Destination Report Hanghzou by Meeting Media Company BVBA

MIM Europe magazine Destination Report Hangzhou a special edition of MIM Europe magazine September 2013 Published by Meeting Media Company (Europe) www.mimmagazine.eu press@mimmagazine.eu

HANGZHOU

Entering the meetings race

AN INTRODUCTION TO HANGZHOU as a meetings and incentives destination Let’s put it bluntly. Before I flew to Hangzhou to write this full-on report, I didn’t know much - I don’t dare to say ‘nothing’ - about the destination, let alone Hangzhou as a MICE destination. I was thrilled to discover a city on the move, hustling and bustling with new developments and dynamic people, willing to do good, willing to show the world Hangzhou is already on the international meetings map, and will even increase its profile in the days, months, years to come! REPORT RÉMI DÉVÉ

With 8 million inhabitants (almost as many as in Belgium if you want to compare!), a nice mix of meetings venues, leisure activities, world-class hotels and an efficient transport network, Hangzhou is becoming a meetings destination most planners have yet to discover. If, a few years ago, it was more known as a leisure destination, the Chinese destination is gradually changing its profile, especially on an international level. Its strength lies in the fact that they can combine, like no other Chinese (and maybe Asian!) city, work and fun.

Beautiful scenery The capital of the Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou has many things up its sleeves including a rich history, some outstanding sites and beautiful natural scenery – and of course the famous Longjing tea! On the very day I arrived, under a radiating sun, I took a boat ride on the famous West Lake, the city’s best-known attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me, a European full of clichés about Chinese cities being polluted, noisy and hard to get around, I was amazed to discover a relaxed, peaceful

destination, with silent electric motorcycles and friendly people, where you can take a walk along the shores of a majestic lake, set against a beautiful backdrop of green, leafy mountains. For MICE travellers looking for a destination where they can work in a peaceful environment away from their daily hubbub, search no more, Hangzhou is the place! Blessed with the grandeur of natural sites such as Qiantang River, West Lake and Xixi Wetland (which I was also lucky enough to take a boat trip on), the ‘back garden of China’,

as it is often fondly referred to, is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing, though, all kinds of quality infrastructure you can expect in a metropolis.

Access and infrastructure If some might think Hangzhou is still in its infancy within the meetings industry, my very experience there prove them wrong. Though indeed the city could maybe benefit from a more visible profile on the international scene, newly developed spots like Xiang Lake near Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan International Airport and Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou’s suburban area have increased the city’s attraction for MICE tourists. Hangzhou’s convenient domestic and international transportation network is also worth a note. With direct flights to the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and more, a new bullet train connecting Shanghai and Hangzhou in only 40 minutes, it really is no wonder that Hangzhou is becoming a popular MICE destination. A number of hotels have also recently opened, giving the city some stateof-the-art venues for MICE events. International brands like Shangri-La, Aman Resorts, Banyan Tree, Angsara and Four Seasons have all inaugurated properties. Jumeirah should follow the lead soon. The luxury hotels are mostly around the West Lake, on the bank of the Qiantang River or near the Xixi Wetland (more on hotels page 5).

A certain je ne sais quoi As the closest capital city to Shanghai (I actually tested it myself - Shanghai is literally next door with a hi-tech highspeed train), Hangzhou is like an urban metropolis, but with a certain je ne sais quoi and laidbackness impossible to find anywhere else. Its location is a definite advantage, and, over the last

two decades, the city has witnessed a rapid economic development. Hangzhou is innovative, a leader in many fields of endeavour, and for companies looking for links (and maybe new business opportunities but also new delegates at their convention for example) with emerging, pro-active destinations, Hangzhou could well be the place. Hangzhou could also well be heaven on earth when it comes to incentives. With a wide variety of wonderful options and unique experiences for pre- and posttours, as well as team-building activities for instance, the city and its surrounding region are all about engaging in the local customs, learning about the culture, experiencing what Hangzhou is ready made of. Picking up the leaves of China’s national drink, going through each step of a tea ceremony, unraveling the history of silk at the largest silk museum in the world, relaxing beneath the ‘pins and needles’ of acupuncture in a traditional Chinese Medicine clinic, taking a boat trip on the famous Grand Canal… possibilities seem to be endless (more on this page 9). So, if Hangzhou doesn’t have it all yet, it might only be a matter of time. Hangzhou’s historical traditions, already infused in the lifestyles of locals, offer visitors interesting experiences, which will truly be an added value to the most interesting meetings. Whether you’re just there for a cup of tea or the full hands-on experience, complete with food, foot massage or hiking (you name it, they have it!), Hangzhou is yours to discover.

