renowned for historic relics and beautiful natural scenery
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province, located southwest of Shanghai in the Yangtze River Delta and at the southern end of the Grand Canal of China. With a history of 2,200 years, Hangzhou is well-known for its historic relics and beautiful natural scenery, ranking as one of the ten most scenic cities in China.
Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century and referred to the city as "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world." Numerous philosophers, politicians and some of the most celebrated poets in Chinese history such as Su Shi (苏轼, Sū Shì), Lu You (陆游, Lù Yóu), and Xin Qiji (辛弃疾, Xīn Qìjí) came to live.
Tourism is an important factor for Hangzhou's economy. The most popular sight is West Lake (西湖, Xī Hú), which includes historical pagodas, cultural sites as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. Tea is another important part of Hangzhou's economy and culture. Longjing tea is produced at Longjing Town. It is among the only remaining places where tea is still baked by hand and is said to produce one of the finest green teas in China, earning a spot in the China Famous Tea list. Further, Hangzhou is known for its artistic handicrafts, such as silk, embroidery, umbrellas and Chinese hand-held folding fans.
Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century and referred to the city as "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world." Numerous philosophers, politicians and some of the most celebrated poets in Chinese history such as Su Shi (苏轼, Sū Shì), Lu You (陆游, Lù Yóu), and Xin Qiji (辛弃疾, Xīn Qìjí) came to live.
Tourism is an important factor for Hangzhou's economy. The most popular sight is West Lake (西湖, Xī Hú), which includes historical pagodas, cultural sites as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. Tea is another important part of Hangzhou's economy and culture. Longjing tea is produced at Longjing Town. It is among the only remaining places where tea is still baked by hand and is said to produce one of the finest green teas in China, earning a spot in the China Famous Tea list. Further, Hangzhou is known for its artistic handicrafts, such as silk, embroidery, umbrellas and Chinese hand-held folding fans.