Zhejiang Province, China

Zhejiang Province, ChinaZhejiang Province, China (Photo edited with AI on 18 June 2026)

Zhejiang Province (浙江省, Zhèjiāng Shěng) is a coastal province in eastern China located on the southern side of the Yangtze River Delta. It is one of the most economically advanced and densely populated provinces in the country, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant private-sector economy, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage. The provincial capital is Hangzhou, a city famous for its scenic West Lake and long history as an imperial capital. Zhejiang is often regarded as one of China's most prosperous regions and serves as an important center for manufacturing, commerce, technology, tourism, and maritime trade.1

The name Zhejiang (浙江, Zhèjiāng) literally means "Crooked River" and originates from the ancient name of the Qiantang River, which flows through the province. Historically, the river was known as the Zhe River due to its winding course. The province was officially named during the Ming Dynasty after this important waterway, which has shaped the region's geography, economy, and culture for centuries.2

Quick Facts

Geography

Zhejiang is situated along China's southeastern coast and occupies a strategic location in the southern portion of the Yangtze River Delta. It borders Jiangsu Province and Shanghai to the north, Anhui Province to the northwest, Jiangxi Province to the west, Fujian Province to the south, and the East China Sea to the east.3

The province is characterized by rugged mountains, rolling hills, fertile plains, rivers, lakes, and an extensive coastline. Mountains and hills account for approximately 70 percent of the province's land area, while plains and basins are concentrated in the northern and eastern regions. The most fertile agricultural areas are found in the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain and the Ningbo-Shaoxing Plain.4

Zhejiang possesses one of China's longest coastlines and administers thousands of offshore islands. The Zhoushan Archipelago, located northeast of Ningbo, is the largest island group in China. Major rivers include the Qiantang River, Ou River, and Cao'e River. The province also features famous lakes such as West Lake in Hangzhou and Qiandao Lake (Thousand Islands Lake) in Chun'an County.

The climate is humid subtropical, with warm summers, mild winters, abundant rainfall, and frequent typhoons during the summer and autumn months.

Administrative Divisions

Zhejiang is divided into eleven prefecture-level cities, including two sub-provincial cities.5

Below the prefecture level are counties, county-level cities, urban districts, and townships. Zhejiang is noted for having a highly urbanized administrative structure, particularly in the Yangtze River Delta region.

History

Zhejiang has a long and distinguished history extending back thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries indicate that human settlement in the region dates to the Paleolithic Age. Important Neolithic cultures found in Zhejiang include the Shangshan, Kuahuqiao, Hemudu, Majiabang, and Liangzhu cultures, the latter being one of the most significant prehistoric civilizations in China.6

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, much of modern Zhejiang formed part of the ancient State of Yue. The legendary King Goujian of Yue remains an important figure in local folklore and Chinese history.

Following the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, Zhejiang became integrated into the imperial administrative system. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the province flourished due to maritime trade, agriculture, silk production, and handicrafts.

Hangzhou achieved particular prominence during the Southern Song Dynasty when it served as the imperial capital from 1127 to 1279. At that time, it was among the largest and wealthiest cities in the world.

Under the Ming Dynasty, Zhejiang was officially established as a province and derived its name from the Qiantang River. Maritime commerce expanded significantly, linking the region with Japan, Southeast Asia, and other parts of East Asia.2

In the modern era, Zhejiang experienced rapid industrialization and economic reform. Since China's reform and opening-up policies began in 1978, the province has become a model of private enterprise, entrepreneurship, and export-oriented development.

Ethnic Groups

The vast majority of Zhejiang's population belongs to the Han Chinese ethnic group. Han Chinese account for more than 99 percent of the province's residents.

Minority ethnic groups are present in smaller numbers and include the She, Hui, Miao, Zhuang, Tujia, Manchu, and Yi peoples. Among these, the She people represent the largest indigenous minority group and are concentrated primarily in southern and southwestern Zhejiang, particularly in Lishui and Wenzhou.

The She community maintains distinctive customs, festivals, traditional dress, music, and folk traditions that contribute to Zhejiang's cultural diversity.

Languages and Dialects

Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official language used in government, education, media, and public administration throughout Zhejiang.

