A bay （海湾） city on the Qiantang River seaport of southeast China, Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang Province and one of seven ancient Chinese capitals, with a history dating back to 221 BC. It’s famous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural tradition. It is one of the key cities in the Yangzi Delta （三角洲） area. Covering an area of 60 square kilometers.

Adding to its historical and cultural wonders, Hangzhou is also a famous maker of fine silks （丝绸）, teas and traditional Chinese medicine. Lying in the west of the city, West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou as well as one of the most beautiful sights in China.

Legend （传说） has it that West Lake at first was a jewel （宝石） fallen from heaven. Ten thousand years ago, the lake was much larger than its now about 5.6 square kilometers and around 9 miles. What was once one large lake is now involved in five parts, which are the Outer Lake, North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake.

The names "Viewing Goldfish at Flower Harbor”,"Listening to birds Singing in the Willows" are fascinated tourists there. Buildings which were built in Song Dynasty( 朝 代 ) around a pond( 池塘） where golden fish are raised. Here visitors can view fish swimming in the water and flowers blossoming on land.