Travel in China: Zhejiang Province

This is a photo of the West Lake, taken by Catty Lee.

Zhejiang Province is located along China’s central coast on the South China Sea and boasts more than two hundred islands along its coastal waters, more than any other province. The climate is sub-tropical, with distinct seasons. The rainy season strikes in early summer, making spring and fall the most pleasant times to visit. The province is often regarded as the cradle of Chinese civilization, with signs of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period.

The provincial capitol of Hangzhou is one of the six ancient capital cities of China, with the beautiful and scenic West Lake situated in the heart of the 2,000 year old city. In the 11th century, it may have been the largest city in the world. Traditionally it was said that “Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou… and Hangzhou.”

While the northern part of the province has historically been prosperous, the southern part is mountainous and unsuited to intensive cultivation. Generally the countryside is hilly and scenic, with most flat land along the coast and river valleys. There are many canals and waterways in use, beginning with the Grand Canal of China, which linked the provincial capitol to central China in the 5th Century.

Traditionally known as the “Land of Fish and Rice”, Zhejiang was also a center for the manufacture of silk and exquisite celadon porcelain, which has been manufactured there since the 11th century. Rice is still the main agricultural crop. A major industrial fishery is said to be the largest in the world. Other cash crops include wheat, jute, cotton and tea. Longjiang tea or “Dragon Well Tea” is one of the most prestigious varieties grown in this area. Industries are well developed, principally textile production and the manufacture of paper, viticulture and packaging of food products. Variants of Zehejiang’s regional cuisine emphasize poultry and freshwater fish, seafood, and make use of bamboo sprouts, among other vegetables.

Due to Zhejiang’s rich collection of historical and religious sites, and scenic mountains and rivers, tourism is well developed. Major attractions in Hangzhou include the Lingyin Temple, one of the ten most famous ancient Buddhist temples in China. The Lan Ting, or Orchid Pavilion, is famous among poets and practitioners of the art of classical Chinese calligraphy. Other tourist attractions include the mountains: Putuo Mountain is known for its three famous Buddhist temples and surrounding national park, Yandang Mountain, which features a rich variety of plant and animal life, and Mount Tiantai. All three peaks have long been revered by Chinese artists. The city of Ningbo boasts the oldest private library in Asia, the Tianyo Pavilion, with over 300,000 volumes. Another famous natural attraction is the Qiantang River Bore. Due to the peculiar shape of the Hangzhou Bay near Ningbo, the tide rushes up into the Qiantang River with tremendous force, rising to a height of more than 30 feet at times. A custom of watching the tide come in has been observed since the 1st Century, and elaborate local tide-watching festivals take place in mid-August at various locations near the river mouth.