10 interesting facts about #Hangzhou:

1. Hangzhou is one of the Seven Ancient Capital Cities of China.

2. Today Hangzhou is the largest and capital city of Zhejiang Province.

3. The first Westerner to visit Hangzhou, Marco Polo, marveled at its beauty. At the end of the 13th century, he described Hangzhou as “the City of Heaven, the most beautiful and magnificent in the world.”

4. Hangzhou is also one of the stops of the Grand Canal which was built during the Sui Dynasty (581-618AD). Recently the Grand Canal has been added to the China impressive UNESCO list.

5. The Grand Canal was built to connect Beijing in the north with Shanghai in the south, as well as connect the waterways of the Yangtze and Yellow River together.

6. One of the most famous and beautiful sights in Hangzhou is West lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight which acts as a centre for the beautiful natural landscape of Hangzhou.

7. Hangzhou is home also to stunning botanical gardens and protected wetlands which house many beautiful species of birds and plantlife.

8. Hangzhou is renowned for its natural beauty and is often credited as being the most beautiful city in China.

9. This amazing city is a home to the Traditional Chinese Pharmacy which house a very impressive museum. The pharmacy is still in use today and you can order your “medications” and wait until is prepared.

10. One of the top attractions in Hangzhou is splendid Mo’s Manor which was first built in 1897, during the Qing Dynasty. The house covers over 4000 sq/m including magnificent gardens built in the typical ying and yang style. The house is very centrally located and typical example of the Chinse architecture.

#CenturyCruises, is a cruise company that offers a long cruise from dynamic #Shanghai to China’s secret metropolis, #Chonging.

For more information about sailing dates, prices and availability please email sales@centuryrivercruises.com