hangzhou

Kevin Watkins stands in a garden near Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. (Photo provided by Kevin Watkins) Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." My connection with China began in just this way. On March 4, 1981, my hometown Hastings, New Zealand, and Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, became the first New Zealand-China sister cities. In early 2003, I attended a reception held for a visiting delegation from Guilin and became friends with many Chinese people. The following year, I visited China with a delegation from Hastings District Council, taking my first step on the "thousand-mile journey" to understanding the country. We visited Shanghai, Beijing, Guilin and other places. I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by Guilin's stunning natural landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures. On my last evening in the city, I went to a cultural performance at the Children's Palace, where I was deeply attracted by the gorgeous costumes and movements of the Chinese dancers. After several routes, a dancer came down from the stage to interact with the audience of over 200 individuals. Later, she slowly approached me and asked, "Would you like to dance?" I…Original link

At 19:00 on September 8-10, Hangzhou unveils an annual light show of the Teachers' Day to send blessings to teachers with dazzling lights. More than 200 large triple-linked screens all over the city circularly play the public welfare promotional video of the Teachers' Day as well.Original link

The Global Digital Trade Innovation Competition, one of important events of the third Global Digital Trade Expo, will be held in Hangzhou with its final on September 25-28. The event features four competitions associated with “Robots & AI”, “Blockchain & Digital Finance”, “Metaverse & Digital Entertainment”, and “New E-commerce & Intelligent Logistics”, to shed light on high-quality teams or talents with leading technology and promote innovative development in digital trade. Last year, the event attracted about 200 excellent enterprises and teams. The outstanding works of the competition have been applied in digital trade industry.Original link

On September 21-22, the Asia Rugby Seven Series 2024 will be held at Hangzhou Normal University Cangqian Athletics Field, Yuhang District, Hangzhou. Sixteen Asian top teams from countries and regions, such as China, the Republic of Korea, UAE, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan will participate in the event. At the rugby event of Hangzhou Asian Games held last year, China Team defeated Japan Team to win the gold medal. China Team will return to the Asian Games venue to offer a wonderful competition.Original link

BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Amr Wahba, 31, loves the weather in southern China, calling it "warm and pleasant" compared to the climate in his hometown in Egypt. Since arriving in Beijing to pursue doctoral study in pharmaceutical science at Tsinghua University last year, Wahba has traveled to various places in China, including Hangzhou city in the Yangtze Delta, where he celebrated the Spring Festival. His most recent trip to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in August marked his first journey to a northern region outside the Chinese capital. Wahba's travel opportunity came through the Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue (TGYD), an intercultural initiative established by Tsinghua in 2023. TGYD invites young people from around the world to participate in tours and forums in China, fostering mutual understanding, promoting cooperation and encouraging engagement in addressing global challenges. The main forum of the second TGYD took place on Aug. 29 and 30 at the Tsinghua campus, featuring two days of keynote speeches and discussions after the participants completed their tours to different parts of China earlier in the month. Beginning their journey with a four-day visit to Shanghai on Aug. 19, 100 young participants, which include students, researchers and entrepreneurs from 35 countries,…Original link

The Apsara Conference 2024 is set to take place in Yunqi Town, Hangzhou, from September 19 to 21. This three-day event will feature over 400 sub-forums and parallel sessions, along with a smart technology exhibition held in a 40,000-square-meter space. Leading AI companies like Baichuan AI, 01.AI, Moonshot AI, Zhipu AI, and Tongyi Qianwen will be there to showcase their latest breakthroughs in foundation models, while over 10 teams will demonstrate capabilities of their multimodal models in image generation, 3D content creation, audio production, and intelligent code completion. Attendees can expect an immersive experience. They will definitely gain valuable insights into the latest AI technology. The conference will also delve into the synergy between cloud computing and AI, covering everything from underlying hardware to data centers, from cloud infrastructure to data management, AI platforms, and Model as a Service (MaaS). It will provide a comprehensive exploration of the latest technological developments and applications in cloud competing in the age of AI. The 40,000-square-meter exhibition space will be a hub of innovation, showcasing the most advanced and popular AI applications, presented by over 100 companies from manufacturing, internet, consumer products and other industries. Leading companies like FAW, Shandong Hi-Speed Group, Zhaopin.com,…Original link

