Hangzhou is a city that exists less in space than in time. Buddhist temples rebuilt from ruin, a lake that has outlasted dynasties, and streets where history is fried in oil every morning. This is a place shaped by four forces: the soul of Chan Buddhism, the bones of West Lake, the temperament of contented retreat, and the pulse of commerce. Surrounded by beauty, it has always surrendered to it.

China’s travel and tourism sector could exceed RMB 27 trillion in GDP contribution by 2035. industry polarization is intensifying, with offline segments and local destination governance playing a more prominent role.