Welcome to www.hangzhou.gov.cn , the gateway website of Hangzhou Government.

Hangzhou, known as Paradise on Earth, is on 30 degree north latitude and 120 degree east longitude on the world map.

Hangzhou is an international tourism city and one of the 7 ancient capitals in China. Under the precondition of esteeming historical cultures, Hangzhou has been experiencing great changes in terms of its local economy, social causes, and city visage along with rebuilding of old town area, renovating around the West Lake, westward expansion of the West Lake, constructing metropolis and a new paradise. The total area of Hangzhou is 16,596 square kilometers, 3,068 of which are the area of city proper. Under its jurisdiction are 8 districts of Shangcheng, Xiacheng, Gongshu, Jianggan, Xihu (West Lake), Binjiang, Xiaoshan and Yuhang; 3 county-level cities of Lin'an, Fuyang, and Jiande; and 2 counties of Tonglu and Chun'an. Hangzhou has a total population 6.4278 million, 3.932 of which are urban residents. Its City Tree is fragrant camphor and City flower osmanthus.

Hangzhou has Qiantang River and the West Lake. The literary figures of the past dynasties left their frequently cited poems praising the mountains and waters in Hangzhou."The west lake may be well compared to Xizi of ancient beauty, no matter how she adorns herself, lightly or heavily."You can find her various charming postures if you visit Hangzhou in different times or places. The West Lake for Hangzhou is like the eyes and eyebrows for a person: the tenderness and affection enchant all visitors here.

Blessed with rich products, Hangzhou is a city of leisure and the people are leading an affluent life. Throughout history, Hangzhou has won many honors like"City of Civilization","Land Abundant in Fish and Rice","Home of Silk", and"Capital of Tea". Marco Polo, the Italian traveler, once applauded Hangzhou as"the most splendid and luxurious city in the world". As a central city situated on the southern wing of the Yangtze Delta, Hangzhou has been famous for its commerce and trade through the ages. Currently, its comprehensive economic strength ranks second among all the provincial capitals in China.

Additionally, Hangzhou is a City of Honors, and attracts favorable comments from authorities both at home and abroad. In 2001, Hangzhou won UN Human Habitat Award; in 2002, it won the honor of International Garden City; in 2003, it was assessed as the Most Secure City by the Ministry of Public Security according to public and private investigations; in 2003 and 2004, the World Bank successively credited Hangzhou as the No. 1 of the Cities with Best Investment Environment in China; in 2004, Oriental Outlook assessed Hangzhou as the Happiest City; Forbes listed Hangzhou No. 1 among the Top 10 Best Commercial Cities in Mainland China 2004; CCTV assessed Hangzhou as one of cities with the greatest economic development vitality.

Hangzhou is committed to establishing a government of service, responsibility and nomocracy. The municipal government will exert its best efforts to make sure that visitors, career pursuers, residents and learners in Hangzhou feel much happier than ever before. Please contact us if you have any ideas or suggestions with regard to our duties.

The genial, hospitable, kind, and friendly people of Hangzhou are looking forward to your visit and investment here.

Cai Qi Mayor of Hangzhou April 2007