Location
Zhejiang Province, which is reputed as "the Land of Silk" and produces one third of China's raw silk, brocade and satin, lies on the southeastern coast. Situated 118'01"-123'08" east longitude and 27'01"-31'10" north latitude, it has an area of 101,800 square kilometers and a coastline of 2,200 kilometers. Zhejiang boasts the largest number of isles in China, totaling more than 2,100.
Survey
Zhejiang has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate, warm, humid and rainy. It has a mean annual temperature of 16-19?, and a mean annual precipitation of 1,100-1,900 mm. "Plum rains" occur between May and June and typhoons between summer and autumn. It is divided into 11 prefecture-level cities, 24 county-level cities, 38 counties and 1 autonomous county, with a population of 46.77 million by 2000, mainly ethnic groups of Han, Hui, Manchu and Miao. Zhejiang Cuisine, one of the Eight Great Cuisines in China, is best represented by Hangzhou dishes, including Beggar's Chicken (which is especially delicious with a pleasant aroma of lotus leaves), Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Songsao Shredded Fish Soup, etc.
Transport
There are 7 airports in Zejiang province. Travellers often take flights to Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou Airports. Because Zejiang is in the east developed region of China, so railway and highway transportation are also much advanced.
Sightseeing As a key national tourist city, Hangzhou is picturesque all year round. The West Lake, one of the most beautiful sights in China, is located right in the heart of the city. West Lake is as beautiful as a painting. There are many other must-see natural beauties in Zhejiang Province which includes the Putuo Mountain, admired as 'Buddhist Land of South Sea'. The First Mountain in southeast China--Yandang Mountain, the most elegant Qiandaohu Lake, and the famous Buddhist mountain - Mount Tiantai are well worth seeing. There is the sacred Chinese calligraphy place--Lanting and the oldest private library in Asia -Tianyi Pavilion. The greatest water conservancy project in ancient China - Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the three ancient water towns-- Xitang, Nanxun and Wuzheng are all scenic spots that delight tourists who visit this region. If you happen to travel to Zhejiang on August 18th of Chinese lunar year, you will be lucky enough to watch the Qiantang River Bore. The famous tide-watching spot is the Haining City, which is 60 kilometers west of Hangzhou.
Highlights
. Sunbathe on the tranquil Buddhist island of Putuoshan
. Stroll along the shores of the legendary West Lake in Hangzhou
. Pay a visit to the stately home of Lu Xun in Shaoxing, considered the father of modern Chinese Literature
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