However, the province is particularly famous for its diverse varieties of Wu Chinese, one of China's major linguistic groups. Zhejiang's dialects are often highly localized, and speakers from different cities may find one another difficult to understand.

Major dialect groups include:

The Wenzhou dialect is particularly famous among linguists for its distinct pronunciation and vocabulary.

Economy

Zhejiang possesses one of the strongest provincial economies in China. Its GDP exceeded 9 trillion yuan in recent years, ranking among the highest of all Chinese provinces.7

The province is internationally recognized for its entrepreneurial culture and strong private sector. Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises contribute to Zhejiang's economic dynamism.

Major industries include:

Hangzhou is home to Alibaba Group and numerous technology firms. Ningbo serves as one of China's busiest port cities, while Yiwu is famous worldwide for its massive wholesale commodity market.

Agriculture remains important, with Zhejiang producing tea, silk, rice, fruits, bamboo products, and seafood. Longjing (Dragon Well) tea from Hangzhou is among China's most celebrated teas.

Main Cities

Hangzhou

The provincial capital and a major center for tourism, technology, culture, and education.

Ningbo

A major international port city with a long maritime history.

Wenzhou

Known for entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and overseas Chinese communities.

Jiaxing

Located between Shanghai and Hangzhou and famous for water towns.

Shaoxing

A historic city known for scholars, literature, and yellow rice wine.

Jinhua

An important commercial center that administers Yiwu.

Huzhou

Known for silk production and ecological tourism.

Taizhou

A manufacturing hub with attractive coastal scenery.

Zhoushan

An island city and important fishing and shipping center.

Lishui

Known for mountains, forests, and ecological conservation.

Minor cities in Zhejiang Province

How to Go There

By Air

Zhejiang is served by several international and domestic airports.

Airlines serving Zhejiang airports include Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, XiamenAir, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and various international carriers depending on destination and season.

By Rail

Zhejiang has one of China's most advanced high-speed railway networks. Major railway stations include:

High-speed trains connect Zhejiang with Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Xiamen, and numerous other cities.

By Long-Distance Bus

Major cities throughout Zhejiang operate long-distance bus terminals providing connections to neighboring provinces and local destinations. Important terminals include Hangzhou North Bus Station, Hangzhou East Bus Station, Ningbo South Bus Station, and Wenzhou Bus Terminal.

How to Travel Locally

Zhejiang's cities offer modern and efficient transportation systems.

Traditional forms of transport such as trishaws, rickshaws, and tuk-tuks are generally not part of modern urban transportation in Zhejiang.

Tourist Attractions

West Lake (Hangzhou)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for scenic beauty, temples, pagodas, and gardens.

Lingyin Temple

One of China's most important Buddhist temples, located near West Lake.

Qiandao Lake (Thousand Islands Lake)

A vast reservoir featuring more than a thousand forested islands and crystal-clear waters.

Wuzhen Water Town

A beautifully preserved canal town showcasing traditional Jiangnan architecture.

Xitang Water Town

Known for ancient stone bridges, canals, and historic residences.

Putuo Mountain

One of the Four Sacred Mountains of Chinese Buddhism and an important pilgrimage destination.

Mount Yandang

Famous for dramatic volcanic landforms, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Shaoxing Ancient Town

A historic city celebrated for canals, classical residences, and literary heritage.

Hengdian World Studios

The largest film studio complex in China and a popular tourist attraction.

Tiantai Mountain

The birthplace of the Tiantai school of Buddhism and home to Guoqing Temple.

Moganshan

A mountain retreat known for bamboo forests, villas, and pleasant summer weather.

Nanxun Ancient Town

A historic water town blending Chinese and Western architectural influences.

Zhejiang Province is the Map of Provinces of China

References

  1. Zhejiang Overview – Zhejiang Provincial Government
  2. History of Zhejiang – Zhejiang Provincial Government
  3. Geography of Zhejiang – Zhejiang Provincial Government
  4. Zhejiang Overview – China Daily Zhejiang
  5. Administrative Divisions of Zhejiang
  6. Archaeological History of Zhejiang
  7. Zhejiang Statistical Bulletin

Page Details

This page was created/modified on 18 June 2026. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.


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