Zhejiang
Name : Zhejiang
Chinese name : 浙江
Status : Province
Capital : Hangzhou
Population : 54,980,000 (2013)
Area : 104,208 km²
Zhejiang is a coastal province of Chine located south of Shanghai. Though not always the first province visited by Western travelers, Zhejiang is brimming with historical and natural wonders. With its water villages, majestic mountains, historic temples, and cultural cities, Zhejiang is a province not to be missed during your trip to Chine for an unforgettable getaway.
History
The Yangzi River Delta has been inhabited for over 7,000 years. Archaeologists have discovered remnants of advanced agricultural communities here. By the 7th and 8th centuries, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Shaoxing were among the most important ports and trading centers. Their growth accelerated in the 12th century when the Song Dynasty established its court in Hangzhou following an invasion from the North. The Grand Canal (Da Yunhe) terminated in the province, which, as part of the great granary of the South, contributed to feeding the less fortunate northern regions. Intensive agricultural exploitation destroyed nearly all of the natural vegetation in northern Zhejiang, now transformed into a bleak plain.
Becoming a concession in the 1840s, Ningbo was soon eclipsed by its rival, Shanghai. Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi) was born near Ningbo, and in the 1920s, Zhejiang became a center of power for the Guomindang.
Today
Though one of Chine's smallest provinces, Zhejiang has long been a cultural and political center. A refuge for thinkers and artists, the region has preserved this bohemian and liberated atmosphere. Today, Zhejiang is a flourishing commercial crossroads where tourism is growing daily, fostering the development of its prosperity.
Its rich past and natural beauty merge to attract all types of travelers. Whether seeking adventure through hiking, history to learn more about Chine, or relaxation and leisure on the beaches, everyone will find something to their taste.
Small as it may be, the province can be divided into two regions: north of Hangzhou with the Yangzi River Delta, verdant with tea plantations and undulating rice paddies, and the south with its majestic mountains at the border of Fujian.
Zhejiang is renowned for its capital, Hangzhou, which boasts the magnificent West Lake, often compared to paradise. This haven of peace is a mandatory stop during your visit to Zhejiang. Beyond its capital, rich in tourist attractions, the region conceals cities crisscrossed by canals like Wuzhen, offering visitors a glimpse of rural life. Many notable figures have made their home here in the past, leaving behind their artistic influences.
Southern Zhejiang has preserved natural beauty with its mountains featuring impressive peaks and rocky valleys. Wenzhou, an important commercial city, is an ideal departure point for exploring wild countryside and trekking to discover the rural Chinese world.
For those preferring to relax and enjoy the beaches, opt instead for the Buddhist island of Putuoshan, which will seduce you with its white sand, vibrant temples, and Mount Putuo.
Climate
Zhejiang experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, heavy summers and freezing winters. The heavy rains of May and June turn to drizzle for the rest of the year.
Spring (late March to early May) is the best time to visit the province, when humidity is at its lowest and vegetation is in bloom.
How to Get There?
An important tourist destination, Zhejiang is well served by the rest of the country. Planes, trains, and buses regularly travel to the province from major Chinois cities. Ferries, formerly used as traditional means of transport, also connect Hangzhou and Wenzhou to Nanjing, Shanghai, and Suzhou for the pleasure of tourists.
How to Get Around in Zhejiang?
The province is easy to explore due to its small size. Buses connect cities via pleasant main roads. The bus is a safe and comfortable way to visit Zhejiang.
Trains are somewhat slower and make regular stops between small towns but are equally comfortable.
Airports offer flights between different cities in the region for those with a comfortable budget and limited time.
Language
Like in Jiangsu, Zhejiang inhabitants speak a variant of the Wu dialect. It differs significantly from city to city, so Mandarin is used for communication.
What to Do in Zhejiang?
- Be charmed by the West Lake in Hangzhou.
- Relax on the white sand beaches of Putuoshan Island.
- Boat through the floating village of Wuzhen, a charming village still well preserved.
- Unwind over a weekend admiring the beauty of the Yandang Mountains and discovering the secrets of its surroundings.
- Taste Chine's most famous Longjing green tea at the Meijiawu tea village near West Lake.