In the final quarter of 2024, Hangzhou will host multiple national and international sporting events that will attract renowned world-class athletes. The excitement begins in early September with the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final. As the premier event in the women’s pro circuit, this marks China’s debut as host, underscoring the country’s growing prominence in 3×3 basketball, according to FIBA. “The selection of Hangzhou as the host city for the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final is a significant milestone, underlining our commitment to expanding women’s basketball and enhancing its visibility worldwide,” stated Alex Sanchez, Managing Director of FIBA 3x3. The weekend following the basketball event will feature the 2024 Hangzhou Open (ATP250) at Hangzhou Asian Games tennis competition venue, showcasing top players such as World No. 6 Andrey Rublev, No. 15 Holger Rune, and No. 16 Sebastian Korda in the main draw, alongside recent Paris Olympic mixed doubles silver medalist Zhang Zhizhen and local Hangzhou tennis player Wu Yibing. Following the ATP250 event, the ATP125 tournament will begin in October, along with the 2024 ICF Hangzhou Super Cup, which will take place at the Fuyang Water Sports Center. The four-day event includes categories such as canoe sprint, canoe slalom, kayak…Original link

Or working in the Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel In the Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, amidst the sea of white coats, I noticed a doctor in hiking attire, with remnants of dried earth still clinging to the tips of his shoes--a mosaic of nature’s soul. What’s more, this doctor even performed a handstand in the middle of the hospital café! He is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner intern from Israel, demonstrating his calisthenics skills during our interview. His name is Or Zoref, and he has traveled from his hometown to China to deepen his understanding of TCM at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Growing up with parents who followed a holistic approach to life, Or, at the age of eight and suffering from a common stomach ache, was brought to Dr. Shlomi’s clinic, a Chinese acupuncturist in Israel. Since that fateful visit, Dr. Shlomi has become Or’s family doctor and a guiding light in his pursuit of TCM. Or studied TCM for four years in Israel before coming to China. With each passing year, it became clear to him that this was his destiny. He describes TCM as his passion, burning…Original link

Are you a pet enthusiast in Hangzhou seeking the ultimate weekend escape? Picture this: savoring a perfect cup of coffee while surrounded by lovable, playful pets. Hangzhou is home to numerous pet-friendly cafes that offer a unique blend of relaxation and fun. Today, we introduce one of the newest and most popular: Healing Pets Cafe. One of the cafe’s standout features is the ability to print your pet’s photo on a cup of coffee, adding a personal and charming touch to your experience. Enjoy your latte adorned with adorable pet-themed art, making every sip special. The cafe features a pet-friendly ramp, making it easy for animals to explore every corner. The expansive second floor provides ample space for pets of all sizes to frolic and play. Essentials like water bowls and odor sprays are thoughtfully provided to ensure a comfortable visit for all. Spending a day at Healing Pets Cafe in Hangzhou is a delightful way to elevate your weekend. Whether you have a pet or just love being around them, this cafe offers a heartwarming experience. So, gather your furry pal or get ready to meet new ones—this charming spot promises pure joy! Address: Building 3, Xixiangli Cultural and…Original link

Hangzhou will unveil the first downtown duty-free store after October. Different from the duty-free store for foreign exchange commodities, this one serves Chinese and foreign tourists who are about to travel outside China. The goods are picked up in the departure area of the airport, making shopping more convenient. The duty-free store provides a variety of domestic and foreign brand products, to meet the requirements of different consumers, and promote the development of domestic brands and the spread of traditional culture. Experts anticipate that the downtown location's convenience and ample shopping time will attract a surge of shoppers, outperforming other duty-free stores.  Original link

The romance between the White Snake and her husband Xu Xian, a tale spanning a thousand years, is a unique cultural heritage of Hangzhou. To continue this, a theme street on the film White Snake: Afloat was opened at the historical Qinghefang area. Visitors will find it flawlessly reproducing the bustling alleyways, taverns, and tea houses depicted in the film, allowing them to experience the daily life back into the romance and feel the old-time vibes. “I came all the way here because it was hot on social media,” said Ms. Zhang, a tourist from Jiangsu province. Into the area from the Drum Tower Square, you will immediately notice the layered yellow, red, and purple oil-paper umbrellas suspended above the water near the Southern Song Bookstore. The backdrop with the Chinese characters “White Snake” offers an orchestrated vibe of the Southern Song dynasty, making it feel as if you are traveling through a time warp. To facilitate the opening of the theme street, the Urban Management Bureau of Shangcheng District, based on the new policy for outdoor business, provides one-stop service for urgent matters. Leveraging the characteristics and heritage of Qinghefang, the local authority encourage new business models with three…Original link

