Hangzhous

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, lies at the southern end of the Grand Canal and at the head of Hangzhou Bay, near Shanghai. The city sits beside the Qiantang River and is renowned for West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its scenery and cultural associations.

Historically, the area has been settled since ancient times and rose as a political and commercial center along the Grand Canal. In 1127, the Southern Song court established Lin'an as the capital, a status it held until 1279. The city’s prosperity during this era supported tea, silk, and a vibrant urban culture.

In modern times, Hangzhou has emerged as a major economic and technological hub. It hosts a cluster of tech firms and is home to the Alibaba Group, contributing to a digital economy that includes e-commerce, cloud computing, and logistics. The city is served by Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and an expanding rail network, with a modern metro system connecting to surrounding regions.

Tourism and culture remain central to Hangzhou’s identity. Beyond West Lake, attractions include Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, and Xixi National Wetland Park, as well as traditional streets like Qinghefang. Surrounding hills and tea plantations produce Longjing green tea, a symbol of regional heritage.

Administratively, Hangzhou is a prefecture-level city and provincial capital, subdivided into districts that form a large urban area with millions of residents.

Note on the term Hangzhous: the standard English name is Hangzhou. Hangzhous is not a formal designation.