Zhejiang

Map

Key data

Items shown in Chinese are kept from the original Chinese source; no English name is available yet.

Highlights

Introduction

• Hangzhou's West Lake, tea plantations and the water towns of Wuzhen.

History

• History: Zhejiang has a long and profound history. The discovery of the Liangzhu Ancient City site shows that a highly developed rice-farming civilization and jade culture already existed here five thousand years ago, providing evidence for the origins of Chinese civilization as a diverse yet unified whole. During the Spring and Autumn period, the State of Yue rose here, leaving behind the inspiring story of enduring hardship to achieve a goal. From the Six Dynasties to the Southern Song, as northern populations moved south, Zhejiang gradually became China's economic and cultural center, and Hangzhou even served as the capital during the Southern Song, enjoying great prosperity. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, commerce thrived in Zhejiang, with trade flourishing in places such as Ningbo and Wenzhou, nurturing a scholarly tradition focused on practical statecraft. In modern times, Zhejiang merchants have reached both home and abroad, becoming an important representative of China's private economy.

Culture

• Culture: Zhejiang has a profound cultural heritage. Traditional operas such as Yue opera and Kunqu are widely popular here, and rich festival customs and ancient village landscapes are still preserved among the people. In terms of food, Hangzhou cuisine is fresh and refreshing, with West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp renowned far and wide, while Shaoxing rice wine is famous at home and abroad. Zhejiang's traditional crafts are equally splendid, with celadon, wood carving, silk and satin passed down from generation to generation. Water towns such as Wuzhen still retain the Jiangnan charm of white walls, dark tiles, small bridges and flowing streams, while Liangzhu jade and silk culture carry ancient historical memories. Natural landscapes such as Xixi Wetland and Tianmu Mountain add a touch of elegance to this land of culture.

Science & Technology

• Technology: Zhejiang is a pioneer of China's digital economy. Its capital, Hangzhou, is home to renowned universities such as Zhejiang University and numerous internet companies, with well-developed e-commerce, cloud computing and big data industries, and has nurtured several nationally acclaimed internet platforms. The province vigorously advances its No. 1 Digital Economy Project, and new business forms such as digital security, smart logistics and artificial intelligence are flourishing, making Hangzhou a globally renowned capital of e-commerce. The digital economy has become an important engine of Zhejiang's economic growth, and the vitality of technological innovation is visible everywhere, in both cities and villages.

Economy

• Economy: Zhejiang's economy is known for its private sector and digital economy, with a 2025 regional GDP of 9.4545 trillion yuan. The province has formed industrial clusters centered on cities such as Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou, with strong sectors including light manufacturing, e-commerce, equipment manufacturing, and petrochemicals. The Yiwu small commodities market and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port are renowned nationwide, and numerous dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises make Zhejiang one of China's most resilient provincial economies. As the digital economy becomes more deeply integrated with the real economy, Zhejiang is accelerating its shift toward high-quality development.