Study in Hangzhou, Reside in the Paradise on Earth
— A City Introduction for International Students (Condensed)
Hangzhou is the capital and sub-provincial city of Zhejiang Province. It is situated on the southern flank of the Yangtze River Delta, in the lower reaches of the Qiantang River, and marks the southern terminus of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. As an ancient poem puts it, “A place of grandeur in the southeast, a hub of the Three Wu regions, Qiantang has prospered since antiquity.” This time-honored ancient city enjoys the reputation of “Paradise on Earth”, and the proverb “Above is heaven, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou” has been passed down through generations. For international students, Hangzhou presents both the poetic grace of Jiangnan landscapes and the dynamism of a modern metropolis.
A Paradise on Earth, a Digital Innovation Hub
Three World Heritage Sites in One City
As one of China’s seven great ancient capitals, Hangzhou was once the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom and the Southern Song Dynasty, boasting profound historical and cultural heritage. Notably, the city shelters three World Heritage Sites within its territory: the West Lake Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2011; the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal of China earned its spot in 2014; and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City secured World Heritage status in 2019, furnishing tangible evidence for China’s over 5,000‑year‑long civilization. Cultural relics and scenic spots including Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda and Yue Fei Temple spread across the whole city, and West Lake, enchanting in every season, enjoys worldwide fame.
A City of Higher-Learning Institutions
Hangzhou abounds with higher-education resources. Founded in 1897, Zhejiang University, whose predecessor was Qiushi Academy, ranks among China’s earliest modern institutions of higher education. In 1998, the new Zhejiang University was formed through the merger of the former Zhejiang University, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agricultural University and Zhejiang Medical University. It is one of the first-batch universities under China’s “Project 211” and “Project 985”, featuring a complete array of academic disciplines. Founded in 1928, the China Academy of Art is China’s first comprehensive national higher-education art institution. Provincial key universities such as Hangzhou Dianzi University, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou Normal University and Zhejiang Gongshang University each have distinctive strengths. They offer multi‑level programs for international students, including degree-granting programs, Chinese-language courses and short-term exchange programs.
Digital Economy and Open Vitality
Hangzhou is a core hub for China’s digital economy and a well-known capital of e-commerce, hosting the headquarters of internet enterprises including Alibaba. Mobile payment has been deeply integrated into daily life, bringing great convenience for international students. The G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in Hangzhou in 2016, and the 19th Asian Games were successfully hosted here in 2023, further elevating the city’s global profile. The Qiantang River Tidal Bore is hailed as a spectacular natural wonder. Xiaoshan International Airport operates numerous air routes, and the high‑speed-rail network delivers convenient and efficient transportation services.
A Livable City of Poetic Charm
Hangzhou is renowned at home and abroad as “the home of silk and tea”. West Lake Longjing tea boasts a far-reaching aroma, and silk weaving has a long‑standing history here. Reeds billow like snow at Xixi National Wetland Park, and Thousand Island Lake dazzles with rippling blue waters. The subtropical monsoon climate gives rise to four well-defined seasons. Here you can grasp opportunities offered by a metropolis while savouring the serenity of mountains and waters, allowing academic pursuits and daily life to complement one another perfectly.
Closing Words
“As West Lake compares to the beauty Xizi, she is always lovely, be she lightly or richly adorned.” Welcome to pursue your studies in Hangzhou. Amid picturesque lakes-and-mountains scenery and surging digital trends, you will harvest a one-of-a-kind overseas-study experience.
Note: This text follows the structure of the Zhejiang introduction on the “Study in China” website (www.studyinchina.edu.cn) and was rewritten with publicly available information about Hangzhou. All figures are subject to the latest official releases. This is a rewriting sample only and does not represent any official statement.