It is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the seven large ancient capitals in China. It is situated on the bank of the Qingtang River the southern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Its urban area covers 430 square km and has a population of 1.12 million.

Hangzhou has a temperate climate suitaable for tours during all the four seasons. There is an old saying, "Above is heaven and below is Suzhou and Hangzhou.