Zhejiang Province is located on the southeastern coast of China, at the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta, with Hangzhou as its capital. Historically, Zhejiang merchants were known as one of the “Five Great Trading Clans” alongside their counterparts from Guangdong, Anhui, Shanxi, and Jiangsu. As one of the cradles of ancient Chinese civilization, Zhejiang is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and abundant natural resources, earning it titles such as the “Land of Silk” and the “Land of Fish and Rice.”

The province boasts numerous scenic spots and is home to more forest parks than any other province in China. Among its attractions are the renowned West Lake in Hangzhou, the historic town of Shaoxing, the Buddhist haven of Putuo Mountain, the scenic Qiandao Lake, the film and television city of Hengdian, the bustling commodity hub of Yiwu, and the beautifully preserved water town of Wuzhen.

Zhejiang is culturally rich and diverse, with a heritage deeply rooted in traditional arts. Yue opera, which originated in the Shengxian area of Shaoxing, is one of China’s five major opera styles and has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Zhejiang cuisine, known as Zhejiang or Zhe cuisine, is one of China’s famous Eight Culinary Traditions. It encompasses four main styles from Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou, each with its own local flavor but sharing common characteristics such as attention to ingredient selection, unique cooking methods, focus on preserving natural flavors, and meticulous preparation.