Historical and Cultural Cities in Zhejiang
China is a country with an ancient civilization. There are many famous historical and cultural cities, some of which are also political, financial or cultural centers of China; and others the birthplace of evolutionary movements and historical events. The 5,000-year-long history of development has resulted in the accumulation of a great number of glorious cultural heritages and cities.
According to the Law of the People's Republic of China, a historical and cultural city refers to a city which is abundant in well-preserved relics and is of great value in historical and cultural research. China has promulgated more than 120 historical and cultural cities and paid much attention to protection and maintenance of relics. These remained cities served as a window from which today's people can view ancient Chinese history. There are 7 famous National-level historical and cultural cities in Zhejiang Province: Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Ningbo, Quzhou City, Linhai, Jinhua, and Jiaxing.
Hangzhou City
Located in the northern part of Zhejiang, Hangzhou is the capital and the largest city in Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou is the political, economic, cultural, financial center, and also serves as the transportation hub of Zhejiang. Hangzhou has a long history – it was the capital city of ancient Wu-Yue Kingdom in the five Dynasties (907AD-979 AD) period and the Southern Song Dynasty (1127AD-1279 AD), and is also recognized as one of the seven capitals of ancient China. One can ascertain the level of appreciation of the city’s beauty from its reputation of being referred to as “Paradise on Earth”. The West Lake, the main gem in the crown of the city, is famous at home and abroad.
Ningbo City
Located in the eastern coast of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo lies in the middle coastline area of the mainland. Ningbo has a rich history and abundant culture heritages, and is the birthplace of "Hemudu Historic Site" established during the Prehistoric age (7,000 years ago). Ningbo is a typical industrial city and also a representative harbor city. Ningbo Port has been nominated as the "top five harbors in the world" by the International Port and Shipping Industry Magazine "International Container” in the United Kingdom.
Jiaxing City
Jiaxing City is located in the northeast of Zhejiang Province, in the Yangtze River Delta, and the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou plain area. Jiaxing is a city with ample cultural heritages, and is known as the "Land of Fish and Rice", and even as the "Home of Silk". In 2011, Jiaxing was listed as a national-level famous historical and culture city. Jiaxing is the birthplace of ancient Chinese culture, with a long history and splendid culture. As early as six to seven thousand years ago, inhabitants cultivated the prosperous Majiabang Culture around the Yangtze River basin and the Taihu Lake at Neolithic age, which is an integral component of ancient Chinese civilization.
Shaoxing City
Shaoxing City, once known as Kuaiji, is one of the essential cultural centers in Zhejiang Province, and one of the first national-level famous historical and culture cities. Shaoxing is an old city and also a renownedregion of waters and lakes, as well as wines and bridges. The scenery in Shaoxing is marvelous and beautiful. The Great Revival of King Goujian of Yue that took place in the ancient land of Shaoxing City is a household story in China.
Jinhua City
Jinhua City, lying in the middle part of Zhejiang Province, is the only city neither on the coastline nor neighboring other provinces. Jinhua is situated in the subtropical climate zone, with distinct season features and is thrice-nominated to the list of "top ten suitable cities to live in China". The scenery is brilliant and beautiful, the cultural environment elegant, and life here is comfortable and leisurely.
Quzhou City
Quzhou City has more than 1800 years of history in Zhejiang Province. It has been the transportation hub of Fujian Province, Zhejiang Province, Jiangxi Province and Anhui Province for ages. Thus, Quzhou has always been famous for its convenient location for facilitating transportation. Quzhou is also rich in tourism resources and carries a reputation of providing magical landscapes to feast one’s eyes on. There are more than 150 attractions in Quzhou City, such as the Jianglangshan Mountain, the Longyou Grottoes and etc. In 1994, Quzhou City was named as one of the national-level famous historical and culture cities.
Linhai City
Linhai City is located in the central part of Zhejiang coastline, and the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta economic circle. Besides being a city that has bragging rights to a unique enchanting scenery, it does a perfect job of integrating the antiquity of a historic city with the vitality of a modern metropolis. There are numerous renowned relics in Linhai, which have secured its place as a historically significant city.