Hangzhou

Well-known for its extraordinary beauty and elegance, Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the most impressive tourist destinations in China. Historically important and naturally stunning, Hangzhou together with nearby Suzhou is celebrated in China as “Heaven on Earth”.Located in East China's Yangtze River Delta and the northern part of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is a major commercial and trade city with an estimated urban population of 12 million people. There are 10 urban districts with Gongshu District being the central heart of the city and enjoys convenient transportation. Xihu District is to the west of the city and where the famous West Lake is located. Historically, Hangzhou has for centuries been known for its fine silk and tea productions, but the city didn’t reach its political importance until the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD) when the Emperor relocated the capital to Hangzhou. The city’s wealth and commerce grew further in the Ming Dynasty after the construction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal in the world - linking Hangzhou to Beijing and other ocean trade routes. Today, Hangzhou continues to be an economic center of east-central China.From the beautiful West Lake to romantic bridges, and tranquil tea plantations to ancient shrines and temples, Hangzhou is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. There are so many awe-inspiring scenic spots in Hangzhou, that it will take a few days to just tick off the top destinations. For those unforgettable experiences, visitors can consider taking a sunset stroll or riding a bike around the West Lake, visiting a picturesque water town outside Hangzhou (e.g. Wuzhen and Xitang), learning about the tea culture, or seeing a Giant Panda in Hangzhou Zoo, etc.