Introducing Zhèjiāng
Zhèjiāng may be one of China’s smallest provinces but it’s hardly insignificant. For centuries it’s been a prosperous culture centre, home to some of China’s most influential thinkers, politicians and artists. Today Zhèjiāng is a thriving commercial hub, with tourism as its number one draw. Its rich history and natural beauty offer something for every taste, whether you’re into biking, ceramic making, or just lounging on the beach.
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The province can be divided into two parts: the Yangzi River delta area north of Hángzhōu, a region of green rolling hills, tea plantations and twisting rivers, and the mountainous area to the south that borders the rugged terrain of Fújiàn.
Zhèjiāng’s best-known sites are in the north. Hángzhōu, the capital, is home to idyllic West Lake, which Marco Polo once compared to paradise. The city is also famous for its tea and has long been a centre of silk production. Not far from Hángzhōu is the waterside city of Shàoxīng, once the home of such notables as Lu Xun, one of China’s most famous 20th-century writers. Further north, along the border of Jiāngsū are the water towns of Wūzhèn and Nánxún, with their arched bridges, winding canals and views of rural life.
Southern Zhèjiāng is a region of wild beauty, with jagged mountain peaks and rocky, unspoiled valleys. The thriving trade city of Wēnzhōu is a perfect place to base yourself for rambles into the countryside. If hiking isn’t your thing, perhaps you should head to the tranquil Buddhist island of Pǔtuóshān; with its clean sandy beaches and lively temples it’s a wonderful place for some rural respite.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Our Top Picks For Zhèjiāng
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1 Jǐngnìng County
Submit to nature in the spectacular surrounds of Jǐngnìng County, in Zhèjiāng’s deep south
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2 West Lake
Fall under the spell of Hángzhōu’s enchanting West Lake, venerated by poets and emperors alike
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3 Southern Song dynasty Guan Kiln
Get down and dirty making your own pottery at the Southern Song dynasty Guan Kiln outside of Hángzhōu
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4 Ānchāng and Wūzhèn
Travel back in time at the delightful water towns of Ānchāng and Wūzhèn
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5 Pǔtuóshān
Soothe your soul on the peaceful island of Pǔtuóshān
Our favourite Zhèjiāng Blogs (beta)
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The Weekend in Hang Zhou & Arleen Masters Chopsticks
Blog: eat drink seth liz - 20 July 2009
We stayed at the Ramada Hua Hai in Hang Zhou, a really first class western style hotel. Breakfast, which was included, turned out to be quite a treat. Magnificent would be an understatement. A large room full of stations that included American, European and Asian foods and delicacies. More like one of those weekend brunches at high end restaurants.
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The Weekend in Hang Zhou & Arleen Masters Chopsticks
Blog: eat drink seth liz - 20 July 2009
We stayed at the Ramada Hua Hai in Hang Zhou, a really first class western style hotel. Breakfast, which was included, turned out to be quite a treat. Magnificent would be an understatement. A large room full of stations that included American, European and Asian foods and delicacies. More like one of those weekend brunches at high end restaurants. [ELANA, we ate eggs, toast, juices, coffee, waffles, Chinese dumplings, fruit, but had no rice for breakfast.] We then began our exploration of the Westlake area, which contains many of Hang Zhou's attractions.
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A Trip to Hang Zhou After Arriving in Shanghai
Blog: eat drink seth liz - 19 July 2009
Talk about tired... sore feet, sweaty and very, happy. After arising at dark-30 on Wednesday July 15th, we had an uneventful trip to Shanghai via LA, arriving about 24 clock hours after leaving, but also losing a full day as we passed over the international date line put us at Liz and Seth's apartment at about 8:30 PM on Thursday, July 15. Of course, we ran right out to have our first meal in Shanghai and that kind of sets the tone for this blog. Woke up the next day (Friday), met Seth and Liz at a localo park after their morning run and then walked back with
