Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is one of China's most important tourist venues.

The City, the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, is located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in southeast China, a superior position in the Yangtze Delta and only 180 kilometers from Shanghai. Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon type climate with four quite distinct seasons. However, it is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter making it a year round destination.

The West Lake is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. In this scenic area, Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple are probably the most frequently visited attractions. The "Ten West Lake Prospects" have been specially selected to give the visitor outstanding views of the lake, mountains and monuments.

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. Along with the other museums in Hangzhou, they provide a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese traditional products.

One of the most important parts of traveling is tasting the local delicacies. Hangzhou dishes are noted for their elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste. Many local specialties will be sure to make your trip a cultural experience. We recommend that you try Beggar's Chicken (a chicken baked in clay), West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Source (vinegar coated fish fresh caught from the lake), Dongpo Pork (braised pork) and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea, etc.

The shopping environment in Hangzhou is exciting and convenient. Travelers and tourists like to go to Qing He Fang Street. It is one of the most famous and historic streets in the city and reflects many of the features of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Shoppers will admire the antique buildings while purchasing items from a wide range of local goods such as silks, tea or maybe a silk parasol, brocade or a beautiful Hangzhou fan. These are just some of the items to be found but there are many more.

At night Hangzhou has much to offer and teahouses and various kinds of pubs are both plentiful and popular. Choosing one overlooking the West Lake for a pleasant chat over a cup of tea is sure to make you feel totally relaxed and refreshed.

While much of the ancient city that had been the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-nineteenth century, today's Hangzhou is a modern and vibrant economical center. As such it provides a base for many talented and skilled people. Never the less, thanks to its unique setting by the West Lake it continues to enjoy the many benefits of the natural surroundings that have delighted visitors for centuries. Not only was it much vaunted in his writings by the 13 century explorer, Marco Polo but the Lake and its environs have inspired poets of great renown such as Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo down the ages. There can be no doubt that visit here is certain to be a memorable one.

Hangzhou may be overshadowed by some of the better known tourist destinations which boast spectacular mountains, architectural masterpieces, golden beaches or exotic ethnic cultures. However, the city has an elegant air and a distinguished thousand year history. Hangzhou is a noted ancient capital of China and is famed for its West Lake and Grand Canal.

Liangzhu Culture, which dates from about 4,700 years ago, was part of the vital cultural life existing in the Tiahu Lake drainage area, in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The archeological site found here, named for its discovery in Liangzhu Town, is estimated to be 5,000 years old. At that time both bronze and stone wares were used, black pottery was manufactured and the tripod vessel was used for cooking. Jade ritual articles, silk pieces and thread are also typical excavation finds, indicating the area's prosperity in the prehistoric age.

Hangzhou city was established 2,000 years ago during the Spring and Autumn Periods (770BC-476BC) on a site bordering Wu and Yue States. Before the Sui Court (581-618) changed its name to Hangzhou, this area was successively called Yuhang and Qiantang. A major event that took place during the dynasty was the completion of the Grand Canal, finally linking together the various sections constructed over a thousand years.

The second wave of prosperity in Hangzhou's history occurred after it became the capital of Wuyue State during the Five Dynasties and Ten States (907-960) periods. A new city was built based on the site of the prefecture government of Hangzhou during the Sui and Tang (618-907) dynasties. Buddhism was becoming increasingly popular during this period and this Buddhist state in Southeast China was the only area to remain peaceful and unspoiled during the warring years thanks to wise political decision making by the king. Since then, Hangzhou has made the most of its fertile land, developing advanced silk, tea and paper making techniques and enjoying a commercial boom.

Moving forward to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Hangzhou became a renowned economic and cultural center for the entire country. Later when the Southern Dynasty (1279-1368) moved its regime southward, Hangzhou was nominated as its capital and lasted as such for 152 years. The city reached its zenith at this time as the biggest international trade center and the nation's political and cultural center. It was also among the most populous cities in the world.

Advanced silk, printing, paper and porcelain production, together with an elegant society and culture made it the most beautiful and luxurious city in the world, as praised by Italian traveler Marco Polo. Although no longer the center of a dynasty, Hangzhou remains a shining pearl in the southeast.

In classical poems, the Western Lake was alluded to as a great beauty. The scene of many romantic and sad stories, the lake holds many secrets. As well as the lake, the tea and silk industries, Liangzhu Culture, the official kiln and Grand Canal museums are also important attractions. There is much for the tourist to discover in Hangzhou.