Hangzhou, China

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City Description

Hangzhou, the capital and most populous city of Zhejiang Province, China, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and economic prowess. Located in the northeastern part of the province, Hangzhou sits at the head of Hangzhou Bay, which separates it from Shanghai and Ningbo. The city covers an area of 8,107.9 square kilometers (3,130.5 square miles) and had a population of 11,936,010 according to the 2020 Chinese census. The Hangzhou metropolitan area, which includes urban districts in both Hangzhou and Shaoxing, has a population of 13.035 million.

Hangzhou has a long and storied history, growing to prominence as the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, an engineering marvel that connected the city to Beijing and facilitated trade and cultural exchange. This strategic location made Hangzhou one of China’s most renowned and prosperous cities for much of the last millennium.

Geographically, Hangzhou is situated in a picturesque region with the famous West Lake to the west of the city. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its scenic beauty, inspiring poets, artists, and scholars throughout Chinese history. The city is also part of the Yangtze River Delta, one of the most dynamic and economically significant regions in China.

Culturally, Hangzhou is a hub of traditional Chinese culture and modern innovation. The city has been repeatedly rated as the best commercial city in mainland China by Forbes and as the Chinese city with the highest growth potential by the Economist Intelligence Unit. It is classified as a Beta (global second-tier) city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC), ranking alongside Chongqing, Nanjing, and Tianjin. Hangzhou is also one of the world’s top 100 financial centers, according to the Global Financial Centres Index.

Economically, Hangzhou is a powerhouse, with a gross metropolitan product (nominal) of 4 trillion yuan (US$590 billion) in 2022, making it larger than the economy of Sweden. The city boasts the eighth largest GDP among cities in mainland China, around 1.8 trillion RMB (US$280 billion). Hangzhou is home to the headquarters of major global tech companies such as Alibaba Group, Ant Group, and NetEase, attracting professionals and entrepreneurs in the information technology sector. As of August 2023, Hangzhou has the tenth-most Fortune Global 500 headquarters of any city in the world and the fourth-most in China, after Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Hangzhou is also a major center for scientific research, ranking 16th globally by scientific output. It hosts several prestigious universities, including Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou Normal University, and Westlake University. These institutions contribute to the city’s reputation as a hub of innovation and education.

The city’s human resources are well-developed, with a strong emphasis on higher education and research. This focus has fostered a highly skilled workforce, essential for the city’s thriving tech and manufacturing industries.

Tourism plays a significant role in Hangzhou’s economy, with attractions like West Lake, the historic Lingyin Temple, and the picturesque Longjing tea plantations drawing visitors from around the world. In 2023, Hangzhou became the third Chinese city to host the Asian Games, after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010, and also hosted the Asian Para Games, enhancing its international profile.

Hangzhou also hosted the 11th G20 summit in 2016, showcasing its importance on the global stage. The city’s blend of traditional culture, natural beauty, and modern economic strength makes it a unique and dynamic urban center in China.