Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province, is located in the Yangtze River delta approximately 180 km southwest of Shanghai. Throughout its long history, Hangzhou has been famed both for its beauty and its prosperity, and has occupied a unique place in China's cultural landscape.

Hangzhou was the capital of the powerful Wuyue Kingdom in the 10th Century AD, and by the time of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 AD), when Hangzhou served as the imperial capital, it had become a thriving merchant city and the heart of China's silk trade. Marco Polo visited Hangzhou a century or so later and wrote that it was "without doubt the finest and noblest city in the world".Part of Hangzhou's economic significance rested on its status as an important port: before its harbor silted up during the Ming Dynasty it had good access to the sea, and the city was also the southernmost point on the Grand Canal which linked southern China with Beijing via the world's longest artificial waterway.

Today, Hangzhou is still one of China's most beautiful cities, and its economic importance can be gauged by the fact that Forbes magazine ranked it as China's number 1 city for business for three years running. As the political, economic and cultural center of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou, with its five powerful strategic industries and favorable investment climate, will continue to dominate China's economic scene for many years to come.

But the city authorities have worked miracles in balancing economic, environmental and scenic priorities. The city's tourist attractions draw millions of visitors a year, and reflect Hangzhou's long history as a center of culture, learning and religion. The scenic heart of the city is its famed West Lake (Xihu), which long ago was a lagoon adjoining the Qiantang River. It was dredged during the 8th century AD, and later a dyke was built that cut it off from the river and formed the lake, which today is about 3km wide. West Lake, with its temples, causeways, bridges and pagodas, is a treasure-house of sights that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. Visitors often follow a scenic itinerary known as the Ten Scenes of West Lake, which includes prospects with delightfully poetic names like Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge, Orioles Singing in the Willows, and Twin Peaks Piercing the Cloud. Equally intriguing are the names of the Ten New Scenes of West Lake, which include Inquiring about Tea at Dragon Well, and Heavenly Wind over Wu Hill. One of the lake's most-visited spots is its largest island, Solitary Island, also known as Solitary Mountain. It is the site of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, which has an excellent and well-curated collection of artifacts from prehistoric times right through to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The island also has a peaceful park and a popular restaurant.

Other attractions for visitors include the superb Lingyin Temple, first built in the 4th century AD, and the Six Harmonies Pagoda, with a history dating back to the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127 AD). The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is a popular visiting-spot for Chinese tourists, who are drawn partly by the patriotic appeal of this 12th-century Chinese military hero, and partly by the scenic beauty of the mausoleum's setting.

Further afield there are two parks that epitomize Hangzhou's commitment to environmental preservation. The Dongming Mountain Hill Forest Park repays the 20km trip from the city with lush forests, fragrant vegetation and excellent walking opportunities. Just to the west of the city lies Xixi National Wetland Park, the only park of this kind in China: it aims to preserve the ancient wetlands which for centuries have been part of the ecology of the southernmost reaches of the Grand Canal.

Hangzhou's transportation arrangements are efficient, varied and highly-integrated – which is just what you would expect in one of China's most important economic and tourist hubs. The international airport connects Hangzhou with all of China's major cities and with 20 international destinations, while fast shuttles link the airport to the town and to the nearby cities of Suzhou and Yiwu. The city is a regional rail hub, and provides efficient train connections to all major destinations in China. The high-speed Maglev train link to Shanghai, due for completion in 2010, will cut travel time between the two centers to 30 minutes and bind Hangzhou even more tightly into the economic powerhouse of the Yangtze delta.

Water travel is also an option: visitors traveling to Suzhou and Wuxi can re-live the romance of bygone days with a journey up the Grand Canal to these ancient destinations.

Life after dark in Hangzhou offers plenty of attractions. The dazzling Hangzhou Grand Theater, completed in 2006, offers a vibrant program of classical and Chinese traditional music in its three halls. Visitors wanting to experience a performance of Shaoxing opera, a musical form local to the Zhejiang region, have good opportunities in Hangzhou, especially at the city's Shengli Theater. Lighter entertainment and nightlife are on offer at Hangzhou's many bars and clubs, while the local restaurants pride themselves on the range and quality of their offerings, including Hangzhou favorites like dongpo rou (sliced pork, half lean and half fat) and xihu cuyu (West Lake fish in vinegar).

With its gentle climate, a visit to Hangzhou is a treat at any time, but try to come during one of the city's many colorful festivals. The Plum Blossom festival celebrates the February blossoms that signal the end of Hangzhou's (mild!) winter. Also on a floral theme, the West Lake Lotus Festival in July and August is organized around the lotus flowers that turn the lake shore into a paradise on balmy summer evenings.

Shopping in Hangzhou offers opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets. Hangzhou has been the hub of the Chinese silk industry for many centuries, and shoppers can choose from the best of the best in the city's markets and specialty stores today, either in the form of silk garments and handicrafts or uncut fabric. Historic Qing He Fang Street is the favored locale for traditional handicrafts, ornaments and souvenirs, including decorative fans and parasols and brocade items. The city is famous for two local tea varieties – white chrysanthemum tea and longjing tea – both of which are on offer all over Hangzhou at affordable prices. Visitors in search of more modern products can choose from Hangzhou's many shopping malls, where only your endurance – and your budget – limit what you can buy.
 

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