A Congenial City
Hangzhou is widely recognized as “China's happiest city,” a reflection of the city’s living conditions and sense of happiness among its residents. In Chinese tradition, living and working in peace and contentment has long been the ideal. Hangzhou manages to achieve balance and harmony among people, nature and culture by developing science, education, culture, healthcare and public service in an integrated manner. The goal has been to solve the contradiction between expanding urban areas with shrinking natural surroundings. In achieving this, Hangzhou has become a livable city with a sustainable, healthy, stable and fast-paced economy while enjoying clean water, flowing rivers, green riverbanks and beautiful scenery.
Hangzhou is a city famed for its five waters: West Lake is the “best under heaven,” Qiantang River Tide is well-known at home and abroad, Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is a national treasure, Xixi Wetland is the “kidney” of the city and Hangzhou Bay connects the city with the East China Sea. The protection and development of these waters will bring harmony between people and water, achieving the renewal of Hangzhou’s urban water system, environment and culture.
In 2002, the city began a project to protect the Hangzhou section of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which is now close to the end of its second phase. In the newly renovated Xiao He Zhi Jie street, you can see the glory of city rivers, and Fuyi Barn is one of the two biggest barns built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The delicate bridges and green spaces along the Grand Canal show us an interesting dialogue between ancient civilizations and modern wisdom.
The comprehensive conservation project for the Middle and East River was launched earlier this year. In Hefang Street, a 400-meter artificial river will link up the two rivers with three shipping locks, which will be a breakthrough in the history of urban construction in Hangzhou. The project will upgrade the quality of life for residents along the two rivers, boats can commute freely in the rivers, and visitors will see better views.
Hangzhou plans to build 20 new satellite cities and 100 tourism, trade and finance centers in its urban planning blueprint. At present, the Southern Song Imperial Street and Zhongshan Road international tourism area, and Xixi Paradise travel compound are taking shape and show us the vision of Hangzhou New City. In the near future, Hangzhou will become a more livable and harmonious city with an excellent economic structure, better ecology and attractive living environment.
At the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, visitors will find an exhibition of the “Quality Life of Hangzhou by Controlling and Managing Water.” Hangzhou coexists with rivers, lakes, brooks and the open sea. Under the guiding concept “harmony among people, nature and culture,” Hangzhou has successfully handled the relationship between urban development and environmental protection, including its natural environment. With West Lake as the centre of the city, Hangzhou is a water-oriented, liveable city. 
