- Hangzhou is offering winners of Marco Polo's Oriental Journey a free luxurious trip to the city
HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout five thousand years of Chinese civilisation, the city of Hangzhou has been revered for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. It is, to quote the proverb, "Heaven on earth."
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156694
Famously, when Italian explorer Marco Polo visited during his globetrotting adventures in the 13th century, he was so moved that he declared the city of Hangzhou to be "Greater than any in the world."
Fast forward to 2014, and the city continues to inspire. Hangzhou is now the most Googled city in China and receives over three million tourists annually. In recognition of the West Lake's natural beauty and importance to Chinese culture, it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011.
As one of the key destinations on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected Europe to Asia, Hangzhou was – and still is – known for its sumptuous silks and aromatic, flavourful Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. The magnificent Grand Canal, the world's oldest and longest man-made canal, which links Hangzhou to Beijing, was also vital to the city's political, cultural and economic might.
A lot has changed over the centuries, but the city has remained a booming centre of commerce; Hangzhou is much more than a stunning shrine to China's rich cultural past. As the capital of Zhejiang – the country's wealthiest province – it is a hub of industry and innovation, fuelled by its forward-thinking technology firms. Alibaba, the tech giant that became the largest IPO listing in US history when it floated on the New York Stock Exchange this year, was founded – and is still based – in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is less than an hour away from Shanghai on the bullet train.
Win a luxury trip for two to Hangzhou
To enter the competition, which is open until November 30, visit marcopolo.gotohz.com. The aim is to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and track down the legendary traveller as he takes in Hangzhou's most famous sites. The trick is to track him down as quickly as possible!
The lucky victor will win a return flight and five-night stay at the Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort – a package worth USD$5,000. The competitor who introduces the most people to the game will also win the same fabulous prize.
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