Hangzhou,located along Southeast coast of China,is the capital of Zhejiang Province and works as the center of politics,economy,science,education,and culture of the province.Hangzhou is a key national tourism city,historical city and vice provincial level city as confirmed by the State Council.Hangzhou is renowned as “Paradise on Earth”,“Cultural State”,“Home of Silk”,“Tea Capital”,“Town of Fish and Rice”.
Hangzhou's economy has rapidly developed since its opening up in 1992.It is an industrial city with many diverse sectors such as in light industry,agriculture,textile,It is also considered a important manufacturing base and logistics hub for coastal China.
In 2001,the GDP of the whole city amounts to RMB 156.8 billion which ranks the second among all of the provincial capitals except for Guangzhou.The city has more than tripled GDP in the last eight years,with GDP increasing from RMB ¥156.8 billion in 2001 to RMB ¥509.9 billion in 2009 and GDP per capita increasing from USD 3,025 to USD 10,968.
The city has developed many new industries since,they include medicine,information technology,heavy equipment,automotive components,household electrical appliances,electronics,telecommunication,fine chemicals,chemical fibre and food processing.
Hangzhou is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty.It is often known as one of the most beautiful cities in China.It has been ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China.Although Hangzhou has been through many recent urban developments,it still retains its historical and cultural heritage.Today,tourism remains an important factor for Hangzhou's economy.One of Hangzhou's most popular sights is West Lake.The lake itself covers an area of 6 km2 (600 hectares) and includes some of Hangzhou's most notable historic and scenic places.Adjacent to the lake is a scenic area covering over 50 square kilometres.The area includes historical pagodas,cultural sites,as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills.There are two causeways across the lake.
The native residents of Hangzhou,like those of Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu,speak a Wu dialect.However,the Wu dialect varies throughout the area where it is spoken,hence,Hangzhou's dialect differs from regions in southern Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu.In addition,Mandarin is also spoken.
Tea is an important part of Hangzhou's economy and culture.Hangzhou is best known for originating Longjing,a notable variety of green tea,the most notable type being Xi Hu Long Jing.Known as the best type of Long Jing tea,Xi Hu Long Jing is grown near Xi Hu in Hangzhou,hence its name.
Further,Hangzhou is known for its artistic creations,such as silk,umbrellas,and Chinese hand-held folding fans.
Hangzhou cuisine is the representative of Zhejiang Cuisine,one of China’s eight cuisines.And it wins reputation for freshness,tenderness,softness,smoothness of its dishes with mellow fragrance.A great poet of Song Dynasty once praised it as follows:there’s no food that can compare with the Hangzhou cuisine.
Dishes like West Lake Sour Fish,Dongpo Pork,Longjing Shrimp Meat,Jiaohua Young Chickens,Steam Rice Flower and Pork Wrapped by Lotus Leaves,Braised Bamboo Shoots and Lotus Root Powder are widely known and popular among both local people and tourists.