Contact Roger Shu T. +86 571 8720 4909 F. + 86 571 5681 5261 roger@hz.cn www.micehangzhou.com/en

Hangzhou, the hard facts • capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province • #3 MICE destination in Mainland China according to the ICCA stats • largest capacity auditorium: 2,400 • 30,000 hotel rooms for all kinds of budgets. International brands include Sheraton, Hilton, Four Seasons, Hyatt and many others • direct flights from/to the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia / Shanghai 40 minutes away with the bullet train • rated by the World Bank as having ‘the best environment’ in China and by Forbes Magazine as ‘the best city for commerce in Mainland China’

Hangzhou with a vision Interview with Mr. He Yixing West Lake

As the Director of Hangzhou Tourism Promotion Centre, the Executive Vice President and the General Secretary of Hangzhou MICE Association, Mr. He Yixing is in the perfect position to talk about the state of Hangzhou’s local meetings industry. And I can testify he showed great hopes for the future of Hangzhou as a MICE destination. HQ: Tell us a little bit about the history of the MICE industry in Hangzhou. Mr. He Yixing: Hangzhou has always been a popular leisure tourism destination, but the focus has been more on quantity rather than quality, as numbers only mattered. A few years back, Hangzhou government decided to change the perspective and has come to acknowledge the MICE industry has a significant impact on the welfare of the destination. It’s an every season kind of business and brings benefit all year round. But we have to keep improving and educating the local industry: it’s an on-going process and involves all kinds of stakeholders, as the developments include infrastructures, human resources and destination promotion… In this respect, the creation of a MICE Association, in addition to a MICE department, back in 2010, just made sense. HQ: So your efforts have already proved to be fruitful… Mr. He Yixing: Definitely. In two years, Hangzhou has become the third MICE destination in Mainland China, right after Beijing and Shanghai, mainly due to a lot of efforts in marketing and promotion. Our extensive programme include various activities, like participating at tradeshows in several countries

which are the main target markets of Hangzhou such as CIBTM in Beijing, AIME in Melbourne or IMEX in Frankfurt, just to name a few, organising familiarisation trips for decision makers in order to promote Hangzhou as a MICE destination, and becoming member of different international MICE organisations like ICCA, in whose rankings we have moved from the 47th to the 27th place just over a year in the AsiaPacific region… which I think says it all!

In two years, Hangzhou has become the third MICE destination in Mainland China, right after Beijing and Shanghai HQ: In terms of infrastructure, is there anything in the pipeline? Mr. He Yixing: Hangzhou already boasts good infrastructures, which I’m personally very proud of. Accommodation wise, we have a wide variety of hotels catering to all kinds of budgets, where you can hold great events too. The new international airport makes the destination very accessible, with the opening of new air routes on the way, as well as with the proximity of Shanghai. Of course we could do

Mr. He Yixing

with a purpose-built congress centre, but I’m happy to announce discussions are being led to have one in the area of our famous West Lake. HQ: If you’re an incentive planner, what can you find in Hangzhou and nowhere else? Mr. He Yixing: Where can I start? Options are legion actually, and can involve food, sport, water, tea, almost whatever you like! A trip to a traditional tea village is a must around here: participants can pick up the leaves of the Longjing tea themselves and shake them dry in the sun. But nowhere else in the world is there our famous West Lake: a walk along its beautiful shores or a boat trip on it are also unmissable. And if you’re there at night, why not try the show directed by Zhang Yimou, Impressions West Lake? That you can’t do anywhere else!

Choice is the word A selection of hotels

Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort

If you’re used to holding your conference or meeting in a hotel, here is a selection of properties, all worth checking out, all with a definite character.

Westbrook Resort Located about 15 minutes from downtown Hangzhou, Westbrook Resort is a world-class international complex comprising five hotels, a shopping area with more than 160 retail shops, for a total of more than 800 guest rooms. Among the hotels, let’s mention Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort, with 380 spacious rooms, a large pillar-less ballroom, a foyer for pre-event activities, and nine flexible rooms, all with natural daylight. Banyan Tree Hangzhou, screaming elegance, peacefulness and luxury, is a subtle mix of oriental color and modern ornament, the place for an exclusive board meeting for instance, with two meeting rooms available for up to 100 persons. The intimate resort Angsana Hangzhou is surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters, reflecting the oriental charm of a traditional Chinese water town. In addition to 59 stylishly appointed guest rooms, the hotel has three meeting rooms for 10 to 30 people. Then there is Xixuan Spa Hotel, a boutique hotel of unique appearance with a distinctive Modern Art style. The aim here is to bring a unique experience to the guests with, notably, a one-of-a-kind spa… and a unique library of more than 6,000 books!

