Hangzhou---Travel In China

Hangzhou (杭州; pinyin: Hángzhou) is a sub-provincial city in China, and the capital of Zhejiang province. Located 180 km southwest of Shanghai, the population in the city proper is now 1.75 million.

In China, the city is well known for its beautiful scenery, with the West Lake (Xi Hu) as the most noteworthy location.

Hangzhou is located at the southern end of the Grand Canal of China.

Administration
13 cities, counties and districts at county level are under the direct jurisdiction of Hangzhou:

Cities: Xiaoshan, Yuhang, Fuyang, Jiande, Lin'an
Counties: Tonglu, Chun'an
Districts: Shangcheng, Xiacheng, Xihu, Gongshu, Jianggan, Bingjiang

History
The celebrated Neolithic culture of Hemudu was discovered in this area seven thousands years ago, when rice was first cultivated in southeastern China.

The city of Hangzhou was founded about 2,200 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. It is one of the seven ancient capitals of China. But the city wall was not constructed until Sui Dynasty (591 AD). It was the capital of the Wu Yue Kingdom for more than 200 years, during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period.

The oldest Buddhist temple in the city is believed to be Lingyin Si, which, like most of the other landmarks in this city, has gone through numerous destruction and reconstruction cycle. The contemporary building was finished in 1910 AD.

Hangzhou was a capital of the Southern Song Dynasty with the population of over 1.5 million, a center of trade and entertainment and a home to the main branches of the civil service. During that time, the city was the gravity centre of Chinese civilization as what used to be considered the "central China" in the north was taken by Jin, a dynasty of an ethnic minority. Numerous philosophers, politicians, and literature men including some of the most celebrated poets in Chinese history including Su Shi, Lu You, and Xin Qiji came here to live and die.

In 970 AD, the Liu-He Pagoda was first constructed on the north shore of Qiantang River, towering over 100 meters in height. It collapsed in 1121 AD, and was reconstructed in 1156 AD to a more sustainable height of 60 m.

In 1089 AD, Su Shi constructed a 2.8-km long dike across the West Lake, which Qing Emperor Qianlong considered particularly attractive in the early morning of the spring time. The lake, which itself is artificial, is largely surrounded by mountains. The Baoshi Pagoda sits on one of these hills to the north.

Yue-Wang Miao near the West Lake was originally constructed in 1221 in memory of General Yue Fei, who lost his life due to political persecution.

The city used to be a port until the middle Ming Dynasty when its harbor was slowly silted up by sediments. And Hangzhou was liberated by Chiang Kai-shek during the 1911 revolution which overthrew the Qing Dynasty, China's last dynasty's rule. It is still the southern-most port of the Grand Canal.

Economy
Hangzhou's industries have traditionally been textile, silk and machinery, but electronics and other light industries are developing, especially since the start of the new open economy in 1992.

Tea is produced on the outskirts of town at Long Jin or Dragon's Well. It is the only remaining place where tea is still baked by hand and is said to produce the finest green tea in all of China.

The GDP per capita was ¥38247 (ca. US$4620), ranked no 10 among 659 Chinese cities.

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With enchanting natural beauty and abundant cultural heritages, Hangzhou is known as 'Heaven on Earth' and 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 Tomb 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 National Tea Museum. Along with the other museums in Hangzhou, they provide a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese traditional products.




West Lake
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.



Lingyin Temple


Cruise on West Lake
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.