West Lake is a must-visit spot in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, was recognized as the most livable city in China at the 2023 China Happy City Forum organized by the Oriental Outlook magazine on Nov 24.

The Hangzhou districts of Fuyang, Gongshu, and Lin'an were honored as the most livable urban areas. This marks the 17th year that Hangzhou has received the honorary title.

Hangzhou integrates natural scenery with cultural landscapes, creating a juxtaposition of economic prosperity and human development.

The views in Hangzhou feature West Lake, Qiantang River, Tianmu Mountain, and Jiangnan-style water towns. Behind the vibrant scenery is the city's environmental conservation efforts, adhering to the philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

Moreover, Hangzhou, with its three UNESCO World Heritage sites and 52 museums, has emerged as a cultural hub with landmarks like the Hangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture and the Deshou Palace Museum.

The recent Asian Games were not just any sporting event, they were also a cultural feast, conveying a message of shared understanding and cultural richness deeply rooted in Hangzhou. After the Games, major events like the Chinese Drama Festival and Cultural and Creative Industry Expo have followed suit, extending Hangzhou's culture to even more distant places.

Hangzhou is a city steeped in history and culture, coupled with an international flair and technological sophistication. It has been selected as the "most attractive Chinese city for foreign talent" for 13 years in a row and had the highest number of entries among the "Top 500 Private Enterprises" for 21 years in a row. It is a city of innovation and vitality that continues to achieve glory.

The opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]