13 Interesting facts about Hangzhou

One of China’s most eternally popular holiday destinations, Hangzhou is famous for its natural beauty and historical heritage. Located at the head of Hangzhou Bay, Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang Province. The city has been one of the most renowned and affluent cities of China for the last millennium. A manufacturing hub, industrial city, Hangzhou is immortalized by several renowned poets and artists. The city has a lot of places rich in natural beauty such as the city’s West Lake. It is a tourism magnet for people from every corner of the world. If you are planning to pay a visit, make sure you are aware of the following intriguing facts about Hangzhou:

image: mildchina.com

1. 4^th Largest Metropolis of China

The Hangzhou metropolitan area is known to be the fourth largest in China. It is located in the north of Hangzhou Bay, which separates Shanghai and Ningbo.
source: Wikipedia

2. Take A Stroll Along The West Lake

The West Lake is known to be the best-known attraction of Hangzhou in terms of the scenic beauty and serenity. The lake gives a panoramic view of the city’s highlights to the tourists. The peaceful culture of the lake makes everyone feel like it’s a “Heaven on the Earth.” Since June 2011, it has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
source: travelchinaguide.com, image: amazingchinatrip.com

3. Place Of Sub Tropical Climate

Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate which makes it one of the most popular travel destinations in China. The city observes very hot, humid summers and chilly, cloudy winters with the possibility of snow sometimes.
source: travelchinaguide.com

4. Number One In Forbes Magazine

Forbes Magazine ranked Hangzhou the number 1 city for business in China in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
source: studentorient.org

5. Gonna Host 2022 Asian Games

In September 2015, Hangzhou was decided to host the 2022 Asian Games. It will be the third Chinese city to host the Asian Games after Beijing 1990 and Guangzhou 2010.
source: Wikipedia

6. The Longest Canal In The World

The Grand Canal located in Hangzhou is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. It is also referred to as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The Grand Canal comes in the UNESCO heritage sites list as well.
source: ducksters.com, image: worldfortravel.com

7. See What Marco Polo said?

European traveler Macro Polo admired Hangzhou as “the Most Splendid and Luxurious City in the World” and “The city of heaven”.
source: topchinatravel.com, image: xvatit.com

8. Don’t Miss The Lingyin Temple

The Lingyin Temple is one of the three oldest and most famous temples in China. There are several Buddhist stone statues beautifully carved that represent rich historic heritage and culture of China.
source: topchinatravel.com, image: img.91ddcc.com

9. Silk Capital Of China

It has always been regarded as the “Silk City”.  You would easily find silk clothing everywhere in Hangzhou. Silk produced in Hangzhou is soft, luxurious, and decorative.
source: chinahighlights.com, image: 3.bp.blogspot.com

10. Largest Bike Sharing System

Hangzhou has the largest bike sharing system in the world. Anyone who loves to bike can rent a bicycle and enjoy one hour’s free bicycling. There are a number of bike rental stations available across the city.
source: chinahighlights.com, image: bikeshare.com

11. Add Longjing Tea To Your List!

Longjing tea is produced in a town near Hangzhou at the Longjing or Dragon Well. It is among the only remaining places where tea is still baked by hand. This place is famous in China for producing one of the finest green teas.
source: gotohangzhou.com, image: teasun.com.au

12. Inspiration For Poets And Artists

Famous Chinese poet Su Dongpo is known to be quite obsessed with the beauty of West Lake. He would spend his time writing poems about Hangzhou’s West Lake. Bai Juyi, a Tang Dynasty poet, and top Hangzhou official also wrote a number of poems about West Lake and Hangzhou’s majestic beauty.
source: en.gotohz.com, image: parsseh.com

13. Six Harmonies Pagoda

Liuhe Pagoda literally Six Harmonies Pagoda, is a multi-story Chinese pagoda in southern Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. It is situated at the foot of Yuelun Hill, facing the Qiantang River. It was originally built in 970 AD.
source: Wikipedia, image: travelzhejiang.com