Hangzhou, called “Hang” for short, is both the capital of Zhejiang Province and a sub-provincial city. Moreover, it’s the biggest one among the cities in Zhejiang Province; and it’s one of the sub-central cities in Yangtze River Delta and one of the central cities in Eastern China. In addition, it plays the roles of financial center in the south of Yangtze River Delta, the center of politics, economy, culture, science and education, transportation, media, communication and finance in Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou is also the center of economy, science and education, culture and finance, as well as transportation and communication in Eastern China. Finally, it’s the core city of Hangzhou Metropolitan Economic Circle.

As one of the seven ancient capital cities, Hangzhou is listed on the first batch of National Famous Historical and Cultural Cities and National Key Scenic Tourism Cities. The Liangzhu culture in Yuhang District, with a history of 5,000 years, is honored as “The Dawn of Civilization”. Since the Qin Dynasty, when the county was set up, Hangzhou carries a city history of more than 2,200 years. The State of Wuyue in the Five Dynasties (907-960) and the Southern Song (1127-1279) had established their capitals here once. Later in the Ming Dynasty, the Italian traveler Marco Polo praised Hangzhou highly as the “Most Beautiful and Luxurious City in the World”.

Hangzhou is located in China’s South-East coastal area, the north of Zhejiang Province, the north shore of lower reaches of the Qiantang River and the south end of the Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou. It’s the seaport visa city authorized by the Ministry of Public Security. Also, it’s the best tourism destination approved by the National Tourism Administration, with a good reputation of “The Earthly Paradise” since ancient times.

Hangzhou is the lifelong host city to the World Leisure EXPO, China International Cartoon & Animation Festival, and China International Microfilm Festival. And it’s one of the major MICE cities in China. What’s more, with the general development target of “City expands east and tourism goes west; exploitation along the river and development cross the river”, Hangzhou is now stepping into “the Qiantang River times” from the former “Xihu times”.

Historical culture

Hangzhou is both one of the ancient capitals in China and a famous historical important city. The history of Hangzhou may date back 8,000 years since the Kuahu Bridge culture in Xiaoshan in the Neolithic Age. And Hangzhou has been named differently as “Yuhang, Qiantang, Linan” and other names. In 222 B.C. (the 25th year during the period of the First Emperor of Qin), Qiantang County was established; so Hangzhou has a city history of about 2,200 years up to now. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (891-979), the State of Wuyue established its capital in Hangzhou in 893, which has lasted for 86 years. Later, in 1129, during the Southern Song, the imperial family moved south to Hangzhou, and changed its name into “Linan”; and in 1138, they formally established the capital there, lasting for 152 years. And it’s in 1927 that Hangzhou city was formally established; later the Municipal Government of Hangzhou was founded in 1949. And Hangzhou became the capital of Zhejiang Province.

Natural environment

When it comes to the natural conditions, Hangzhou is endowed richly by nature. It faces the Qiantang River; the Grand Canal and the river join together in its northeast; and the majestic Tianmu Mountains lie in its northwest. Nestling under the mountains and near the rivers, Hangzhou possesses picturesque scenery. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the emperor of the Southern Song was reluctant to leave when they established the capital there.