LI Siguang, famous Chinese geologist, came here twice to conduct exploration on glacier in 1947 and discovered the relics of ancient glacier. According to him, the West Lake was still frozen during Quaternary (two or three million years ago). At that time, Xialongjing Natural Village was still a water storage valley. Large amount of ice and snow storing in the valley later flew out southeast through nine brooks and eighteen trickles, forming the steep terrain of this area. During the period of the Republic of China, there were two or three private tea houses around Nine Brooks and Eighteen Trickles selling tea, lotus root starch of the West Lake and osmanthus sugars, etc. Since there were not enough tables and chairs in the tea house, tourists would sit on the stones in sunny days in spring and autumn. The Garden Section has made improvement in 4 phases since 1975. They renovate and newly build Nine Brooks restaurants, tea houses and reception rooms, improve the natural environment, dredge the springs and ponds, build dams and bridges, lay footpaths and build pavilions, greatly expanding the sightseeing area.

(Source: Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area Management Committee)