Zhejiang Province is located on the coast of the East China Sea in southeastern China. Despite its coastal location, Zhejiang is a mountainous province. Mountains and hills cover 70.4% of its area, while basins and plains account for 23.2%, and water bodies (lakes and rivers) make up the remaining 6.4%.
The hills and mountains are situated in the western and southern parts of the province, including Mount Huangmaojian, which is the highest peak at 1921 meters. To the north, there is a large plain surrounding the Hangzhou Bay, known for its fertile lands traversed by numerous rivers.
Zhejiang boasts several railway lines and a dense road network. Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Taizhou are important ports with numerous connections, particularly to Shanghai.
The 6-lane Hangzhou Bay Bridge, spanning 95 km eastward across the Hangzhou Bay, was opened on May 1, 2008, following about 10 years of planning and construction. It currently holds the record as the world's longest sea-crossing bridge at 35.673 km. This bridge significantly reduces the road distance between Shanghai and Ningbo by 120 km. Construction of this cable-stayed bridge began in November 2003 and reportedly cost around 11.8 billion yuan (approximately 1.1 billion euros).
Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in 1280 and was captivated by its natural beauty, even calling it the "most beautiful city in the world."
Located 195 km south of Shanghai, Hangzhou sits at the end of the historic Grand Canal on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River. The vegetation is lush and fertile, and the weather is remarkably mild. As one of China's six ancient capitals, Hangzhou boasts a wealth of cultural attractions and historical sites.
The West Lake was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. Hangzhou also serves as a starting point of the Grand Canal, a 1,800 km-long waterway constructed by humans, which continues to connect the capital Beijing with the fertile Yangtze River Delta.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is the international airport serving the provincial capital of Hangzhou, located approximately 27 kilometers east of the city center. It has undergone significant expansion in recent years, particularly in preparation for the 19th Asian Games, where it played a crucial role.
The airport can be accessed via Metro lines 1, 7, and 19, as well as by taxi or bus. There is also a bus service to Shanghai Huangpu Bus Station.
Ningbo Lishe International Airport is situated 11 kilometers outside the city center of Ningbo. It is one of the fastest-growing airports in China and has been continuously expanded.
Passengers have the option to travel onward by taxi, various bus routes, or metro.
