Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province.
It is a world-famous tourist destination, a city with long history and profound
culture, and also one of seven ancient capitals in China. Hangzhou has a long history,
and extensive cultural heritages. As early as in New Stone Age, 4,000 to 5,000 years
ago, its first inhabitants created the splendid Liangzhu Culture, reputely called
the twilight of civilization. Hangzhou was call Qiantang in ancient times. Over
2,200 years has passed since it was designated as the seat of Qiantang county in
Qin Dynasty. In 1129, Hangzhou was renamed Lin'an. In 1138, Southern Song Dynasty
made Lin'an its capital, and since then it served as the capital in the following
140 years.
Hangzhou in an important city in Chinese coastal areas which are developed and wealthy
in the county. Machinery, electronics, chemical engineering, light industry and
textiles are the backbone of Hangzhou industry. Hangzhou is also a famous tourist
city in China. With its beautiful scenery, it shares with Suzhou the reputation
of "paradise of the world".
West Lake
West Lake is the most famous tourist spot in Hangzhou. Surrounded by graceful mountains
on three sides, it has charming scenery and many cultural relics and historic sites.
There are three stone pagodas in the middle of the lake. The main body of the pagodas
is in the shape of a ball and hollow inside. At night, candles are lit in the pagodas,
and their reflections on the lake look like many small moons, hence the name of
"Three Pools Mirroring the Moon".
Six-Harmony pagoda
Built in 970 AD, Six-Harmony Pagoda, 59.89 m tall, stands by Qiantang River. Viewed
from outside, it has 13 floors, however, inside the pagoda, it only has seven floors.
Bore of Qiantang River
Bore of Qiantang River is the most powerful river bore in the world. It occurs in
Haiyan county to the northeast of Hangzhou City. Every year from August 15 to 18
in the Lunar Calendar, the spectacular high tidal waves rush to the narrow estuary
where Qiantang River flows into the sea.
Do you know?
Temple of General Yue Fei is dedicated to Yue Fei, a national hero of Southern Song
Dynasty. He led Song troops and defeated enemies many times, until he was betrayed
by a treacherous official name Qin Hui. People of a later generation built the temple
to commemorate Yue Fei. The four iron statues kneeling before the tomb of General
Yue Fei stand for Qin Hui and other three treacherous officials.
Hangzhou has mild climate and clear distinction between four seasons. It is rich
in products. The locally produced silk is especially treasured by visitors both
at home and abroad.
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