Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province, famed for its scenic beauty and, in recent decades, as a leading center of China's technology and e-commerce industry. With a metropolitan population of around 12 million, it pairs classical landscapes with the modern headquarters of major internet companies. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. The city is defined by the celebrated West Lake, ringed by pagodas, temples, and gardens, alongside the ancient Lingyin Temple and the historic Grand Canal. Local cuisine is refined and delicate, including West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo braised pork, and Longjing tea shrimp. A rapidly expanding metro, Xiaoshan International Airport, and high-speed rail place Shanghai less than an hour away. For an international student, Hangzhou offers a beautiful, comfortable setting, strong universities, and a thriving tech and startup scene.