Hangzhou City, abbreviated as "Hangzhou", known as Lin'an, Qiantang and Wulin in ancient times, is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the seven ancient capitals of China.
Located in the northern part of Zhejiang Province and the lower reaches of the Qiantang River, Hangzhou is a city in the central area of the Yangtze River Delta and a global financial technology center. It is a subtropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, abundant rainfall, shorter spring and autumn, longer winter and summer; The topography of the city gradually decreases from west to east, and there are low hills, river valley basins, and accumulation plains.
The core charm of Hangzhou is undoubtedly the West Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by mountains, which has its own unique charm in all seasons, attracting countless literati and artists to leave a swan song here.
You can take a boat on the lake and feel the poetry of "the water is shining and the sun is good", or stroll on the Su Causeway and the White Causeway, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery; The West Lake is dotted with historical monuments such as Leifeng Pagoda and Lingyin Temple, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of nature while also appreciating the profound cultural atmosphere;
In addition to the West Lake, Hangzhou is also known for its unique culture and industry, which is the origin of the famous Longjing tea, and has the reputation of "tea capital"; At the same time, Hangzhou is also the world-renowned "Silk House", where exquisite silk products and ancient silk crafts are inherited;
In recent years, with the rise of Internet giants such as Alibaba, Hangzhou has become a highland of innovation in China's digital economy, showing the unique charm of the perfect combination of ancient city and modern technology.
What is there to do in Hangzhou China?
The best time to visit Hangzhou is from March to May in the spring and September to November in the fall.
In spring, Hangzhou is in full bloom and has a warm and pleasant climate, which is perfect for outdoor activities and views of West Lake.
In autumn, when the temperature is moderate, the sky is clear, and the air is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, it is an ideal time to watch the tide of the Qiantang River and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
These two seasons are the most ideal weather conditions for visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Hangzhou.
The ruins of the ancient city of Liangzhu are the dawn of Chinese civilization, and its jade and complex social structure show the splendor of prehistoric civilization.
Hangzhou became the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Lin'an, for 138 years, and was one of the most prosperous cities in the world at that time, forming a unique Southern Song Dynasty culture.
Hangzhou is also the host of the G20 Summit, demonstrating its charm as a modern international city.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hangzhou
Included in the《World Heritage List in June 2011》, with“unique landscape of the trinity of lakes/rivers/mountains”as the core value, It covers iconic attractions such as Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda
Included in the《World Heritage List in June 2014》, with a total length of about 39 kilometers, it is an important part of the southernmost part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal
Included in the《World Heritage List in July 2019》, as the center of the Neolithic Liangzhu culture, it showcases the urban form and agricultural achievements of the early Chinese civilization
Explore Hangzhou's rich intangible cultural heritage and learn about traditional crafts and cultural essence
2009-09Included
Yuhang Qingshui silk cotton production technology and Hangluo weaving technology are important parts of Chinese sericulture silk weaving technology. Yuhang Qingshui Silk Cotton is named after the water purification and bleaching, and the production is completed through six processes, such as selecting cocoons, boiling cocoons, rinsing, peeling cocoons to make“small pockets”, pulling cotton supports“large pockets,”and drying. Hangluo is made of pure mulberry silk with plain weave and leno organization, and the silk surface has equidistant straight or horizontal strip yarn holes, with clear eyelets and smooth texture.
2003-11Included
Zhejiang School is one of the oldest guqin schools in China, and its founder is the famous pianist Guo Wei in the Southern Song Dynasty. The fingering of the Zhejiang-style guqin is mellow and the rhythm is compact, and the performance pursues the“subtle, wonderful, round, and”timbre, and refers to the artistic realm of“clear, subtle, light, and far-”.
2009-09Included
Xiling Seal Society was founded in the 30th year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, and is a non-governmental organization mainly engaged in the creation and research of gold and stone seal carving, as well as the creation of calligraphy and painting. The achievement of gold and stone seal carving is high, unparalleled in the sea, Wu Changshuo, Wang Fu'an, etc., among the members of the society, are the generation of famous masters who founded the sect, and there are many fine products handed down from generation to generation.
2022-11Included
West Lake Longjing Tea is a treasure among Chinese green teas, and is famous for its unique“color, fragrance, mellow taste, and”beauty. Its production skills have a long history and exquisite skills, and it is an important representative of Hangzhou's tea culture.
Transportation you must know when visiting Hangzhou
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport has opened Metro Line 1, Metro Line 7 and Metro Line 19, which can directly reach the city.
In addition, the airport bus line covers the main transportation hubs of Hangzhou, and the ticket price is about 20-25 yuan.
Hangzhou's main railway stations include: Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou South Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station (City Station) and Hangzhou West Railway Station, which are the core hubs of high-speed rail.
It only takes 46 minutes to reach Shanghai directly by high-speed train.
Hangzhou Metro currently operates 12 lines.
Some metro stations offer luggage trolley services, with fares ranging from 2 to 12 yuan.
Passengers can pay using the「Hangzhou Metro」app, Alipay, and the transportation joint card.
There are a total of 1,139 bus lines in Hangzhou, including special routes such as the 520 double-decker bus with a weekday fare of 2 yuan and the holiday fare of 5 yuan, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal water bus with a fare of 3 yuan.
Hangzhou has also launched special bus services such as digital tourism lines and cross-city co-prosperity buses.
The starting price of a taxi in Hangzhou is 13 yuan (within 3 kilometers), and after more than 3 kilometers, the renewal unit price is 2.5 yuan/km.
During peak periods, ride-hailing services may need to wait in line, so it is recommended to use「Didi Chuxing」to book in advance.
Hangzhou public bicycles (little red cars) provide free riding service for the first hour, and there are 5,800 service points in the city.
The average cost of a shared bicycle is about 1 yuan per 20 minutes, and it is possible to return the bicycle at the location designated by the electronic fence.
What to eat in Hangzhou, you need to know
Braised Dongpo Pork
the most famous local specialties; The pork belly is fat and thin, crispy and flavorful, and the soup is thick and sweet; Named after the famous poet Su Dongpo; The flavor is intense.
Scallions Wrapped in Pancake
traditional snacks with a unique Hangzhou flavor; The outer skin is crispy, and the inner filling is full of green onions; Related to historical figures.
Fried Shrimps with Long Jing Tea
Hangzhou special flavor; a unique combination of shrimp and tea; The taste is light and refreshing; Beautiful appearance.
Pianer Chuan Noodle
Hangzhou's famous noodles; The salty soup is served with cabbage, bamboo shoots and pork; It is listed as one of the "Top Ten Famous Faces in China".
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
Hangzhou's traditional famous dishes; Sweet and sour; Its origins are linked to a story of revenge.