Hangzhou , the capital of Zhejiang Province in east China , lies close to the mouth of the Qiantang River at the western end of the Gulf of Hangzhou . The city is best known for its natural beauty and historical attractions. Many sections of the city are said to have unchanged for centuries . T he famous West Lake region enjoys the reputation as one of the most beautiful spots in China, with landscaped gardens on its banks, tree-shaded walks, and in the nearby hills, temples, pagodas, and monasteries.
The West Lake, called so because it lies in the west of the city, is what the beauty of Hangzhou is all about. Skirted by mountains on three sides, and with the fourth side bordering the urban district, West Lake covers a water surface of 6 square km, yet it forms the centre of a garden resort that sprawls on a land of 49 square km, where the mountains, caves and vales are knitted together by a maze of winding brooks and streams, studded with well sequestered ponds, and graced with kiosks, chambers and pavilions. All told, there are 50 major scenic spots and 30 or so sites of key historical and cultural interest.