History mentioned how Marco Polo generously praised this city: "Beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world." Hángzhōu's most popular site is the West Lake, which is comprised of one hill, two causeways, three man-made islands and five lakes. The panoramic view is just spectacular that has garnered homage from emperors, scholars, poets, and national heroes since ancient dynasties.
Located in the Yangtze River Delta and on the southwest reaches of Shanghai, Hángzhōu enjoys moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid while winters are cool, dry and bearable, making it a favorable destination all year round.
But aside from being a tourist destination, Hángzhōu's districts are fuelled up to attain economic success; Xiaoshan district serves as the transportation and distributing hub of the province. With more than 12,000 industrial zones for light textile, dyeing and garments, it ranks 7th among China's Best 100 Counties and first in terms of economic growth.
Yuhang district, dubbed as "the land flowing with milk and honey, the place of flower and fruits, the source of silk and tea and the state of cultural relics," takes pride in the success of their major industries such as textiles and garments, machinery and electronics, building materials, medicine, chemical engineering and food.
The district of Shangcheng is the pillar industries that comprise of food and beverage, home appliances and machinery and electronics while Xiacheng district attracts businesses in culture, scientific research, journalism and finance.
For the district of Gongshu, manufacturing, metallurgy, electronics and other industries are in full throttle while adhering to environment protection policies. Aside from being home to the renowned West Lake, Xihu district boasts of its metropolitan agricultural development and ecology-friendliness.
Other significant district include Fuyang's for paper-manufacturing, light textile, biochemistry and telecommunication equipment, Lin'an as the hometown of Chinese Folk Calligraphy and Painting Art, Tonglu for its manufacturing bases of ballpoint pens and exporting base of bee products, Jiande as a paradise for tourists and businessmen and Chun'an, which currently focuses on water industry and sets priority to develop further the high-tech industry.
Just like anywhere in China, the haggle-friendly day shops and even cheaper night markets will make you rethink about bringing your entire closet. To bring an empty luggage and fill it up in Hángzhōu sounds like a good plan. However, the Chinese are of smaller frame and this means most items may be too small for Western standards. Make sure to bring your favorite pieces or have new ones tailored in local stores.
This also applies for first aid kit and medicines; the ones sold in Hángzhōu are in written in Chinese characters. Expats should take up a few lesson of Mandarin, this is a good start to learn the ropes and make new friends,
A recent study shows that Hángzhōu is China's second happiest city, next to Chengdu in Hebei, and with friendly residents, along with the beautiful sceneries and employment opportunities, you know you've come to the right place.
