Hangzhou
/ˈxɑ̌ŋ.tʂóʊ/noun
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, located at the head of Hangzhou Bay.
Did you know?Hangzhou served as the capital of the Southern Song dynasty, and Marco Polo famously described it as one of the world’s greatest and most splendid cities.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
州 (*təw)
“A raised area or administrative territory; the ancient root of the Chinese element meaning “prefecture” or “province.””
Han Dynasty
Chinese
餘杭 (Yúháng)
“An earlier name for the area, traditionally associated with the ancient settlement of Yuhang.”
589 CE
Middle Chinese
杭州 (Hàngzhōu)
“The Sui dynasty established Hang Prefecture, giving the city the name used today.”
Medieval Chinese
Chinese
杭州 (Hángzhōu)
“A major administrative center and prosperous port at the southern end of the Grand Canal.”
13th Century
Latinized European usage
Quinsai / Kinsai
“A European rendering of the city’s name, used by travelers including Marco Polo for the Southern Song capital.”
Modern English
English
Hangzhou
“The standard modern English romanization of 杭州, now a major Chinese metropolis and technology center.”