Hangzhou, located upriver from Shanghai and Ningbo is a famous city in China and has been a wonderful city for foreigners for many hundreds of years.
It is the fourth largest metropolitan area nationally with over 21 million residents across it's metropolitan area. Its part of the Yangtze river delta and is therefore a very prosporous city and is famous for it's beautiful natural scenery and is often known as one of the most beautiful cities in China.
Regardless of its urban developments, Hangzhou has managed to retain it's historical and cultural heritage where tourism remains an important factor for Hangzhou's economy.
One of the most popular sights is the West Lake, a UNESCO World heritage site covering 8,210 acres and includes some of Hangzhou's most notable historic and scenic places.