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A Brief introduction to Hangzhou  
Key Sights
1. The Lingyin Monastery
2. The West Lake
3. Six Harmonies Pagoda
        
Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang, is located in northern Zhejiang Province, near the lower reaches of Qiantang River and the southern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Consisting of five urban districts and seven suburban areas, the combined area of Hangzhou is 16,600 square kilometers.

Hangzhou was first established as Qiantang County during the Qin Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. By the 10 century, it was the capital of Wu and Yue and later became the temporary capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Ancient Hangzhou has enjoyed great praise for centuries. It has been known as the "Land of Silk", and "There is heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below" goes the oft-repeated saying.

Today, Hangzhou is one of the most important historical and cultural cities designated by the Chinese government. To the east of Hangzhou is a booming modern metropolis. To the west are old palaces, temples, exquisite gardens and rolling hills covered by many of the finest tea plantations in China. Its chief attraction is the West Lake and some 40 scenic spots scattered around this mountain and lake area. The Pagoda of Six Harmonies, the Tomb of Yue Fei, the statues of the Flown Over Peak, Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul's Retreat) are the most famous sights in Hangzhou.