Conference Venue

About Hangzhou--The City of Heaven

Hangzhou (abbreviated to Hang, also called Lin’an, Qiantang and Wulin in ancient times) is located in the middle part of southeast China, near Shanghai. It is the capital of Zhejiang Province. With a strong economic foundation and a population of over 8.8 million people, Hangzhou is one of the most prosperous cities in China. It is selected for five years as “The Happiest City in China” in the annual national survey promoted by the Xinhua News Agency. It is also regarded one of the most livable cities in China..

Hangzhou is also ranking as one of the most scenic cities in China. As a city of gardens, temples, and lakes, Hangzhou’s beauty is praised in all ages. There is an old Chinese saying goes like this: “In heaven there is paradise; on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou (上有天堂，下有苏杭).”

Although Hangzhou has been through many recent urban developments, it still retains its historical and cultural heritage. Today, tourism remains an important factor for Hangzhou’s economy. One of Hangzhou’s most popular sights is West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The West Lake Cultural Landscape covers an area of 3,323 ha (8,210 acres) and includes some of Hangzhou’s most notable historic and scenic places. Adjacent to the lake is a scenic area, which includes numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens and ornamental trees, as well as causeways and artificial islands. Famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century have been inspired by the West Lake and the hills surrounding its three sides, and have written numerous poems, stories, and dramas for this blessed place.

West Lake 西湖

 

West Lake is Hangzhou’s most well known landmark, famous for its gorgeous natural scenery. The great poet Su Dongpo in the Northern Song Dynasty described West Lake as the Great Beauty Xishi (the top one among the Four Great Beauties in ancient China).
You can appreciate the beautiful scenery by walking around or taking a bike ride. If you want to enjoy it in a less energetic way, just sit in a lakeside café or bar, ordering a cup of Longjing tea. Let your day start there.
There are three classic bicycle routes around West Lake:

• Northern route (7.7 km; 2 hours): from Longxiang Bridge (龙翔桥) to Lingyin (灵隐).
• Southern route (7.4 km; 2.5 hours): from Longxiang (龙翔桥) to Nine Steams (九溪).
• Route around the lake (12.4 km; 3.5–4 hours): From Longxiang Bridge (龙翔桥) to Longxiang Bridge (龙翔桥).

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Grand Canal 京杭大运河

The 1,764-km (about 1,200-mile) -long Grand Canal (also called Da Yunhe or the Beijing–Hangzhou Canal) is the longest and the greatest man-made waterway in ancient China. It was built in the Sui Dynasty (581–618), taking more than 6 years to complete the joining of several river systems in different directions from Beijing to Hangzhou, and played a significant role in transporting grains and goods from south to north.
There are several sections of the Grand Canal, and the scenery in Hangzhou is the most marvelous, including more than 40 sights. You can enjoy good food while appreciating the surrounding scenery.
Boating on the old Canal is one of the best ways to get a riverside view of typical river towns in southern China. Starting from Pujia Wharf, the boat takes you along Gongchen Bridge Wharf.

 

Lingyin Temple 灵隐寺

Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Chan. The temple’s name is commonly literally translated as Temple of the Soul’s Retreat. It is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, and contains numerous pagodas and Budddhist grottoes.

The monastery is the largest of several temples in the Wulin Mountains, which also features a large number of grottos and religious rock carvings, the most famous of which is the Feilai Feng .