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Lou Wai Lou

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lou Wai Lou restaurant

Lou Wai Lou (Chinese: 楼外楼) is a traditional restaurant in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, located on Gushan in the middle of the West Lake. It was established in the 28th year of the reign of Emperor Daoguang of the Qing dynasty (1848). It has been named a "China Time-honored Brand" by the Chinese government.[1]

History

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The founder of Lou Wai Lou was a man from Shaoxing, named Hong Ruitang. After moving to Hangzhou, he set up a base of operations on Gushan Road, vending fresh fish and seafood. After opportunities arrived, he started a full restaurant in the same location.[2]

The modern Lou Wai Lou restaurant was established in 1980, dubbed one of Hangzhou's "ten establishments". Later, Lou Wai Lou opened another location not far from the original called Shan Wai Shan.[3] In 2012, the restaurant was owned by Shen Guanzhong.[4]

Lou Wai Lou has been described as a world famous restaurant and the most famous restaurant in Hangzhou.[3][5][6] The restaurant has been named a "China Time-honored Brand" by the Chinese government.[7]

Notable diners

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Before 1949, Wu Changshuo, Sun Zhongshan, Soong Ching-ling, Lu Xun, Zhu Kezhen, and Yu Dafu had all dined at Lou Wai Lou. After 1949, the state leaders Zhou Enlai, Chen Yi, and He Long, and the celebrities Feng Zikai, Pan Tianshou, Zhao Puchu, and Jin Yong had all dined at Lou Wai Lou.[6]

Notable menu items

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A fishing spot near the restaurant


References

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  1. ^ Jia, Shi (October 30, 2017). "'Time-honored' delights to make your mouth water". Shine. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  2. ^ "Ten golden long-established brands in Hangzhou". China Daily. October 10, 2009. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Dining". Travel West Lake. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  4. ^ Fusheng, Li (October 11, 2012). "METRO China ensuring food safety 'from farm to fork'". China Daily. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  5. ^ Dunlop, Fuchsia (November 24, 2008). "Garden of Contentment". The New Yorker. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Peters, Mike (September 1, 2016). "Louwailou serves up lakeside charm and classic food". China Daily. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  7. ^ Xiaofeng, Shi; Zhihao, Tang (July 29, 2016). "Hangzhou serves up food culture". China Daily. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
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