WIS is located in Hangzhou, the capital and largest city in Zhejiang
Province. Despite its population of 7 million, Hangzhou retains a
delightful small city feel. Its US sister city is Boston, with whom it
shares the distinction of a long, significant history and rich cultural
life. In the 13th century Marco Polo recognized Hangzhou’s exceptional
beauty, naming it the City of Heaven, the most magnificent city on
earth. It remains one of China’s most picturesque cities and one of its
most culturally rich. Dotted with beautifully landscaped gardens,
parks, and countless museums and historical sites, it is home to
beautiful West Lake, one of China’s most scenic landmarks. Unlike other
large cities, Hangzhou embraces its natural environment and incorporates
it throughout its urban design. Lushly green in all four seasons,
Hangzhou is surrounded by mountains making it ideal for outdoor
activities such as hiking and mountain biking. The starting point of the
historic Grand Canal, Hangzhou is situated on China’s third longest
river, Qiantang Jiang, and is crisscrossed by a system of ancient canals
and bridges, adding further distinction to its landscape.
Living in Hangzhou
In contrast to its lengthy history, Hangzhou is the home of China’s high
tech and e-commerce industry, providing a modern vibe to a historical
city. The absence of heavy industry has allowed the city to maintain
its pristine environment. Combining historical landmarks and modern
convenience, Hangzhou was chosen to host the 2016 G20 Summit. An
eclectic blend of old and new, Hangzhou is world headquarters to some of
China’s largest and most successful companies, such as e-commerce giant
Alibaba (China’s Amazon and more), and China’s largest food and
beverage company, Wahaha Group.
Hangzhou is easily reached by air, ground transportation, or train and
is located only a quick one-hour ride from Shanghai by high-speed
railway. Its international airport offers regular flights to
destinations throughout China and Asia. The timely, clean,
state-of-the-art metro system allows easy travel throughout the city and
the Metro Line 4 features a stop within footsteps of the WIS campus,
making travel to and from school quick and convenient.
Hangzhou has a rapidly growing international community. All major
international hotel groups, retailers, and restaurants such as
Carrefour, Ikea, Starbucks, H&M, Element Fresh, Outback Steakhouse
and Baskin & Robbins have stores in the city. A diverse food
culture thrives in Hangzhou, with restaurants featuring not only every
type of regional Chinese food but also international cuisines from
Mexican to Thai to Indian to Middle Eastern – shellfish enthusiasts can
even find an excellent lobster roll. The Shang Cheng district of
Hangzhou is home to many high caliber retail malls and online shopping
either for goods or meals with home delivery is both quick and
convenient.
The Wall