Many people who learn Chinese online with the help of an online Chinese teacher soon come across the name Hangzhou — and for good reason. Often praised as one of the most beautiful and livable cities in China, Hangzhou has long held a special place in the Chinese imagination. Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and modern liveliness, it’s a city that blends tradition with comfort in a way that quietly charms both locals and foreigners alike.
What first draws many people to Hangzhou is its natural beauty. The jewel of the city is West Lake (西湖), a tranquil and poetic place that has inspired painters, poets, and emperors for centuries. Walking or biking around West Lake on a misty spring morning is like stepping into a Chinese scroll painting. Stone bridges, willow trees, lotus flowers, and pagodas all contribute to a dreamlike landscape. No wonder the ancient saying goes: “Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou” (上有天堂，下有苏杭).
But Hangzhou isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s also one of China’s most dynamic modern cities. As the home base of Alibaba, one of the world’s biggest tech companies, it’s a hub of innovation and digital life. The city has become a leader in smart city development, where mobile payments, AI traffic systems, and high-speed rail are a part of daily life.
GoEast Mandarin, a language school with campuses in both Shanghai and online, sometimes uses examples and cultural topics from Hangzhou in their lessons, helping students connect language to real places and modern Chinese life. It’s not surprising — Hangzhou is often seen as a “soft landing” city for newcomers to China, thanks to its relaxed pace and high quality of life.
Another reason Hangzhou stands out is its deep connection to tea culture. The city is famous for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, which grows in the surrounding hills. You can visit tea villages like Meijiawu or Longjing village, where locals hand-roast tea leaves using time-honored methods. Sipping green tea while overlooking terraced hills is a peaceful, uniquely Chinese experience.
Hangzhou also offers a strong cultural life. From traditional Chinese opera at the Grand Theater to indie cafés tucked into old neighborhoods, it has something for every kind of curiosity. The cuisine — with its delicate Zhejiang style — is light, fresh, and full of subtle flavors, featuring dishes like Dongpo pork and shrimp with Longjing tea leaves.
In short, Hangzhou is popular not only for its aesthetics, but also for its livability. It’s large enough to be exciting, yet small enough to feel manageable. It respects its past while embracing the future. Whether you’re visiting, working, or studying Chinese, Hangzhou has a way of staying with you — in memory, in poetry, and perhaps even in your next travel plans.
