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Hangzhou Travel Guide

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, sits at the southern end of the Grand Canal. It is one of China's seven ancient national capitals.

When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century, he declared it to be “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 hundreds of thousands of tourists to its exquisite West Lake (Xi Hu) area each year to enjoy the placid lake, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, lavish temples and lakeside teahouses..

First built over 2,200 years ago, Hangzhou was a cradle of Chinese civilization. Hangzhou was 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 Dynasties.

There are many well-known historical and cultural sites in the areas around West Lake. Examples are Solitary Hill, Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Lin Yin Temple. Hangzhou is also well known for its silk and tea. A trip to Hangzhou can be easily combined with a visit to a tea plantation in the hills near the West Lake.

2009 Solar Eclipse in Hangzhou

Welcome to join in 2009 China Solar Eclipse program. For those who want to experience a total solar eclipse, a rare and marvelous natural event at any time, 2009 is particularly special as it will mark the longest eclipse of the 21st century at 6 minutes and 39 seconds, and it will take place in China on July 22, 2009.

 

 

 

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