The Hangzhou Botanical Garden has recently become a hotspot for visitors, with its lycoris flowers, known as the Chinese tulip, having entered their peak blooming season. The garden is now a vibrant sea of red, yellow, and pink, attracting many visitors eager to capture the breathtaking scene. Lycoris, also known as spider lily or equinox lily, is a perennial plant that blooms between summer and autumn. The flowers are unique for their striking appearance and the fact that they bloom without leaves, which has earned them the poetic name "flowers from the other shore". According to Zhang Pengchong, a senior engineer at the garden, this year's bloom is particularly spectacular due to the overlap of early, mid, and late-blooming varieties, resulting in one of the best displays in recent years. Visitors looking to admire the lycoris blooms can enter through the garden's south gate and follow the main path. The flowers can be seen in several areas, including the Economic Plant Zone, Plant Classification Zone, and the Baicao Garden, as well as along the roadsides near the south and north gates.Original link

The Liangzhu Cultural Corridor, an initiative that Yuhang district, Hangzhou launched to promote Liangzhu culture, a prehistoric rice-cultivating civilization that existed between 3300 BC and 2300 BC in China, has witnessed remarkable progress as exemplary projects are carried out. A surge of tourists flocked to the recent market event at the Liangzhu 5000+ Artistic Creation Park, one of the initial 10 projects in the Liangzhu Cultural Corridor initiative. The park has welcomed 120,000 visitors since its opening on July 12, solidifying its status as a new landmark along this cultural corridor. Following the inscription of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City onto the World Heritage List in 2019, Yuhang district embarked on an exploration of the "second chapter" of Liangzhu culture by launching the Liangzhu Cultural Corridor initiative, which focuses on cultural empowerment and integrates historical preservation, economic development, industrial transformation and shared prosperity. With a series of flagship projects currently underway, Yuhang is leveraging the 5,000-year-old Liangzhu culture as a guiding force for socioeconomic growth. By connecting it with regional cultures such as Grand Canal culture, Jingshan culture, ancient towns and modern digital culture, the district is ushering in a new era of cultural prosperity to drive comprehensive urban…Original link

Hangzhou is accelerating efforts to lead the nation's low-altitude economy, with a focus on drone sports. Following the launch of the Low-Altitude Economy Development Plan (2024-27), the city aims to establish itself as a hub for drone sports in China. Drone sports, encompassing activities like drone racing, acrobatics, and aerial photography competitions, have garnered increasing attention due to their blend of education and technology. According to Shao Ying, executive director of the Hangzhou Smart City Research Institute, this push aligns with Hangzhou's vision of becoming an international sports city in the post-Asian Games era. As one of the first cities designated as a national test zone for civilian drones, Hangzhou has developed an innovative ecosystem with companies like Xizi Spirit Aerosystems and Antwork Technology leading the way. The city's universities and research institutions are also at the forefront of efforts to develop electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. To achieve its goal, Hangzhou plans to integrate drone sports into its broader sports development strategy, provide financial incentives, and attract top international talent. The upcoming World Drone Racing Championships in October will further solidify Hangzhou's global position in drone sports, with 200 competitors from 40 countries expected to participate.  Original link

The 2024 Hangzhou Open (ATP 250) is set to take place from Sept 17 to 24 at the Hangzhou Olympic Tennis Center. Tennis fans can expect an exciting lineup of nearly 60 top players from around the world. Leading the roster are big names such as Andrey Rublev, ranked sixth globally and a two-time ATP 1000 Masters champion, and Zhang Zhizhen, Hangzhou Asian Games singles champion and Paris Olympics mixed doubles silver medalist. Other notable stars include Holger Rune, ATP 1000 Paris Masters champion, and Wu Yibing, the first Chinese mainland player to win an ATP Tour title. Recent additions to the tournament include Sebastian Korda, who just won the ATP 500 Washington Open, and Karen Khachanov, a Grand Slam quarterfinalist. Former world No. 3 Marin Cilic will also make his return after a knee injury. The event will feature a week of thrilling matches, with ticket prices ranging from 50 yuan ($7) to 1,280 yuan, allowing fans to enjoy multiple matches with a single ticket.Original link

