stone in China and has been for many years especially among men (along with gold). Most Chinese own or wear a ring of jade on a chain around their necks to protect them from harm and improve their intelligence and courage.

E. Pearl. Right! Legend has it that the lake used to be an auspicious pearl hewn into its sparkling shape by the Jade Dragon and the Golden Phoenix but it was stolen by the Mother Queen of the West. When Jade Dragon and Golden Phoenix fought with the Mother Queen, the pearl accidentally fell on to Hangzhou. Indeed the lake actually looks like sparkling pearl imbedded between a blue smudge of mountains and a metropolitan city. Centuries later, Marco Polo called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in all the world.