Hangzhou may be overshadowed by some of the better known tourist destinations which boast spectacular mountains, architectural masterpieces, golden beaches or exotic ethnic cultures. However, the city has an elegant air and a distinguished thousand year history. Hangzhou is a noted ancient capital of China and is famed for its West Lake and Grand Canal.

Liangzhu Culture, which dates from about 4,700 years ago, was part of the vital cultural life existing in the Tiahu Lake drainage area, in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The archeological site found here, named for its discovery in Liangzhu Town, is estimated to be 5,000 years old. At that time both bronze and stone wares were used, black pottery was manufactured and the tripod vessel was used for cooking. Jade ritual articles, silk pieces and thread are also typical excavation finds, indicating the area's prosperity in the prehistoric age.

Hangzhou city was established 2,000 years ago during the Spring and Autumn Periods (770BC-476BC) on a site bordering Wu and Yue States. Before the Sui Court (581-618) changed its name to Hangzhou, this area was successively called Yuhang and Qiantang. A major event that took place during the dynasty was the completion of the Grand Canal, finally linking together the various sections constructed over a thousand years.

The second wave of prosperity in Hangzhou's history occurred after it became the capital of Wuyue State during the Five Dynasties and Ten States (907-960) periods. A new city was built based on the site of the prefecture government of Hangzhou during the Sui and Tang (618-907) dynasties. Buddhism was becoming increasingly popular during this period and this Buddhist state in Southeast China was the only area to remain peaceful and unspoiled during the warring years thanks to wise political decision making by the king. Since then, Hangzhou has made the most of its fertile land, developing advanced silk, tea and paper making techniques and enjoying a commercial boom.

Moving forward to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Hangzhou became a renowned economic and cultural center for the entire country. Later when the Southern Dynasty (1279-1368) moved its regime southward, Hangzhou was nominated as its capital and lasted as such for 152 years. The city reached its zenith at this time as the biggest international trade center and the nation's political and cultural center. It was also among the most populous cities in the world.

Advanced silk, printing, paper and porcelain production, together with an elegant society and culture made it the most beautiful and luxurious city in the world, as praised by Italian traveler Marco Polo. Although no longer the center of a dynasty, Hangzhou remains a shining pearl in the southeast.

In classical poems, the Western Lake was alluded to as a great beauty. The scene of many romantic and sad stories, the lake holds many secrets. As well as the lake, the tea and silk industries, Liangzhu Culture, the official kiln and Grand Canal museums are also important attractions. There is much for the tourist to discover in Hangzhou.