China Guide,Brief Introduction to Hangzhou

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Brief Introduction to Hangzhou
Hangzhou is located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in southeast China, a superior position in the Yangtze Delta. It is the capital of Zhejiang province. With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is one of China's most popular tourist cities. It is 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. 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. During the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD), the Grand Canal was expanded to more than 1700 kilometers, and it played a vital role in the transportation of food and products from South China to North China. The canal worked very well in the late 1,300 years. It is one of the two man-made great projects in China, together with Great Wall. Currently 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 area, Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple are probably the most frequently visited places. A number of national museums can be found in Hangzhou and are representatives of Chinese culture. Fine examples are the National Silk Museum and Tea Museum, and those who are interested in Chinese tea, please do not miss Dreaming of Tiger Spring at Hupao Valley. There are also many other place worth visiting except the West Lake, including Peak Flying from Afar, Precious Stone Hill and Sweet Osmanthus Rain at Manjuelong Village and Xiling Seal Engravers' Hill. The Song Dynasty Town, a newly-built recreation centre, imitates the architecture style of the Song Dynasty. Hangzhou also witnessed the talent and wisdom of Chinese, for example, the Qiangtang River Bridge, the first of its kind designed by a Chinese in modern history. At night you can have a beer or coffee in Xihu Tiandi, a popular place for young people. There are many beautiful mountains and lakes near Hangzhou, Thousand Islets Lake and Mountain Putuo are the representatives of them. You also could wander around in Wuzhen Water Town, similar to Venice in Italy. The local food is very famous and delicious. 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. 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. Hangzhou is known for its natural beauty of West Lake worldwide. "Above is paradise, below is Suzhou and Hangzhou" expresses people's indeed praise to Hangzhou. In the Yuan Dynasty, the famous Italian traveler Marco Polo described this city as "the finest and most splendid city in the world". As a popular tourist city in China, Hangzhou attracts more than 20 million domestic and foreign tourists every year.

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