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The Hangzhou Grand Theater [By Qu Wei / Beijing Review]

Summer in Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, is exceptionally hot and humid, owing to its geographical location and many crisscrossing lakes and rivers. The city feels even hotter this year due to the comprehensive preparation for the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Summit to be held in early September. Roads are being rebuilt, causing dust to swirl through some communities. Public facilities and tourist sights are being renovated and repainted, while security has inevitably been tightened.

Following the 2015 G20 Summit in Antalya, a Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast, China was chosen to host this year's summit in accordance with the organization's rotation system. China has experience in organizing large-scale international events, including two APEC economic leaders' meetings, the Olympic Games in 2008 and the World Expo in 2010. Though, why was Hangzhou chosen instead of more cosmopolitan cities such as Beijing or Shanghai? Asking a random selection of locals, one may find that some suggest that it was selected due to the city's strong economic performance, good infrastructure or abundant cultural resources. But a clear consensus emerges pointing to the city's natural beauty is its ultimate charm.

The China National Tea Museum [By Qu Wei / Beijing Review]

Idyllic view

Traveling around different cities and the countryside in China, you may find that Hangzhou was made to meet photographers, professional or amateur, who are often busy snapping up almost everything they encounter. A city of hills and lakes, the unique topography endows Hangzhou with a picturesque landscape. The cnter of this beauty is Xihu, the West Lake. Despite its name, it's located in the middle of the city, with the entire scenic area covering 49 square km. Famous historical sites and scenic spots, such as pagodas, temples and botanic gardens surround the lake. Ever since the local government decided to abolish entrance tickets to the West Lake in 2002, the local service sector has been booming. A cluster of tea houses, cafés and restaurants on the lake's shore provide spectacular views as well as food and drink. Many of these elegant buildings are enjoyed by locals during misty rain showers and sunset glows.

Aside from the lake, the Grand Canal is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bearing both natural and historic significance. Built 2,400 years ago to connect Beijing and Hangzhou for water transportation, the 1,974-km Grand Canal is a miracle of ancient engineering. It still functions as a water traffic channel, and a boat tour on the river leaves one exposed to heavy barges loaded with construction materials and agricultural products. At nightfall, the mixture of traffic on the neon-illuminated river banks and the horn-trumpeting barges on the river reminds people of scenarios centuries ago when Hangzhou was just becoming a prosperous business hub in south China.

Apart from various tourist options, there are ideal sites for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Many wetlands lie near the city or in adjacent areas. The Xixi National Wetland Park is the largest and is famed for its marvelous scenery, changing from season to season. There are also a variety of resorts built in the city.

Lovers of green tea will find Hangzhou particularly rewarding. West Lake Longjing is the No.1 brand of green tea in China, well known for its delicate fragrance and crystal green color. Thanks to its natural climate, Hangzhou boasts a number of tea-planting areas, the most famous of which used to send tea directly to the royal families of ancient China. These places are now tourist spots, where visitors may taste and purchase tea and even pick leaves during the harvest season. Since West Lake Longjing is grown in a limited quantity every year and the demand is huge, prices are high.

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