Sweet Osmanthus, the Scent of Autumn at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

Flowers perfume the air and dishes at Jin Sha this September

Hangzhou at West Lake, China, 2012-08-31 — /travelprnews.com/ — With a divine fragrance, it is no wonder that osmanthus can lure attention and adoration from everyone that passes their way. Regarded as the city flower of Hangzhou, the beloved evergreen shrub native to China falls into blossom season in September, when clusters of osmanthus flowers appear all around town and perfume the city with a sweet smell.

Whether for locals or tourists, enjoying the beauty and aroma of osmanthus is a must-do in Hangzhou’s autumn. And apart from Manjuelong Village – one of the ten scenic sites of West Lake, which is known for the “sweet osmanthus rain” – osmanthus flowers can also be found at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. Walking along the garden corridor in the Hotel guests will see a number of osmanthus trees standing by the side of Jin Sha restaurant. As balmy autumn breezes blow over them, the tiny blossoms – which come in different colours including bright yellow, orange and white – fall off the trees and cover the ground like an elegant floral carpet; one can even find a few that have landed on the shoulders as one basks in the poetic, richly scented surroundings.

Osmanthus flowers also serve as a special ingredient for two dishes in Jin Sha, the Chinese restaurant of Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake: slow-cooked lotus root filled with glutinous rice and rock sugar, and sweet rice beads in fermented rice soup. Nicely sprinkled on the plates, osmanthus petals lend beautiful colours and an enchanting taste to these dishes, making them a visual and olfactory delight.

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