Described by Marco Polo* in his
The Travels of Marco Polo as paradise and the finest city in the world, Hangzhou has long rich history. From 1138-1279 it served as the capital of the Southern Song dynasty. Even after the conqueroring Mongols moved the capital to Beijing, Hangzhou remained and still is a thriving commercial center. Today, Hangzhou is known as the home of West Lake (Xi Hu), which is largely considered to be one of the scenic wonders of China. It is also well-known for it's Dragon Well tea (Longjing tea).
*Note: The accuracy of Macro Polo's The Travels of Marco Polo is often contested. It's unclear whether Marco Polo ever really visited China, or if he was just embellishing stories he had heard from his father, uncle and other traveling merchants.
Pavilion overlooking a portion of Xi Hu
Xi Hu
Tea fields of Longjing Tea
Longjing Tea
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