Hangzhou – China’s Cultural Heartbeat in a Tech-Driven World

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China, is located about 180 kilometres southwest of Shanghai. Nestled between the tranquil waters of West Lake and the lush, rolling hills of Zhejiang, Hangzhou once served as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. For centuries, it has inspired travellers and artists alike.

Marco Polo famously described it as “the most splendid city in the world,” and after spending time there in May, I can confirm that his praise still holds true. This city doesn’t rush to impress—it simply invites you to step in, slow down, and take your time. The calm energy and palpable sense of history make it a place unlike any other.

Historically, Hangzhou has remained a thriving centre for silk production and tea trade. The Grand Canal, the longest man-made waterway in the world, once connected Hangzhou to the rest of China, playing a crucial role in shaping both its economy and culture.

Today, Hangzhou has effortlessly blended its ancient traditions with modern innovation. As the home of Alibaba, an e-commerce platform and one of China’s largest tech giants, it has emerged as a significant global business hub. Remarkably, the city has managed to preserve its historical character while embracing change and growth. West Lake, a peaceful retreat that has inspired poets and artists for centuries, remains a focal point of the city, offering both locals and visitors a place to unwind. Hangzhou’s deep cultural roots—its tea fields, ancient temples, and traditional gardens—remain vibrant, even as the city thrives in the modern world of technology and commerce. This seamless balance of old and new is what makes Hangzhou one of China’s most dynamic cities, where history, business, and culture all converge.

The China Academy of Art: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

One of the standout moments of my visit was touring the China Academy of Art (CAA), the country’s leading fine arts institution. Located just a short distance from West Lake on Nanshan Road, the Academy has been shaping Chinese artists since its founding in 1928. It’s a place where classical Chinese techniques are taught alongside cutting-edge contemporary art, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Chinese visual culture.

The campus itself, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu, is a work of art in its own right. The architecture combines modern design with traditional Chinese elements, perfectly embodying the Academy’s philosophy of balancing heritage with progress.

While touring the campus, I had the chance to meet students and sit in on a class. Their work, ranging from traditional ink paintings and modern sculptures to experimental digital art, was inspiring. What struck me most was the energy of the students, fully immersed in both the rich history of Chinese art and their pursuit of new, innovative forms of expression.

From Myth to Digital Art: Black Myth: Wukong and the Global Gaming Scene

Adjacent to the Academy, another fascinating discovery awaited—the Black Myth: Wukong art exhibition. This globally successful action RPG, developed by Game Science, draws inspiration from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. The game reimagines the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, blending traditional Chinese folklore with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.

Since its release, Black Myth: Wukong has become a worldwide phenomenon, selling over 10 million copies within its first three days and amassing over 100 million engaged players globally. With its cinematic visuals, intricate narrative, and innovative gameplay, the game has broken records, establishing Chinese storytelling as a significant force in the global gaming industry.

The Black Myth: Wukong exhibition in Hangzhou provides a fascinating look at how China’s ancient culture is brought to life through modern digital art. While the game’s story is fictional, it draws deeply from Chinese myths, folklore, and artistic traditions, bringing them into a contemporary context. The stunning concept art, character designs, and immersive installations showcase how the game’s creators are using state-of-the-art technology to reinterpret traditional Chinese stories. It’s a powerful demonstration of how China’s cultural heritage is being transformed by today’s digital storytelling.

Visiting both the China Academy of Art and the Black Myth: Wukong exhibition reinforced why Hangzhou is such a significant cultural hub. It’s a place where art, technology, and storytelling converge in extraordinary ways.

Hangzhou’s West Lake: The Heart of the City

West Lake is Hangzhou’s crown jewel, and for good reason. It’s not just a beautiful spot; it’s the heart and soul of the city. During my visit, I spent hours strolling around the lake, and even though it was bustling with tourists and locals, the peaceful atmosphere allowed me to slow down and appreciate the surroundings. We took a traditional boat ride across the lake, passing famous landmarks like Leifeng Pagoda, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and small islands that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a Chinese painting.

There’s a walking path that loops the lake—about 15 kilometers long. You can choose to walk the entire perimeter or just part of it, taking in the view at your own pace. Alternatively, bikes are available for rent, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

Just outside the city centre, you’ll find Lingyin Temple, one of China’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temples. Nearby, the Longjing tea fields stretch up the hillsides, home to the famous Dragon Well tea, China’s most renowned green tea.

A Taste of Hangzhou

Hangzhou’s cuisine, like the city itself, is all about balance. Known for its fresh and light flavours, the food emphasizes the natural taste of local ingredients, never overpowering the palate.

A must-try dish is Dongpo Pork, named after the famous Song Dynasty poet and official Su Dongpo. The dish features braised pork belly so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Simmered in a flavourful combination of soy sauce, wine, and spices, it has been a local favourite for centuries. Another signature dish is West Lake Vinegar Fish, a tangy-sweet delight, usually made with fresh fish caught right from the lake.

Longjing Tea, or Dragon Well tea, is Hangzhou’s pride. You’ll find it in everything from a simple hot cup of tea to more inventive dishes. One of my favourites was called Tea-Smoked Duck, where the duck is smoked with the flavour of tea leaves.

In and around West Lake, vendors offer everything from dumplings and noodle soups to stir-fried rice cakes—perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The food here is never heavy or overwhelming, always flavorful and satisfying, much like the city itself.

Hangzhou’s Timeless Appeal

From ancient temples and tea plantations to cutting-edge art exhibitions and global tech hubs, Hangzhou seamlessly blends its history and modernity. One moment you’re walking through a centuries-old park and resplendent lake, and the next, you’re exploring a global digital gaming phenomenon that reinterprets Chinese mythology for a new generation. But Hangzhou doesn’t feel like a city of contrasts; it’s a place where everything coexists effortlessly.

This trip was made possible by the Chinese Embassy in Canada, which invited artists, film critics, arts and culture writers, travel journalists and bloggers to experience the city’s rich history and dynamic modern culture firsthand.

Header image: An aerial view of West Lake’s Leifeng Pagoda with the urban centre of Hangzhou in the distance. (Photo: iStock)