InterContinental Hangzhou With its striking appearance - with its round shape and glittering, golden

Banyan Tree Hangzhou

colours, it was constructed as the sun the InterContinental Hangzhou may well be the most iconic building of the city, a landmark property visitors come to have a look at if only for a few minutes. Just check out the picture, and you’ll understand what I mean! Located in the scenic new district of Qianjiang, with 391 rooms (and a rooftop swimmingpool with a view!), it’s also an integrated complex that houses the Hangzhou International Conference Centre (boasting no less than 26 meeting rooms, a pillar-less ballroom of 1,780 m2 and two auditoriums), a shopping centre and a grand theatre. Maximum capacity in one room: 1,800 pax.

InterContinental Hangzhou

Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou This is more your ‘classic’ conference hotel, but with a definite added value in terms of location and spaciousness. Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou is indeed in close proximity to the People's Great Hall of Zhejiang Province, and Wulin Square, as well as the shopping street on the Yan’an Road. Boasting big meeting rooms, the hotel can cater to large groups, especially in the sun-bathed, pillarfree Royale Ballroom on the third floor, accommodating up to 500 people for a cocktail, 350 for a banquet or a seminar. Oh and did I mention its 294 guest rooms are super spacious and its breakfast is one of the best I’ve ever had? I should know, I stayed there!

Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Hangzhou

Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Xanadu Resort

Angsana Hangzhou

Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Xanadu Resort

JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou

Taixuhu Holiday Hotel

Out of all the hotels I got to visit during my stay in Hangzhou, the Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Xanadu Resort might well be the meeting hotel par excellence. Located a few minutes’ drive to the West Lake, the city centre and Hangzhou International Airport, it has been thought out as a conference village, where everything will run smoothly. The hotel has 302 guest rooms all with a view of the majestic lake or the beautiful gardens. In addition to a ballroom for up to 550 people, there are 18 flexible conference rooms equipped with the most advanced meeting facilities and a column-free conference and exhibition centre of nearly 1,000 m2 which caters to events of any format and size. On a side note, the hotel also produces its own tea – who would have thought?

The Dragon

New Century Grand Hotel

Branded as ‘the first smart hotel in the world’, The Dragon, located between West Lake and Hangzhou’s CBD, boasts the world’s first intelligent meeting management system, which automatically analyzes incoming data. The goal is to make the guest’s experience more comfortable, fascinating, one-of-a-kind, by partnering with companies like IBM and designing whole sets of intelligent features for a truly remarkable hotel solution. Whether for checking out or in, finding your way (even outside the hotel!) or getting room service… you really have to see it for yourself to actually believe it! In terms of facilities, The Dragon offers 598 guest rooms, a banquet space of 4,500 m2 inclusive of two large ballrooms of 1,200 m2, for a maximum capacity in one room of 1,000 people.

JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou Combining modernity with elegance, the JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou is located in the business district of Wulin, close to several shopping malls and historic cultural sites, as well Hangzhou 1000Island Lake Greentown Resort Hotel

as the West Lake. The hotel boasts 305 deluxe guest rooms including 13 suites, 6 restaurants, 15 meeting halls, including a 384- m2 pre-function ballroom foyer overlooking the city and, of course, the JW Grand Ballroom with 900 m2 of usable meeting space, for 800 people maximum theatre style. Big numbers, then, for a big hotel!

New Century Grand Hotel A flagship property of the New Century Hotel Group, which ranks among the top 5 hotel groups in China, the New Century Grand Hotel is an impressive 218-meters-high building with 47 floors, the highest building open for business in Hangzhou. As a five-star hotel with the largest guest capacity in Zhejiang, it has won Golden Star Award of Chinese Hotels, the highest honor in the hotel industry in China. Located in the business circle of Xiaoshan district and close to Xiaoshan International Airport the hotel has 700 rooms, 3 multifunctional halls covering 1,000 m2 in total and 15 meeting rooms of different sizes.

