population: 9.8 million

extension: 16,596.10 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Hangzhou and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend checking out the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the region. Another option is the China National Silk Museum, which has displays on the history and production of silk in China. If you'd like to visit more museums with similar themes, you might also consider the Hangzhou History Museum or the Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum.

Food

Hangzhou is known for its cuisine, and some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people there include:

1. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼): A dish made with vinegar-marinated fish, typically grass carp, served in a sweet and sour sauce.

2. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉): A dish made with fatty pork belly that's been braised in soy sauce, wine, and spices until tender and flavorful.

3. Beggar's Chicken (叫化鸡): A whole chicken that's stuffed with herbs, wrapped in lotus leaves, and baked in a clay pot until juicy and fragrant.

4. Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea Leaves (龙井虾仁): Fresh shrimp fried with garlic and green tea leaves; the tea adds a subtle aroma and flavor to the dish.

5. Sister Song's Fish Soup (宋嫂鱼羹): A soup made with fish and various vegetables, such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and tofu skin, cooked in a rich broth.

6. Longjing Tea Shrimp (龙井虾仁): Fresh shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves, which are grown in the hills around Hangzhou and have a delicate, slightly floral flavor.

7. Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面): Thin noodles tossed with scallion oil, soy sauce, and other seasonings; simple but delicious.

8. Steamed Dumplings (小笼包): Small, soup-filled dumplings that originated in Shanghai but are also popular in Hangzhou.

9. Osmanthus Rice Cake (桂花糕): A sweet rice cake flavored with osmanthus flowers, which are also grown in Hangzhou.

10. Hangzhou Soy Sauce Duck (杭州烤鸭): A roasted duck that's been marinated in soy sauce and other seasonings, resulting in a crispy skin and tender meat.

Activities

In Hangzhou, some fun activities that locals enjoy include:

1. Strolling around West Lake, which is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by gardens and historical sites.
2. Visiting the Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in China.
3. Exploring Hefang Street, an ancient street filled with local food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional Chinese architecture.
4. Sampling local food specialties like Longjing tea, Dongpo pork, and Beggar's Chicken.
5. Walking along the Grand Canal, which stretches over 1,700 kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Riding a bike or taking a boat tour through the Xixi Wetland Park, a scenic nature reserve with marshes, lakes, and forests.
7. Watching Impression West Lake, a spectacular outdoor musical show that showcases the region's natural beauty and cultural traditions.

There are many other activities to enjoy in Hangzhou as well, depending on your interests and preferences!