FIND CHINA introduces Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a sub-provincial city located in the Yangtze River Delta in the People's Republic of China, and the capital of Zhejiang province. Located 180 km southwest of Shanghai, as of 2004 the entire Hangzhou Municipality had a registered population of 6.5 million people.

Hangzhou is also well known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the West Lake as the most noteworthy location.

Hangzhou's climate is Humid Subtropical with four distinctive seasons. The average annual temperature in Hangzhou is 16.2C. The summers are hot and humid, while winters are relatively cool and dry. In July, the hottest month, the average temperature is approximately 33.8C; in January the average temperature is about 3.6C. Hangzhou receives an average annual rainfall of 1450 mm. In mid-summer, Hangzhou, along with other cities in Zhejiang province, suffers typhoon storms, but typhoons seldom strike it directly. Generally they make land along the southern coast of Zhejiang, and affect Hangzhou with strong winds and stormy rains.

Hangzhou is serviced by the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, which has direct flights to Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Singapore, regional routes to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as numerous domestic routes. Located just outside of the city in the Xiaoshan district, it is one of the major secondary international airports in China. Hangzhou Railway Station and the Hangzhou East Railway Station serve the city centre, from which one can catch, a train to Shanghai and almost anywhere in China. A Shanghai-Hangzhou Maglev Train Line has been proposed. North, east, south and west long-distance bus stations offer regular large and small coach services to towns within Zhejiang province and surrounding provinces. Public transport within Hangzhou city is primarily in the form of an extensive public (trolley) bus network. Taxis are also very common. With its line of the newest Hyundai Elantras and Volkswagen Passats, and tight regulations, the city's taxi service is rated amongst the top in the country.

Hangzhou cuisine recognized as one of the eight major schools of cuisine in China, Hangzhou food is characterized by its light flavours, enjoyable presentation and delicate cooking methods. Hangzhou cuisine makes crisp, tender, light and fresh dishes. The most famous dishes include West Lake Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce, Shelled Shrimp with Dragon Well Tea, West Lake Water Shield Soup and Dongpo Pork.