Hangzhou 1000Island Lake Greentown Resort Hotel Featuring picturesque natural scenery, Hangzhou 1000Island Lake Greentown Resort Hotel is surrounded by Qiandao Lake’s pristine waters on three sides. All 528 guestrooms, including standard rooms, queen rooms and suites, offer lake views, and come with balconies and French windows. In addition, guests can enjoy the pleasure of preparing their own meals, but also the wild Qiandao scenery from their fully-equipped kitchens - Hangzhou 1000Island Lake Resort Hotel is indeed the first apartment resort hotel on the 1000Island lake. In terms of relaxation, guests can take part in aquatic activities of all kinds… or go shopping! Away from Hangzhou’s bustling heart, the hotel serves as a retreat for those looking for luxury and style.

VENUES WITH FLAIR

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

Hangzhou is blessed with pagodas, temples, luxurious mansions you can use for very exclusive gatherings, like gala dinners or high-end board meetings.

The good thing about the capital of the Zhejiang Province is that, even if you think you’ve seen it all, there always seems to be original possibilities to organise corporate events utilising the town’s distinct natural, cultural and traditional assets. Shanghai-based APAX Event Management, for instance, worked with Hyatt Regency on a cognac house’s very special request, as they wanted dinner to replicate a 19 th century Russian imperial court for their two-night gala event and a memorable opulent banquet for 200 guests. Jackson Wang, deputy managing director, Hangzhou New China Travel Service, also always comes up with creative ideas and finds fresh ways to use Hangzhou’s distinctive features. A few years ago, global management consultancy firm McKinsey wanted to hold a conference for 500 employees in Hangzhou, and Jackson suggested his client held breakout sessions in 25 separate teahouses around West Lake. He said: ‘That involved a lot of preparation as we had to equip them

with projectors, flip charts and the like, and there was no wifi at the time.’ He was rewarded with positive feedback from delegates who expressed surprise at such a novel approach to brainstorming. And now that wifi is easier to get in those venues-turned-into meeting places, those ideas are even easier to achieve. Here is now a very subjective choice of very special venues, a residence, two temples, a village and a oneof-a-kind hotel, for variety’s sake.

Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence Built around 1872, the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, a Hangzhou celebrity and one of the richest and most famous businessmen in Qing Dynasty, is a colossal private house covering almost 6,000 m2. At the time of its construction at the very prosperous site in Hangzhou, it cost the owner 10,000 grams of silver: no wonder,

Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence

then, that the house screams luxury and elegance, in pure Chinese style on the outside, with many pavilions, booths, bridges and ingenious brick, wood and stone engraves. The inside, on the other hand, was influenced by western style, with large windows and more ‘classical’ furniture. If you really want to make the most of the venue, a night tour can be arranged, with a narrator guiding you along the way. The good news is that gala dinners can also be organised there (for around 60 persons), while traditional Chinese shows can be performed in the residence’s courtyard.

Qianwang Temple Sometimes you get the urge to do a touristy thing when you’re abroad, but you really can’t handle crowds. Avoid Six Harmonies Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and Leifeng Pagoda if that’s the case, and take a stroll on the eastern side of the Hangzhou’s Westlake. There you’ll find Qian Wang Ci, or Qianwang Temple, which was built as a memorial to renowned King Qian Liu, the founder of the Wuyue Kingdom and profound contributor to the development of Zhejiang province. King Qian chose Hangzhou as the capital city of his empire. This fascinating spot has had temples built and destroyed on it for centuries. Three times it was erected as a memorial to King Qian, the final time being in 2003, which explains the ‘new’ look of the place. There are two courtyards inside the temple which, when combined, can be used for prestigious, memorable gala dinners, for up to 700 people.

Chenghuang Pavilion The name says it all, as it indicates you find yourself in the Pavilion of the City God. Situated in Wushan, a prominent hill south of Hangzhou’s old city area, right at the top, the temple, which actually once stood at the foot of this hill before it was destroyed, is of impressive dimensions, and actually of recent construction, having been built in the 1990’s. It has six floors with an elevator and a breathtaking view of the West Lake and southern Hangzhou. That’s

where, on a sunny terrace and under a radiating sun, I conducted the interview of Mr. He Yixing (read it on page 4 if you haven’t already) and where I could see that the setting is great for gala dinners. Maximum capacity in one room: around 100 round table style.

