A New Epithet for Hangzhou - The Veg Capital of Southeastern China, Part 1 of 2

Located in southeastern China, the coastal city of Hangzhou is well-known since ancient times for the flourishing development of Buddhism，and has long been reputed as the “Buddhist Capital of Southeastern China.” Its history of the plant-based diet can be traced back even further. During that time, many truth seekers came to Lingyin Temple to pray to be cleansed, gain wisdom, learn and embrace a plant-based diet, while searching deeply for their true nature. In 2016, the “Xiangji Vegetarian Culture” was designated as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” of Hangzhou City, paving a very important milestone for veg development in China. Talked about far and wide, Yu Hua Zhai is a free-to-dine vegan restaurant! Here, the vegan culture has been elevated from compassion for all beings, to the selfless awareness that the whole universe is connected as One. Located next to the Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, “Wukong’s Home” is housed in an old and simple structure of unique tranquility. Governmental support has greatly contributed to the prosperous development of the veg industry in Hangzhou today. What has made it even more encouraging is, in 2017, the city government published a book called “Veg in Hangzhou - Food Discovery in Southern China”. “We hope that the industry will integrate the rich veg cultural tradition with the scientific concept of a healthy and green veg diet, and strive to establish the city as the ‘Veg Capital of Southeastern China.’”