Hangzhou: Ancient yet Modern City

Comfort and Convenience

China is a large country where there is still a prominent economic disparity between the more developed east and less developed west. Income diversity in different regions remains stark. Hangzhou and its province of Zhejiang are traditionally affluent, 2015 statistics showing a per capita GDP of RMB 112,268 (US $18,025), much higher than the national average of RMB 49,351 (US $7,924). This prosperous economy has given many locals a comfortable life. Statistics show that service sectors contributed 74.6 percent to Hangzhou’s GDP growth in 2015.

The typical Xixi National Wetland Park scenery of wild weeds along the waterline and waterfowl swimming on the lakes.

Hangzhou is a convenient travel destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. There is a multitude of international hotels and cozy boutique inns, with prices that cater to both budget and luxury travelers, and everything in between.

The chance to sample local delicacies also helps draw the crowds. While some luxurious restaurants provide formal and banquet feasts, some small streets flanked by eateries are ideal places for foodies. The wide range of food choices on offer and reasonable prices appeal to both locals and visitors.

Hangzhou is also a transport hub in China. The nearby Xiaoshan International Airport, about a 30-minute drive from downtown, has direct flights to several foreign cities including Amsterdam, Doha, and Seoul as well as a number of domestic flights to cities such as Beijing. Hangzhou’s two train stations also link the city to every region in China. Within the city itself one can take the metro, taxi, or bus for a reasonable price. Many places also offer bicycle rentals free for the first hour and at a minimal cost thereafter.

Open and Innovative

People in Hangzhou are proud of the city’s spirit – open and creative. The Museum of the West Lake International Expo, about the event itself held from June 6 to October 10, 1929 that attracted over 20 million visitors from home and abroad, showcases the fledgling industry of the time and the international attention it garnered.

Nowadays, Hangzhou has become almost synonymous with mega-companies such as e-commerce giant Alibaba, leading Chinese carmaker Geely Auto that owns Volvo, and thousands of smaller, vibrant enterprises headquartered in the city. Recently, Hangzhou has developed into a regular venue for national and international conferences, exhibitions and fairs. The annual international animation fair is an industrial gala. Locals tend to know the city’s past and present well. They often speak of the Italian businessman and traveler Marco Polo, who visited China in the 13th century, spending many years there. Upon returning home he wrote, “It is without doubt that the finest and most splendid city in the world is Hangzhou.”