Amanfayun In the spirit of a traditional Chinese Village, Amanfayun will seduce the most demanding planners: it is a place to explore, a haven made of stone pathways leading to shaded courtyards, quaint restaurants and peaceful abodes. Situated on the outskirts of Hangzhou, a 20-minute drive from the West Lake, the resort houses 47 elegant little houses (guest rooms, a steam house, a library, etc.) surrounded by tea fields, natural forests and lush groves of bamboo. Many buildings at Amanfayun can be used either for small meetings or one-of-a-kind dinners: the meeting room, located on the second floor of the restaurant, is elegantly appointed and spacious, with wood carving and high-tech equipment, accommodating up to 70 persons, while ‘Fayun Place’, at the centre of the village, can be used for private functions - there the exclusive character of the place can’t but enthrall you.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake When you enter the site where the Four Seasons Hotel is nestled, it’s

Qianwang Temple

Chenghuang Pavilion

like you step into an oasis of peace, charm and tranquility. Located along the shores of the West Lake amidst an exquisite garden, the hotel, which might be considered ‘boutique’ in view of its elegance and human size, has 78 guest rooms plus three residential-style villas complete with luxurious amenities. Expertly combining modern luxury and design with traditional architecture and timeless natural beauty, it’s also the ideal fit for exclusive gatherings: the hotel boasts a 515-m2 ballroom for up to 280 guests. In addition, three function rooms also cater for events of all kinds. Last but not least, prestigious gala dinners can be organised outside, in the lakeside gardens. Hangzhou’s Four Seasons Hotel is a haven of peace and tranquility, which will put you in the right set of mind to deliver a successful meeting in ideal surroundings.

Amanfayun

Dragon Boat Race in Xixi Wetland National Park

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AND INCENTIVES

Discovering the culture of China and Hangzhou Few other Chinese destinations can offer such a combination of high-end infrastructure to host meeting with so many possibilities to discover the Chinese culture after a hard day’s work. As for pre- or post-event options or incentive activities, Hangzhou may not have it all but it comes really close! There is a good number of ‘tea villages’ west of Hangzhou. I was lucky enough to go to one on a sunny day and learn all about China's finest and most popular green tea, the Longjing tea, whose production has a history of over a thousand years and which has been enjoyed by many emperors through the centuries. If you drink Longjing tea all over the country and the world at large, it is in Hangzhou itself that the most authentic blends are available, right on the roadsides where the farmers themselves are stirring their favourite leaves over the roasters with their bare hands - an activity you can actually enjoy on your own or as a group! If you’re more the sporty type, you can also go for a low-carbon hiking tour around the picturesque village and - why not handpick some tea leaves yourself. Talking about hiking, a walk around the West Lake is definitely a must.

A UNESCO’s World Heritage site since 2011, it has for centuries been charming all those who gaze upon it, and it is known worldwide as the Heaven on Earth. Doesn’t this say it all? Covering a total area of 60 km2, it also boasts over 90 stunning tourist attractions or parks along its banks. Whether you’re into biking, simply walking, tea-picking, or relaxing on a small cruise ship, the variety of activities you can do there seems simply limitless, as you think Hangzhou might be the only Chinese city to offer such a mixture of urban experiences and natural possibilities. Maybe the best time to enjoy the scenic views of the West Lake is early morning, when you can also do Tai Chi actually. After a typical Hangzhou breakfast, complete with Congbaohui for instance, a kind of pancake with spring onions inside, why indeed not try these centuries-old exercises that will provide

comfort and soothing? Next to you there will also be people walking their birds or practicing their voice, and you will realize harmony between nature and people is one-of-a-kind in Hangzhou, maybe the only Chinese city where it is so! As for the matter, it’s directly on the West Lake that I enjoyed the show called Impression West Lake, directed by famous Chinese artist Zhang Yimou, who recently choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With natural mountains and water as its backdrop, staged entirely upon the lake itself, it is a grand open-air performance of light, music, dance, theatrics and a bit of pop culture. First initiated in 2007, Impression West Lake deploys the lake and its surroundings as props to create a life-like charming background and showcases the deep-rooted culture and natural beauty of Hangzhou. Some would say that it symbolizes a renewal of Chinese culture in regional tourism: good thing, then, that it can accommodate as many as 1,800 spectators!

