Hangzhou      Zhejiang Province


Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and its political, economic and cultural center.

It is at the southern end of the Grand Canal and one of China's seven ancient national capitals. When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century he declared that "it is the most beautiful and elegant city in the world". There is a popular saying: "Above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou."

It was first established as Qiantang County during the Qin Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. By the Five Dynasties Period it was the capital of Wu and Yue and later became the temporary capital of the Southern Song Dynasty.

With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is one of China's most important tourist city. It has many famous historical and cultural sites such as the Solitary Hill, the Lingyin Monastery, the Tomb of Yue Fei and the Six Harmonies Pagoda.
Hangzhou is also has lots of fabulous natural scenic spots, the West Lake is undoubtedly the most famous feature of Hangzhou, the “Ten West Lake Prospects” have been specially selected to give the visitor outstanding views of the lake, mountains and monuments. The Lake and its environs have inspired poets of great renown such as Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo down the ages.

A number of national museums can be found in Hangzhou and are representative of Chinese culture. Fine examples are the National Silk Museum and Tea Museum. They provide the history of Chinese traditional products.