Hangzhou welcomed us with a rather chilly weather and drizzles throughout the entire of the first and second day. We quickly settled into our new place and find our way around.
On the second day, we had a welcoming session by the IDI staff at ZJU. At the session, we listened to introduction of all the themes by either the instructing professor or Teaching Assistants. Our professor, Prof. NI Qi, gave an enticing to our theme, which made us all look forward to the project.
Our Theme 7 team was given a site to design a garden. Yet, before embarking on designing any garden, we were to visit about 10 existing traditional gardens all around Hangzhou to observe and learn more about designing a garden.
On Thursday of the first week, we were led out by our TAs for our first field trip, visits to 太子湾公园 (Taziwan Park) and 花港观鱼(Viewing Fish at Flower Pond).
The garden was such a feast for the eye. As we walked through the trail, we caught sight of pretty corners of the Chinese gardens. Willow trees cascading above the ponds, traditional Chinese pavilions, arch bridges, jetties and boats parking alongside the bank of the lake. The design of the walking path was purposeful such that it reveals us one beautiful sight after another.
At the end of the field trip, we had a good meal together in a nearby restaurant, recommended by our TAs. We were exhausted on the way back, yet already looking forward to the next day out.
