Hangzhou is the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in Eastern China. Famous for its scenic splendor, it attracts more than 20 million tourists from home and abroad every year. Its unique environment endowed by nature and those who have lived here, is an accumulation of several thousand years that has formed many world renowned natural, historical and cultural features.

Whenever talking about this city, the famous West Lake can never be far from one's thoughts. Held on three sides in the embrace of hilly peaks, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favorite imperial retreat.

The Solitary Hill lies between the Outer Lake and the North Inner Lake and is an ideal. For those who have a love of sculpture and art and those who have a particular interest in Buddhism the Peak Flown From Afar and the Temple of the Soul's Retreat are the must see attractions. These buildings together with others in the vicinity of the lake add to the calm and beauty of their surroundings.

Apart from the spots mentioned above, Botanical Garden, Running Tiger Spring, Putuoshan Scenic Spot, Red Carp Pond, Thousand Islets Lake (Qian Dao Lake) and Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds are also recommended.

No visitor to the West Lake and the city can fail to learn something of this city's most famous products, namely silk and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. China National Silk Museum is the country's first national museum to be dedicated to silk culture and is the largest of its kind in the world. A similar museum is dedicated in homage to tea. Located at the West Lake Dragon Well Tea Plantation, the National Tea Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of tea.

Another natural spectacle to be found in the city is the Qiantang River Tide that has enthralled people for centuries. When the surging tide comes, the water can rise up to a height of 30 feet and the noise it generates sounds like thunder, or thousands of galloping horses.

The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking the city in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.

Around the city area, there are also some other points of interest for travelers to find. For example, Wuzhen, ranking first among the six ancient towns south of the Yangtze River was authorized as the Provincial Ancient Town of History and Culture. Xitang is a famous town with thousands of years of history. Mogan Mountain has been listed as one of the 'Four Best Summer Resorts in China' along with Beidaihe Scenic Spot, Mt. Lushan and Jigong Mountain. Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area is known for its beautiful scenery and for being the cradle of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism.

Hangzhou, with its surrounding hills, water and numerous beautiful sightseeing places, has been ranked as one of the ten best famous tourist cities in the country.