China’s Innovation Hub and Maritime Gateway
Zhejiang Province (浙江省) lies along the southeastern coast of China, facing the East China Sea. Known for its dynamic private economy, picturesque water towns, and deep cultural roots, Zhejiang blends tradition and modernity. The provincial capital, Hangzhou, is globally renowned for West Lake, while Yiwu is known as the world’s largest wholesale market hub.
Formation and Historical Background
- “Zhejiang” refers to the Qiantang River, historically called Zhejiang meaning “crooked river.”
- Once part of the Wu and Yue kingdoms, and a cultural center during the Song Dynasty.
- Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty and a flourishing international trade port.
- A core region for Jiangnan culture, Confucian scholarship, and silk production.
- One of the first provinces to embrace economic reforms in the 1980s.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Zhejiang Province (浙江省) |
| Provincial Capital | Hangzhou (杭州市) |
| Location | Southeastern China |
| Total Area | Approx. 105,500 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 65 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 浙 (Zhè) |
| ISO Code | CN-ZJ |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Yi Lianhong (易炼红) |
| Governor | Wang Hao (王浩) |
| Provincial Legislature | Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Zhejiang Province
Zhejiang has 11 prefecture-level cities, further divided into districts, county-level cities, and counties.
- Hangzhou (杭州市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Shangcheng (上城区), Xiacheng (下城区), Jianggan (江干区), Gongshu (拱墅区), Xihu (西湖区), Binjiang (滨江区), Yuhang (余杭区), Linping (临平区), Fuyang (富阳区), Lin’an (临安区)
- Counties: Tonglu (桐庐县), Chun’an (淳安县), Jiande (建德市)
- Ningbo (宁波市)
- Districts: Haishu (海曙区), Jiangbei (江北区), Zhenhai (镇海区), Beilun (北仑区), Yinzhou (鄞州区), Fenghua (奉化区)
- County-level Cities: Cixi (慈溪市), Yuyao (余姚市)
- County: Ninghai (宁海县), Xiangshan (象山县)
- Wenzhou (温州市)
- Districts: Lucheng (鹿城区), Longwan (龙湾区), Ouhai (瓯海区), Dongtou (洞头区)
- County-level Cities: Ruian (瑞安市), Yueqing (乐清市), Yongjia (永嘉县), Pingyang (平阳县), Cangnan (苍南县), Wencheng (文成县), Taishun (泰顺县)
- Shaoxing (绍兴市)
- Districts: Yuecheng (越城区), Keqiao (柯桥区), Shangyu (上虞区)
- County-level Cities: Zhuji (诸暨市), Shengzhou (嵊州市)
- County: Xinchang (新昌县)
- Jiaxing (嘉兴市)
- Districts: Nanhu (南湖区), Xiuzhou (秀洲区)
- County-level Cities: Haining (海宁市), Pinghu (平湖市), Tongxiang (桐乡市)
- Counties: Jiashan (嘉善县), Haiyan (海盐县)
- Huzhou (湖州市)
- Districts: Wuxing (吴兴区), Nanxun (南浔区)
- Counties: Deqing (德清县), Changxing (长兴县), Anji (安吉县)
- Jinhua (金华市)
- Districts: Wucheng (婺城区), Jindong (金东区)
- County-level Cities: Lanxi (兰溪市), Dongyang (东阳市), Yiwu (义乌市), Yongkang (永康市)
- Counties: Wuyi (武义县), Pujiang (浦江县), Pan’an (磐安县)
- Quzhou (衢州市)
- Districts: Kecheng (柯城区), Qujiang (衢江区)
- County-level Cities: Jiangshan (江山市)
- Counties: Changshan (常山县), Kaihua (开化县), Longyou (龙游县)
- Zhoushan (舟山市)
- Districts: Dinghai (定海区), Putuo (普陀区)
- Counties: Daishan (岱山县), Shengsi (嵊泗县)
- Taizhou (台州市)
- Districts: Jiaojiang (椒江区), Huangyan (黄岩区), Luqiao (路桥区)
- County-level Cities: Linhai (临海市), Wenling (温岭市), Yuhuan (玉环市)
- Counties: Tiantai (天台县), Sanmen (三门县), Xianju (仙居县)
- Lishui (丽水市)
- Districts: Liandu (莲都区)
- County-level Cities: Longquan (龙泉市)
- Counties: Qingtian (青田县), Jinyun (缙云县), Suichang (遂昌县), Songyang (松阳县), Yunhe (云和县), Qingyuan (庆元县), Jingning She Autonomous County (景宁畲族自治县)
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Cities | 11 |
| County-level Divisions | 90+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 1,400+ |
Local Government Structure
- Hangzhou and Ningbo are sub-provincial cities with advanced administrative autonomy.
- Other cities have municipal governments, district-level development bureaus, and county administrations.
- Township-level governments support public services, industry regulation, and agricultural coordination.
Leadership & Governance
- Governance priorities include:
- Digital economy and e-commerce (especially Hangzhou)
- Smart city development and green innovation
- Ocean economy, trade, and port logistics
- Strong focus on rural revitalization and balanced regional development
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Oversight by Zhejiang Provincial Public Security Department
- Major roles:
- Cybersecurity and financial crime regulation
- Maritime law enforcement in coastal regions
- Emergency disaster response and flood control
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Leading sectors:
- E-commerce (Alibaba HQ in Hangzhou)
- Advanced manufacturing, AI, green energy
- Port economy: Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is one of the world’s busiest
- Agriculture: rice, tea, silk
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 6.4%, one of China’s strongest
Education & Institutions
- Top Universities:
- Zhejiang University
- Zhejiang University of Technology
- Ningbo University
- Specializations: technology, entrepreneurship, ocean engineering
Healthcare
- Major Hospitals:
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
- Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital
- Leader in digital health innovation and surgical research
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
- Ningbo Lishe International Airport, Wenzhou Longwan Airport
- Rail: Hangzhou–Shanghai HSR, intercity lines throughout the province
- Ports: Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (global trade gateway)
Tourism & Attractions
- West Lake (Hangzhou) – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Wuzhen, Xitang – ancient water towns
- Putuo Mountain – sacred Buddhist site
- Qiandao Lake, Dongqian Lake, and scenic coastlines
- Tea culture, silk museums, Confucius temples
Culture & Lifestyle
- Rich in Jiangnan culture – elegance, literature, traditional opera
- Home of Longjing tea, silk embroidery, celadon pottery
- Cuisine: Dongpo pork, West Lake fish in vinegar, Ningbo seafood
- Known for festivals: Hangzhou International Fireworks, Dragon Boat
Summary
Zhejiang Province is a blend of elegance and energy — from ancient water towns to digital marketplaces. It is one of China’s most forward-looking provinces, deeply rooted in tradition yet racing toward the future with innovation and resilience.