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City:
Population: |
Hangzhou 1
Million |
|
Province:
Area:
Population: |
Zhejiang
101,800 km2
43.43 Million |
Capital: |
Hangzhou |
Current Temperature: |
|
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Hangzhou is
the capital of Zhejiang and has a population of 1.4 million. Located on the
north shores of the Qianting River in the north of Zhejiang province. Hangzhou
is one of the most attractive cities in China, made famous by the beauty of its
West Lake and its location at the south end of the Grand Canal.
Construction
of the Grand Canal in the late 6th century brought trade and prosperity to
Hangzhou. Later Hangzhou was capital of the Southern Song dynasty between
1127-1279 and it became famous for the beauty of its lake and its scenery. It is
claimed that Marco Polo described Hangzhou as one of the most beautiful places
on earth.
While modern
Hangzhou is developing rapidly to the northeast of the city, the West Lake is
still a peaceful tranquil area. Graceful willows line the shore and cyclists
cross the lake on the causeways as they have for centuries. West Lake is said to
be at its most beautiful in the early morning when the dawn light and mists
enhance the classic "willow pattern" scenes and tai chi enthusiasts
serenely perform their exercises.
Hangzhou is
also famous for producing high quality silk and the city is home to the China
Silk Museum which traces the fabric’s 5,000 year history. The tea grown in the
Longjing plantations to the west of the lake is among the finest in China. A
visit to the plantations and the China Tea Museum is an education in the
traditions and history of this ancient drink.