The 4K restored version of Princess Iron Fan, China's first animated feature film, premiered at the China Cartoon & Animation Museum in Hangzhou on Aug 24. Prior to the screening, Yang Chenxi, a professor at the China Academy of Art's Film School, provided an introduction to the film. Directed by the Wan brothers, Wan Laiming and Wan Guchan, Princess Iron Fan was originally released in 1941 in Shanghai. It is a milestone in both Chinese and Asian animation, drawing inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The film skillfully integrates elements of Chinese painting, opera, and traditional performance arts, while also incorporating Disney-style animation techniques. The film was well-received across Southeast Asia and Japan, where it significantly influenced the famous manga artist and Astro Boy creator, Osamu Tezuka. The screening was accompanied by a dedicated exhibition at the museum, showcasing historical materials and interactive experiences related to the film and allowing visitors to relive iconic scenes and feel the legacy of China's pioneering animation.  Original link

The 2024 Xin'an River summer swimming international challenge took place in Jiande on Aug 25, attracting over 2,000 swimmers from 11 provinces, including Zhejiang, Anhui, and Fujian, as well as international participants from the United States, Russia, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. The event featured two key competitions: a group endurance swim and an individual endurance swim, offering participants the chance to embrace nature and test their limits in the cool 17 C river waters. The opening ceremony was filled with excitement, including thrilling performances like water flyboarding, displays of traditional Yanzhou shrimp lanterns, and demonstrations of the ancient martial art of Tiangang Boxing. Popular fitness coach Liu Genghong, also known as Will Liu, led a warm-up session with participants, setting the stage for the day's competitions. The group race, held in the morning, drew the most attention, as teams braved the fast-flowing waters of the Xin'an River. The competition tested not only swimmers' endurance but also their mental resilience in the face of the river's chilling temperatures. This event is more than just a sports competition – it's a celebration of Jiande's spirit and cultural heritage. Originally known as the Xin'an River endurance challenge and held annually since 1988, the competition…Original link

Construction began on the Xiaoyuanxi Water Sports Park in Tonglu county, Hangzhou on Aug 22, with an investment of approximately 3.2 billion yuan ($448 million). Located in a tranquil valley in Sanxin village, the park will integrate advanced AR technology, offering an immersive experience within a water park setting – the first of its kind in the region. The park will feature a mix of attractions, including a large water park, high-tech visual performances, luxury hotels, and wellness facilities. The design will blend local cultural elements with cutting-edge technology to create a unique destination for both leisure and business travelers. Scheduled to be completed in phases, the park aims to become a top micro-vacation destination in East China and a national base for immersive performances. Highlights include the country's longest water park lazy river, which is over 2 kilometers long, and the largest wave pool, which covers an area of 21,000 square meters. Set against the backdrop of a natural mountain valley, the park will offer a year-round experience, adapting its attractions to different seasons and times of day. From winter performance stages to summer water activities, it is expected to draw many tourists and generate substantial revenue for Tonglu.…Original link

The 2024 Hangzhou Qianjiang Century City International Basketball Showdown will be held from Aug 31 to Sept 2 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center. The highlight of the event is expected to be Europe's powerhouse, FC Barcelona's basketball team, featuring former NBA stars like Juancho Hernangomez, Tomas Satoransky, and Jabari Parker. This marks their first pre-season game in China. Two CBA teams, Zhejiang Guangsha and Beijing Shougang, will also compete, bringing excitement for Chinese basketball fans. Tickets are available on Damai are being bought up by both domestic and international basketball communities.  Original link

As the summer heat subsides, winter sports are heating up in Hangzhou. The first Hangzhou Ice Hockey Festival and "MixC Cup" 2024 National Ice Hockey Championship kicked off on Aug 22 at the Hangzhou MixC shopping mall, running until Aug 25. This event has attracted top clubs from across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu. Nearly 30 teams, competing across four divisions, will compete in nearly 60 matches. With around 300 young players involved, this event marks a record for Hangzhou ice hockey, promoting the integration of ice hockey education and competition while building a strong talent pool for the sport's growth in Zhejiang. Hosted in a bustling commercial area, the event offers spectators a chance to enjoy competitive ice hockey up close while raising the sport's profile and boosting public interest. The Qianjiang New City business district will also host cultural activities to further promote the sport to the local community.  Original link

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