Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the capital of Green tea, home of the stunning beautiful West Lake, and one of the top scenic resorts for thousands of years!

With a history of over 2,200 years, Hangzhou is one of the seven ancient capital cities of China (The other six are Anyang, Xi’an, Luoyang, Nanjing, Kaifeng, and Beijing). Hangzhou gained importance when the Grand Canal was built (581-618 A.D.), with Beijing as the northern terminus and Hangzhou as the southern terminus. The Grand Canal is the main waterway transportation ever since the 7th Century until now. After all those centuries and still working! It is 1,794 kilometers (1,115 miles) long, running from Beijing to Hangzhou.

Hangzhou rose to be the capital of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 A.D.) when, forced to flee before the invading Jurchen, the Song Dynasty Emperor Gaozong (1107-1187) moved the capital southwards from Kaifeng to Hangzhou. This was the start of the Southern Song Dynasty, and both two governments existed at the same time. Under the patronage of this court, Hangzhou reached its heyday, with the flourish of arts, poets, famous scholars, trade and commerce. Marco Polo paid the highest compliment to Hangzhou, referring to it as “The finest and most splendid city in the world!”

During the Qing dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.), the Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong, built both a palace and a library here to show their affection for Hangzhou. Hundreds of years later, Chairman Mao was smitten by its charm, and always came to Hangzhou for his vacations.

Hangzhou is the home town of Green Tea, especially Dragon Well Tea. It is the best place to visit the tea gardens and see the tea girls’ hand-pick the fresh tender tea bud with the fresh dew still on it!

West Lake is the most famous landmark of Hangzhou. It is one of the most picturesque lakes in China! There are hundreds if not thousands of poems to describe the beauty of the West Lake; in all four seasons, under the moonshine or sunset, in the snow or fog, every bridge, every tower and every flower! Not only famous because of its dramatic scenery, but also for the beautiful, timeless stories and legends surrounding it!

The dramatic scenery, rich culture, historical background with the beautiful stories and legends make Hangzhou a romantic destination for your tour to China!