Hangzhou is poised to welcome top political leaders from around the world as it hosts the first ever G20 Summit in China from 4th - 5th September 2016. Prime Minister Theresa May has written to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to express her anticipation of attending the G20 Summit this September and her support for China in hosting a successful event. 

During her visit to one of China's Seven Ancient Capitals, Theresa May can fully expect to understand why Marco Polo described Hangzhou as “greater than any other city in the world”.

What To See
Theresa May will be able to marvel at the striking and iconic West Lake, which makes Hangzhou stand out as one of the most beautiful cities in China. One of the best ways to explore the romantic lake is by taking a private gondola, surrounded by lotus flowers. Xixi National Wetland Park is the first and only wetland park in China combining urban life, farming and culture. About 70% of the area is covered with water, which creates a special habitat for various species of plants and animals. For a cultural and religious visit, Lingyin Temple, one of the top 10 Buddhist temples in China and founded some 1,700 years ago, is a must.

What To Do
At the heart of the West Lake lies Kesser Yungzhou Island and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The incredible island is circular in shape and home to a lagoon within its perimeter. The reflections of candles inside the miniature pagodas there give the illusion of beautiful little moons on the water and are an absolute delight to witness. For more explorations on the water, a cruise along the Grand Canal, which at 1,200 miles is the longest man-made waterway in the world, provides an unforgettable experience. A short journey to the Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi will provide further breath-taking sights, with plentiful opportunities to capture some truly outstanding photographs.

Folk arts and crafts are the essence of Hangzhou's rich heritage and the city currently boasts over 80 art and craft masters. The cluster of museums showcase the history of Hangzhou's handicrafts, and one can experience making ceramics, paper fans and silk umbrellas. The bustling China Silk Town is a traditional 'Jiangan' pedestrian street lined with booths selling a broad range of silk products and many other home textiles. After shopping, unwind with a time-honoured tea ceremony at the Maijiawu Tea Culture Village in the scenic suburbs of the city.

Fast Facts About Hangzhou

• Hangzhou is located on the east coast of China and is the capital of Zhejiang province
• Hangzhou is connected to Shanghai via bullet train and it can take as little as 52 minutes to travel between the two cities
• Hangzhou boasts two World Heritage Sites – West Lake and the Grand Canal, which is approximately 1,200 miles in length and is the longest man-made waterway in the world
• Hangzhou is home to three big museums showcasing Chinese tea culture, traditional medicine, and the history of silk and the Silk Road
• Locals and visitors can enjoy one hour of free cycling each day on the city's public bikes, which are used by hundreds of thousands of people, especially during rush hour and for visiting the famous West Lake
• A free wi-fi service called i-hangzhou is offered across the city
• Since 30th January 2016, a 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been carried out in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang to facilitate international travellers. This policy allows passengers from 51 countries or regions to transit in Hangzhou for no more than 144 hours (six days) without holding a visa. During the layover period, passengers can move around the three regions but are not permitted to visit other cities of China

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/Hangzhou.China.

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Notes to Editors:
Image Captions (from left to right):
Image 1: The Grand Canal. Image courtesy of Hangzhou Tourism.
Image 2: West Lake. Image courtesy of Hangzhou Tourism.
Image 3: Xixi National Wetland Park. Image courtesy of Hangzhou Tourism.
Image 4: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Image courtesy of Hangzhou Tourism.

For more information, please contact:
McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Libby Hughes 
hangzhou@mccluskey.co.uk
0208 747 2170