Hangzhou
Brief Introduction
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is 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.
Local Culture
If there is a heaven on earth then this is it! Noted for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the city of Hangzhou offers a very special cultural experience, and with its charming West Lake, it attracts many tourists. It is here that the famous Grand Canal ends. The city is famed also for two major Chinese inventions - silk and tea; products you may wish to seek out during your visit along with other local goods. The city was much vaunted in his writings by the famous Italian explorer - Marco Polo. Leading attractions here include the Six Harmonies Pagoda, Red Carp Pond, the Lingyin Temple... these and more await you.
Shopping and Food
Zhejiang cuisine is one of the eight famous culinary arts in China. The fresh, tender, soft, and smooth dishes accompanied by its mellow fragrance have won for itself widespread reputation in the culinary world. Hangzhou dishes, being the most important part of Zhejiang cuisine, are noted for its elaborate preparations, sophisticated way of cooking and its most refreshing taste. It is not only delicious but extremely elegant in appearance also. The local specialties include Beggar's Chicken (an entire chicken cooked in a ball of mud), West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Source (vinegar coated fish from the lake), Dongpo Pork (braised pork) and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea Leaves, and many others.
Entertainment
Hangzhou Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) is considered China's best. It is not only famous for its unique green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat appearance, but is also regarded as a health elixir. The tea falls into different grades; the best is the first pick of a year, normally in late March or early April. Besides its good quality, Longjing Tea also enjoys a famous long history. If you are interested in tea culture and history, Meijiawu Village in West Lake District is the ideal spot where you can have a cup of tea, watch a tea ceremony, and select tea under professional guidance.
In addition to breath-taking scenery and unique handcrafts, Suzhou is rich in cultural heritage. Kun opera, Pingtan (a form of storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect) and Guzheng (a Chinese zither with 25 strings) are the traditional cultural arts of Suzhou and part of the locals' daily lives. Visitors can visit the Garden of Master of Nets at night to enjoy all three of these classical forms of entertainment. Folk music and dancing and six other artistic performances will provide lasting memories of Suzhou City.
Transportation
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), located in Xiaoshan District about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away from downtown Hangzhou, has domestic flight connections with major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, and Guangzhou, and international connections with Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, and Osaka.
National arterial railways connect Hangzhou with cities all around China. Trains from New Train Station or East Train Station reach more than 20 cities directly, including Beijing (1650 kilometers), Shanghai (200 kilometers), and Xian (1550 kilometers) and so on. Tens of thousands of passengers are carried every day. Many travel agencies and hotels will book train tickets. Tourists are encouraged to book soft sleeper tickets for long distance trips and soft seat tickets for travel to nearby cities such as Ningbo (170 kilometers), and Shanghai.
There are four big shuttle bus stations in Hangzhou including East Bus Station, South Bus Station, West Bus Station, and North Bus Station. The convenient highway network can lead to Qingdao in Shandong Province to the north, Shenzhen in Guangdong Province to the south, Yichang in Hubei Province to the West, and Zhoushan to the East.
Tourist Attractions
Six Harmony Pagoda
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is located on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River, and south of West Lake (Xi Hu) and is one of the true masterpieces of ancient Chinese architectures. Originally the pagoda was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581) by the ruler of the Wuyue State, a part of which became Zhejiang Province. The name 'Liuhe' comes from the six Buddhist ordinances and it is said that the reason for building this pagoda is to calm the tidal waters of the Qiantang River, and as a navigational aid. However, the pagoda was completely destroyed during a battle in the year 1121.
