Hangzhou, the Paradise on Earth

West Lake in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province [Photo/ehangzhou.gov.cn]

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, is a gentle sort of city, one with a charm all its own. It is not as overwhelming as China's immense metropolises. It has a different sort of beauty, in the same way girls from the north of China differ from those in the south, a beauty that can be seen in every bridge or river, in an April shower, in the falling leaves in its parks and along its streets, and in the winter sunshine.

With a 2,200-year history, Hangzhou is one of China's seven ancient capitals. It currently serves as an economic, cultural, technological and educational center in East China's Zhejiang province.

Hangzhou has legendary beauty spots. Boasting two World Heritage Sites, West Lake and the Great Canal, impressive natural scenery and majestic buildings all blend in harmony. Rapid development and ongoing improvement of people's lives enrich and complement one another.

Characteristic towns in Hangzhou have a style of their own. Cultural halls prompted changes in rural areas.

Hangzhou is setting a fine example of "Beautiful China", as it strives to be worthy of its reputation of "Paradise on Earth".