Welcome to Hangzhou

Hangzhou is situated in Eastern China, in the northern region of Zhejiang Province, and in the lower reaches of Qiantang River. It is one of the central cities in the Yangtze River Delta and a major economic, cultural, science and educational centre, but also .

A popular tourist city, Hangzhou was included among the first batch of National Historical and Cultural Towns. Situated in the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta and the western tip of the Hangzhou Bay, it serves as a crucial junction for the extension of ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ and ’21st Century Maritime Silk Road’, and is also a strategic hub along the ‘Online Silk Road’. The city’s remarkable features are the harmonious hills, lakes and towns, with abundant water resources such as rivers, canals, lakes, sea, and creeks. This picturesque natural view has earned Hangzhou the reputation of being a ‘Paradise on Earth’ for hundreds of years.

As of 2022, Hangzhou is comprised of 10 urban districts, two counties, and one county-level city, covering a total area of 16,850 square kilometers. The permanent resident population of Hangzhou is 12.376 million.

Hangzhou enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, featuring distinct seasons, and is blessed with sunny days and ample rainfall. The western part of Hangzhou is nestled amid the picturesque hills of western Zhejiang, while the eastern part lies gracefully on the expansive plains of northern Zhejiang. This captivating region boasts a labyrinthine network of rivers, and has bountiful natural resources.

Hangzhou serves as the central hub of the G60 Science and Technology Innovation Corridor. Moreover, it bears the distinction of being the core city within the Great Bay Area – Hangzhou Bay, a designation officially sanctioned by Zhejiang Provincial Government.

The excavation of the Kuahu Bridge site indicates that as early as 8,000 years ago, the place had a thriving human habitation. The Liangzhu Culture, dating 5000 years back, is hailed by historians as “the dawn of civilization”. Having been established as a county during the Qin Dynasty (222 BC), Hangzhou has a rich history spanning over 2,200 years. It was chosen as the capital city by two different dynasties, namely the Wuyue state during the Five Dynasties period (907-978 AD) and the Southern Song dynasty (1138-1279 AD).

Hangzhou takes pride in its abundant human heritage, with the area surrounding West Lake showcasing a plethora of natural and cultural treasures that embody the essence of the renowned West Lake culture, Liangzhu culture, silk culture, and tea culture.

Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, Hangzhou is often referred to as ‘Paradise on Earth’. The city has played host to several significant international events, including the 11th G20 Summit in 2016, the 14th FINA World Swimming Championships, the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, and the 4th Asian Para Games Hangzhou 2022.