Hangzhou, abbreviated as "Hang," formerly known as Lin'an, Qiantang, and Wulin, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Zhejiang Province. It is the provincial capital, a sub-provincial city, a megacity, a city in the central region of the Yangtze River Delta, and a global financial technology center. Located in northern Zhejiang Province, on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River, the city's terrain gradually descends from west to east, with low mountains and hills, river valleys, basins, and accumulation plains. It enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct four seasons, abundant sunshine and rainfall, shorter springs and autumns, and longer winters and summers. The city covers a total area of 16,850 square kilometers. As of June 2025, Hangzhou will administer 10 districts, 2 counties, and one county-level city. By the end of 2024, Hangzhou's permanent population will be 12.624 million.
Hangzhou, designated by the State Council as a key central city in eastern China, is a national historical and cultural city, an international integrated transportation hub, a national digital economy innovation center, a regional highland for scientific and technological innovation, an advanced manufacturing base, a modern service industry center in eastern China, and an international tourist destination. Known as a "paradise on earth" for its scenic beauty, Hangzhou is exemplified by its West Lake, Qiantang River, and canal culture.