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(Photo: Wikimedia: Lexingtamenkims)
by David Parmer
Hangzhou in China’s southern Zeijang province has been known for it scenic beauty and charm for centuries. One of its most famous visitors, Marco Polo called it the “most beautiful and elegant city in the world.” Not surprisingly, it is a major tourist attraction, with more than 80 million visitors both foreign and domestic visiting in a year.
Hangzhou’s gem is the West Lake, perhaps one of the most photogenic and photographed tourist attractions worldwide. Outside the city are the tea fields which produce Longjing, or Dragon Well tea. And temples and pagodas abound. For a romantic vacation, visit Hangzhou. That’s it? Not quite.
(Photo: Hangzhou.gov.cn)
Hangzhou, located 125miles (200km) southwest of Shanghai, has another face. It is a powerhouse of provincial and national development. Of note are its “big five” development zones.
- Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Zone
- Xiaoshan Economic & Technological Development Zone
- Hangzhou Export Processing Zone
- Hangzhou Qianjing Economic Development Zone
- Hangzhou High-Tech Industrial Development Zone
The Hangzhou High-Tech Industrial Development Zone was founded in 1990 and was one of the first national High-Tech development zones in China. It has eight industrial clusters including Internet, software and e-commerce. Hangzhou government counts 804 high-tech companies and 84 software companies operating in the area. The Hangzhou-High Tech Industrial Development Zone is also seen as an incubator for small and medium-sized science and technology-based enterprises. The Hangzhou government is eager for foreign investment and offers a package of incentives, including tax breaks, for foreign companies to encourage them to locate there. Major international firms having a presence in Hangzhou include Nokia, Motorola, Alcatel and Mitsubishi. The city boasts 30 universities and colleges and 19 research institutes to supply a pool of educated talent for industry.
Hangzhou’s two faces make it not only a city worth visiting, but also an area to watch for innovation in this century and beyond.