On the "Root" and "Soul" of Hangzhou Urban Culture

By introducing and analyzing a series of old photographs taken respectively by two foreigners during the early 20th century,this article intends to explore the real conditions of some of the historical sites or tourist attractions around the West Lake,in order to provide the municipal government of Hangzhou with some practical ideas on how to protect and carry on the local historical and cultural heritage.At the same time,the author also wants to discuss the theoretical issue of how to inherit the local architectural elements of Hangzhou,in order to preserve the root and soul of Hangzhou urban culture.