Hangzhou

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, situated at end of the Grand Canal and one of China\'s seven ancient national capitals. When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century he declared that "it is the most beautiful and elegant city in the world". There is a popular saying: "Above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou." Hangzhou\'s "heavenly" beauty attracts many tourists with its exquisite West Lake (Xi Hu) area each year to enjoy the placid lake, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, lavish temples and friendly lakeside teahouses.

First built over 2,200 years ago, Hangzhou is one of the cradles of China\'s civilization. Hangzhou used to the capital of Wu and Yue States in the 10th century during the Five Dynasties period. The city began to prosper and flourish in the Tang Dynasty. The city had its political heyday in the Southern Song Dynasty when it served as the capital. Hangzhou witnessed rapid commercial boom in the Ming and Qing Dynasty.

In and around Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou is also well-known for silk and tea. A trip to Hangzhou is easily combined with a visit to a tea plantation in the hills near the West Lake.

A number of national museums can be found in Hangzhou . There are some exhibitions that narrated Chinese culture. Fine examples are the National Silk Museum and Tea Museum. Along with the other museums in Hangzhou, they provide a fascinating insight with the history of Chinese traditional products.

One of the most important parts of traveling is tasting the local delicious. Hangzhou dishes are noted for their elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste. The shopping environment in Hangzhou is exciting and convenient. Qing He Fang Street as a good shopping place 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, brocade and beautiful Hangzhou fans, etc.

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 economical center. It provides a base for many talented and skilled people.Due to its unique setting by the West Lake Hangzhou continues to enjoy many benefits of the natural surroundings that have delighted visitors for centuries.