Overview
Zhejiang is a coastal province south of the Yangtze Delta, famous for its lush mountains, tea, silk, prosperous private economy and the scenic West Lake.
Province
Zhejiang
浙江省 · Capital: 杭州
Map & Prefectures
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Prefecture-level cities
Read articles about Zhejiang →About Zhejiang
Geography
Hilly and mountainous (about 70% of its area), Zhejiang has a winding coastline, thousands of islands and fertile river valleys. The Qiantang River and its tidal bore are natural wonders.
History
The heart of the ancient state of Yue, Zhejiang later flourished as a center of the Southern Song dynasty (capital at Hangzhou) and as a birthplace of Chinese capitalism and maritime trade.
Culture
Zhejiang nurtured Liangzhu Neolithic culture, the philosophical school of Wang Yangming, and a refined Jiangnan aesthetic expressed in calligraphy, seal-cutting and the Yue opera.
Cuisine
Zhejiang cuisine is fresh and mellow: West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing shrimp, Dongpo pork, and the "ten bowls" of Shaoxing. It pairs naturally with the region's famous rice wine.
Highlights
Highlights: Hangzhou's West Lake, the water towns of Wuzhen and Xitang, Mount Putuo (Buddhist island) and the cliffs of Mount Huang (border with Anhui).