Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political economic and cultural center. With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages Hangzhou is one of China\'s most important tourist venues.

The City the southern terminus of the Grand Canal is located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in southeast China a superior position in the Yangtze Delta and only 180 kilometers from Shanghai. Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon type climate with four quite distinct seasons. However it is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter making it a year round destination.

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The West Lake is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. In this scenic area Solitary Hill the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple are probably the most frequently visited attractions. The "Ten West Lake Prospects" have been specially selected to give the visitor outstanding views of the lake mountains and monuments.

A number of national museums can be found in Hangzhou and are representative of Chinese culture. Fine examples are the National Silk Museum and Tea Museum. Along with the other museums in Hangzhou they provide a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese traditional products.

One of the most important parts of traveling is tasting the local delicacies. Hangzhou dishes are noted for their elaborate preparation sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste. Many local specialties will be sure to make your trip a cultural experience. We recommend that you try Beggar\'s Chicken (a chicken baked in clay) West Lake Fish (vinegar coated fish fresh caught from the lake) Dongpo Pork (braised pork) and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea etc.

The shopping environment in Hangzhou is exciting and convenient. Travelers and tourists like to go to Qing He Fang Street. It is one of the most famous and historic streets in the city and reflects many of the features of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Shoppers will admire the antique buildings while purchasing items from a wide range of local goods such as silks tea or maybe a silk parasol brocade or a beautiful Hangzhou fan. These are just some of the items to be found but there are many more.

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At night Hangzhou has much to offer and teahouses and various kinds of pubs are both plentiful and popular. Choosing one overlooking the West Lake for a pleasant chat over a cup of tea is sure to make you feel totally relaxed and refreshed.

While much of the ancient city that had been the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-nineteenth century today\'s Hangzhou is a modern and vibrant economical center. As such it provides a base for many talented and skilled people. Never the less thanks to its unique setting by the West Lake it continues to enjoy the many benefits of the natural surroundings that have delighted visitors for centuries. Not only was it much vaunted in his writings by the 13 century explorer Marco Polo but the Lake and its environs have inspired poets of great renown such as Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo down the ages. There can be no doubt that visit here is certain to be a memorable one.

An old Chinese saying declares "There is heaven above Suzhou and Hangzhou below." Centuries later Marco Polo called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in all the world. This is most evident in the West Lake area--the effective if not geographic center of Hangzhou. Hills embrace the lake on three sides; the city proper lies to the east. Ancient Chinese people praised the West Lake area as a land of intoxicating beauty. Su Shi a poet from the Song Dynasty likened the lake to Xizi a Chinese Cleopatra for its allure. Ten of the most beautiful sites include:

Spring Dawn at Sudi Causeway

Melting Snow at Broken Bridge

Sunset Glow over Leifeng Hill

Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard

Autumn Moon on Calm Lake (a lakeside park at the west end of the Bai Causeway)

Listening to Orioles Singing in the Willows

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Viewing Fish and Lotus Ponds at Flower Harbor

Evening Bell at Nanping Hill

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

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The West Lake is a like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast land of China reputed for beautiful scenery a multitude of historical sites brilliant cultural relics and a profusion of native products. Legend has it that the West Lake was a heavenly jewel fallen to earth. Pragmatists insist that it is a mere lagoon on Hangzhou\'s western fringe. In any case West Lake has inspired painters for centuries.

In ancient times this place had been an shallow sea gulf before it evolved into a residual lake. The Baidi and Sudi causeways provide access to many parts of the lake. Most of the best known tourist sites lie around and within the lake. With a circumference of 15 kilometers the lake area itself is easy for the visitor to negotiate.