Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the seven ancient capitals in China, has a population of 1.02 million. Dating back to the Neolithic Age, Chinese ancestors began to live and work here. During the reign of Emperor Yang Di of the Sui (581--618), there was dug the Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou, which promoted the development of Hangzhou's economy and culture. During the Five Dynasties (907--960) and the Southern Song (1127--1279), Hangzhou served as the capital.
  Hangzhou is a city world famous for its natural beauty, numerous historic sites and a world of archaeological and cultural relics.

  In the 13th century, Italian traveler Marco Polo described Hangzhou as "the most beautiful and prosperous town in the world". Of great scenic interest is the West Lake, with ten scenic wonders, namely, Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge, Autumn Moon on the calm Lake, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Twin Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, Morning Bell at Nanping Hill, Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda and Orioles Singing in the Willows.

  Other scenic sites include the tomb of Yue Fei, Temple of Yue Fei, Temple of Soul's Retreat, Tiger-running Spring, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Great Tides of the Qiantang River.
  Hangzhou has been well-known for its arts and handicrafts and a wide variety of local products, such as silk, brocade, silk umbrellas, fans, scissors, wood carving, celadonware, Dragon Well Tea, water shield from the West Lake, lotus root starch, chopsticks, Jinhua ham, etc. All make precious gifts for friends.

  Hotels in Hangzhou are well appointed, with quite and comfortable environment. Most famous are the Hangzhou Hotel, West Lake Hotel, Huajiashan Hotel, Hangzhou Guest House and Wanghu Guest house.
  Scheduled trains and passenger planes go from Hangzhou to other major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Nanjing, etc.

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