Main Historical Events in Hangzhou

Establishment and Early History

• Hangzhou was established as a county capital during the Qin Dynasty, around 220 BCE.

Flourishing Under the Southern Song Dynasty

• Hangzhou served as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty from 1127 until the Mongol invasion in 1276. This period marked the city's peak in cultural and economic development, making it one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world at the time.

Marco Polo's Visit

• In the late 13th century, the Venetian traveler Marco Polo reportedly visited Hangzhou, describing it as "the City of Heaven" and "the finest and most splendid city in the world."

The Grand Canal

• The Grand Canal, which reached Hangzhou in the Sui Dynasty (around 609), enhanced the city's role as a key transportation and trade hub, linking it to Beijing in the north and facilitating the south-north grain transport.

Qing Dynasty and the Opium War

• By the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Hangzhou had experienced moments of wealth and periods of decline. It was also during this era, specifically in the 19th century, that the city was affected by the First Opium War and the ensuing Treaty of Nanking in 1842 that opened Hangzhou to foreign trade.

The People's Republic of China

• In 1949, with the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Hangzhou underwent numerous social and economic transformations, leading to the modernization and development of the city.

Recent Developments

• In recent years, Hangzhou has continued to develop rapidly, being chosen as the host city for the G20 summit in 2016 and the Asian Games in 2022, marking its importance on both a national and international level.

These events have shaped Hangzhou into a city that beautifully intertwines its historical past with its dynamic and innovative future.