City overview

Hangzhou has developed a solid industrial foundation, experiencing a double-digit growth rate for 17 consecutive years and reaching a GDP figure of RMB 410.3 billion Yuan in 2007. Led by tourism, tertiary industries in Hangzhou have enjoyed vigorous growth. The city is now committed to developing the MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Exhibition) industry, business and trade logistics, financial services, intermediary services and ICT.

The five main manufacturing industries Hangzhou are electronics, machinery, life sciences & chemicals, Textile, Food and Beverages. According to the Annual Report on City Competitiveness issued by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Hangzhou ranked 5th and 6th among inland cities of China in terms of city competitiveness and city development capacity respectively.

Hangzhou has been directly engaged in trade with more than 190 countries. In 2007, the total value of import and export reached US＄43.426 billion, of which the export accounting for US＄29.966 billion. By the end of 2007, Hangzhou had approved altogether 8999 foreign-invested enterprises and institutions with a total value of US＄53.2 billion. Approximately 37 companies from the Fortune 500 list have invested in Hangzhou.

Read more here about the the best opportunities for UK businesses in Hanggzhou in the UKTI report carried out by CBBC and Leeds University Opportunities for UK Businesses in China's regional cities. Please note that registration on the UK Trade & Investment portal is required.

Useful links

The following websites offer up-to-date information on life in Hangzhou, including events, travel and schooling:

Travel China Guide: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/zhejiang/hangzhou/

Hangzhou Government: http://www.hangzhou.gov.cn/main/zpd/English/

Living in Zhejiang Province: http://www.intouchzhejiang.com/

Living in Hangzhou: http://www.morehangzhou.com

International school: http://www.scischina.org/News/?CatID=aHHnyWRPEy

Tourist attractions

West Lake
West Lake is immortalised in Chinese Culture through the poetry of Su Dongpo (Song Dynasty) and Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty), as Hangzhou's most beautiful scenic spot. It has recently been extended westwards, to the foot of the adjoining hills. Hire a boat (Yn80/hr - barter hard to get it lower) before sunset and enjoy the dramatic colours reflected in the water as the sun sets behind the western hills.

Lingyin Temple
Tucked away in the hills to the west of the Lake, Lingyin Temple is Hangzhou's largest and most magnificent. Originally constructed in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326AD) the temple was the birthplace of Buddhism in Hangzhou. The temple houses a remarkable collection of wooden Buddhist statues and sculptures.

Longjin Tea Village
The green tea produced in Longjin is famed throughout China for its excellent taste. Early April is the best time to taste and purchase freshly picked tealeaves. The scenery here is wonderful, and a very pleasant afternoon can be spent wandering south to the river between the tea plantations.