ACT signs MOU with Hangzhou
The ACT Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hangzhou Municipal People's Government on 29 October 1998. Areas of mutual interest listed in the MOU include environmental management technology, building techniques, information technology, education and tourism promotion.
Canberra Hangzhou friendship city relationship [1998]
Following the MOU, Mr Mao Linsheng, Mayor of Hangzhou led a delegation to Canberra in April 2003. During his visit, the ACT Government and Hangzhou Government signed an 'Agreement on the Establishment of Friendly Exchange Relationships'. The Agreement is designed to further promote business opportunities and cultural exchanges between the two cities. The ACT Environmental Consortium also won a project in 'Air Pollution' consultancy from the Hangzhou Environmental and Planning Bureau.
About Hangzhou
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province is situated in southeast China, approximately 180 kilometres from Shanghai. It is the political, economic and cultural hub of the Zhejiang province. The city centre is built around the eastern and northern sides of the West Lake, just north of the Qiantang River. West Lake is one of Hangzhou’s best known features and provides a scenic backdrop to the city. The lake stretches 62 kilometers and includes some of Hangzhou’s most famous historic relics including historical pagodas and ancient cultural sites.
Hangzhou is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage which can be traced back 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty, the first imperial period. Hangzhou was the capital of the Five Dynasties during the 10th Century and capital of Southern Song Dynasty during the 12-13th Century. Accordingly, it is listed as one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China.
During the Song Dynasty, Hangzhou was rich with a thriving silk trade and was the centre of art and literature. Other traditional industries included textiles and machinery.
Today, the tourism industry is prospering, attracting more than 20 million domestic and foreign tourists every year. Among the most popular attractions are West Lake and the historical site dating from the Song Dynasty.
The climate of Hangzhou is subtropical and has four distinctive seasons including a monsoon period. Hangzhou has 6 districts, 2 counties and 5 county-level municipalities under its jurisdiction. Hangzhou covers a total area of 16596 square kilometers, with a population of 6.08 million.