Impression West Lake

Tea Culture Experience

Maybe a bit more ‘touristy’ but definitely worth discovering because of it teaches some elements about culture and history in Hangzhou, is another show called The Romance of the Song Dynasty. Set in Song City Hangzhou Scenic Spot, one of the most popular theme parks in China, it is full-on performance based on the historic stories and myths of Hangzhou, integrating singing, dancing and acrobatics into one whole dream-like show, a huge feast to the eye. The venue itself can host up to 3,000 people and offers conference service according to requirements of guests when no performance is presented. And if you decide for it, why not, before the show, wander around Song City? There Chinese culture is on display with cotton shops, alcohol shops, dye houses, pottery shops and local snacks to be found everywhere. There is of course the possibility to learn all about Hangzhou cuisine and gastronomy while attending a

cooking class, either directly at a private house of a local resident or at the Chinese Hangzhou Cuisine Museum. Teachers will first show live how to prepare some local dishes and then participants will be guided to cook by themselves. It is a participative way to learn the great history of Hangzhou’s cuisine and understand the traditions of the city and region. It’s a purely hands-on experience where you can learn all about Hangzhou’s distinctive features, harmonious, generous and open-minded equally. Located at the foot of Wushan hill, the Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicines is the only statelevel professional one in China, combining antique architecture with treasures of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to the exhibition presenting a great number of objects, items and anecdotes, the so-called ‘preparation hall’ allows veteran masters to demonstrate various activities like pill

Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicines

shaping, wax coating and drug slicing. Visitors, if interested, can participate themselves, with real tools, under the supervision of a guide of course! If you’re there, don’t forget to check out the shop where you can select and buy medicines from every province in China, as well as the ‘restaurant of medicinal diets’, where you can enjoy delicacies preventing aging or cakes pushing death far away from you! The Grand Canal, 1,764 km in length, is the longest man-made waterway as well as being the greatest in ancient China, far surpassing the next two of the world: the Suez and Panama Canals. Running from Hangzhou in the south to Beijing in the north and connecting different river systems, it contributed greatly to ensure that the Chinese primary economy thrived in past dynasties. Now more than 2,000 years old, some parts of the canal are still in use, mainly functioning as a water-diversion conduit. The Hangzhou

Xixi National Wetland Park

Case study

Nu Skin Group in Hangzhou When: 8-11 March 2013 Who: 980 people from Nu Skin Group, Greater China Region Where: InterContinental Hangzhou and Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Grand Canal Organiser: Hangzhou Tourist Centre, with the support of Hangzhou Tourism Commission

The Romance of Song Dynasty

section is regarded as the pulse of the city, cultivating the unique cultural personality of the destination. There are 132 heritage sites in the Grand Canal, and among them seven sites are situated in the Hangzhou section, all infused with specific food, dress, customs and rituals, and other various local elements, waiting to be discovered. So a Grand Canal cruise, whether at night or during the day, is highly recommended! And if you don’t have enough water, I’d suggest a tour of Xixi National Wetland Park, situated in the west of Hangzhou, five kilometers from the West Lake, a rare urban wetland, applauded as the ‘Lung of Hangzhou’. With rich ecological resources, simple natural landscape and profound culture, it is the first and only wetland park in China combining urban life, farming and culture, which you can learn all about during a enjoyable cruise. It has indeed not only broad open views, but also a variety of water views.

West Lake

Hangzhou, in a nutshell The thing is there is no nutshell when it comes to Hangzhou, as it clearly stands out as a fantastic ‘different’ Asian city in terms of culture and character. The city’s biggest selling lies in its abundance of historic and cultural scenic spots, a perfect balance of the West Lake and the surrounding mountains, added by Qiantang River, Grand Canal, and Xixi Wetland. It’s difficult to describe Hangzhou with just a few words, as the things to do and see stand aplenty.

Nu Skin Group, a premier anti-aging company committed to providing quality skin care and nutrition products, held a conference and several team building activities for its staff from the Greater China Region this year in Hangzhou. All in all, there were 980 participants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan - they had to be divided into two groups and stayed at the InterContinental, Hyatt Rengency Hangzhou and JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou. One of the team-building activities was to try to break a Guinness World Record at Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Grand Canal on March 9. The ‘game’ consisted in using 1212 mouse traps to break the Mouse Trap Style Domino record Taiwan had held since 2010… and participants were highly successful! The next day, right outside the InterContinental, all of the staff got together to promote the ‘I am in Nu Skin’ campaign. To do so, they formed the logo and the tagline with their own bodies and the result was one-of-a-kind. The smooth running of the event was praised by everyone involved and Hangzhou Tourism Commission put a lot of efforts in ensuring everything took place flawlessly.

Hangzhou

a fresh new alternative for your MICE in the heart of China