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A driver has an electric car charged in Hangzhou. [By Qu Wei / Beijing Review]

Cultural heritage

Hangzhou is a suitable place to learn more about Chinese history. The city was built over 2,200 years ago and was the capital of China's seven dynasties, leaving behind a vast range of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Over 100 museums are spread across the city, including the large Zhejiang Provincial Museum and Hangzhou Museum. There are also numerous themed museums in small neighborhoods, discreetly tucked away from regular tourists. These gems can be unearthed by the more earnest travelers.

Since Hangzhou is known as the land of tea and silk, the tea and silk museums are big draws. Equally famous worldwide is the Hangzhou brocade of richly decorative fabrics made from colored silks. The museum of the Hangzhou brocade, named after Du Jinsheng, the brocade entrepreneur, provides different samples as well as history and art. The secrets of the Chinese technique eventually spread west via the ancient Silk Road. Even today, brocade is used as a state gift. It was given to former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush by their Chinese counterparts.

Visiting the porcelain museum is also a must in Hangzhou. As the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the city witnessed not only the political gloom of the defeated court and emperors, who had established the capital in Hangzhou after withdrawing from north China, but also the extravagant lifestyle of royal and noble families. Consequently, elegant porcelain wares were in great demand. The history of ceramic production can be found in the Southern Song Royal Kiln Museum.

These museums demonstrate Hangzhou's many special contributions to China's social development. The China Finance and Taxation Museum was built on a hill overlooking the West Lake and may be the only museum of its kind dedicated to the long history of China's financial system. War bonds and debt certificates from the early 19th century are well preserved, reminding people of the economic deprivation many faced and how governments were humiliated by an empty treasury routinely laden with foreign and domestic debt.

There are also museums dedicated to Hangzhou's history as a manufacturing base of tools and weapons. The China Knife, Scissors and Sword Museum underlines this history. In ancient times, locally made swords were the favorites of generals. Nowadays, the scissor brand Zhangxiaoquan is still chosen as a gift or souvenir by Chinese tourists. There is even a museum of Hangzhou cuisine, reflecting its status as one of the eight cooking systems within traditional Chinese gastronomy. The typical Hangzhou food exhibited in the museum resembles actual food so well, visitors are left in want of a good restaurant.

Qingzhiwu, a street full of cafés and restaurants [By Qu Wei / Beijing Review]

Comfort and convenience

China is a large country that still has a prominent level of economic disparity between its more developed east and less developed west. Income diversity in different regions remains stark. Hangzhou and its province of Zhejiang have traditionally been affluent, with statistics showing per-capita GDP of 112,268 yuan or $18,025 in Hangzhou in 2015, much higher than the national average of 49,351 yuan or $7,924. The prosperous economy has given many locals a comfortable life. Statistics show the service sector contributed 74.6 percent of Hangzhou's GDP growth in 2015.

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

The chance to sample local delicacies also helps draw the crowds. While some luxurious restaurants provide formal dining 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 has direct flights to several foreign cities including Amsterdam, Doha, and Seoul as well as many 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 at reasonable prices. Many places also offer bicycle rental free for one hour and at a minimal cost thereafter.

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