Eastern China Places
- Overview
- Places to Explore
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
- Chinese Phrases
- Guidebooks
Zhejiang
The province of Zhejiang showcases the region's agricultural prowess and dedication to nature, even as it is one of the most populous urban regions of China. The capital city of Hangzhou is famous for its West Lake, which is visited by millions of tourists annually. A center of culture and trade, Zhejiang is also one of China's wealthiest provinces. Hangzhou served as one of the eight ancient capital cities of the country, after the Song Dynasty rulers fled Jurchen invaders. Throughout history, the city also benefited from its position as the last stop on the Grand Canal, the conduit for supplying goods to the imperial north.
Shaoxing showcases another aspect of Zhejiang life. The small-town flavor of this city-on-canals remains, despite a growing population. Several high-profile figures helped put Shaoxing on the map, including former Premier Zhou Enlai, and novelist Lu Xun.
Geographically, the river basin's plains in the north near Shanghai give way to mountains in the south of the province. Besides grain, the province also is recognized in China for its tea, crafts, silk production, and long tradition of sculpture and carving.
Zhejiang at a Glance
Sights
- Cai Yuanpei's House
- Catholic Church of St. Joseph
- China National Silk Museum (Zhongguo Sichou Bowuguan)
- China Tea Museum (Zhongguo Chaye Bowuguan)
- Dragon Well Tea Park (Longjing Wencha)
- East Lake (Dong Hu)
- Evening Sunlight at Thunder Peak Pagoda (Leifeng Xizhao)
- Figure 8 Bridge (Bazi Qiao Bridge)
- Lu Xun Family Home (Lu Xun Gu Ju)
- Orioles Singing in the Willow Waves (Liulang Wenying)
- Pagoda of Six Harmonies (Liuhe Ta)
- Precious Stone Hill (Baoshi Shan)
- Running Tiger Spring (Hupao Quan)
- Solitary Hill Island (Gushan)
- Temple of the Soul's Retreat (Lingyin Si)
- Three Pools Reflecting the Moon (Santan YinGyue)
- West Lake (Xihu)
- Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Dong)
- Yue Fei Mausoleum (Yue Fei Mu)
- Zhou Enlai Family Home