One of China's Premier Cities Selected as Site of G20 Summit in 2016

    HANGZHOU, CHINA, November 20, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- China's President Xi JinPing spoke on 16th November 2015 that the next G20 Summit will be held in Hangzhou, China, on 4th and 5th September, 2016. In making the announcement at the 2015 G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey, President Xi said "it is a city that embraces a unique style, a combination of history and modernity." Hangzhou is the first China city to host the Summit and the president said the theme will be "Building an innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive world economy." This is a fitting narrative for Hangzhou. President Xi will welcome all G20 members at World Heritage site West Lake next September.

How did Hangzhou become selected as the meeting site for the G20 Summit in 2016?

The G20 Committee has always chosen a city known for its natural beauty as well as internationalism as the venue for the summit. Situated in China's Yangtze River Delta area where the economy is the most prosperous in China, Hangzhou has recently gained acclaim as an important hub for both Hi-Tech and E-Commerce with a number of entrepreneurs, such as Jack Ma of Alibaba.

With over 5000 years of history, Hangzhou is beloved by poets and artists for its magnificent scenery, many waterways and canals, lush rolling hills, spectacular pagodas and temples, and fragrant fields of tea, all framed by the incredibly beautiful World Heritage sites- West Lake and Grand Canal.

Why is it important to hold the G20 Summit in Hangzhou?

Some Chinese scholars predict that the China GDP will reflect a 2% increase in 2019 in Hangzhou, after hosting the G20 Summit. A new awareness of the destination will increase productivity and attract business from around the world. As government becomes more open and international, the technologically advanced industry will be stimulated. These developments will thus help improve the life of Hangzhou's residents as they get involved in this process.

During the period of preparation for the Summit and afterwards, Hangzhou is expected to draw attention from both governmental and private sectors of China. The city as well as the province of Zhejiang will gain new momentum to help entrepreneurs and to advocate innovation and this area will undoubtedly be the best place to start a business in China.

How easy is it to get to Hangzhou when coming from abroad?

Hangzhou is only 45 minutes from Shanghai on the Bullet Train. Other trains and buses also connect the two cities. For those arriving by air, the Hangzhou XiaoShan International Airport ranks #5 in China in terms of capacity and international passengers throughout. Doha, Amsterdam and most Asian cities offer direct flights to Hangzhou.

Are the American people familiar with Hangzhou?

The city first came to the attention of the American people in 1972 when former President Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou En Lai confirmed the diplomatic relationship in Hangzhou. The agreement, known as Sino-US Joint Communique, was subsequently signed in Shanghai.

Once the meeting is over, what are some of the activities that can be done in Hangzhou?

No other city in China can offer what Hangzhou has to offer. There is a wide variety of wonderful tourism options in Hangzhou, so tourists may engage in local customs and understand the essence of the culture. They may visit the largest silk museum in the world and learn the history of the silk journey on the famous Grand Canal; watch the magnificent evening show called Impression West Lake; try tea-picking and tea-frying at Meijiawu Tea Plantation; savor the delicious cuisine of Hangzhou and much more.

Who are the members of the G20 Summit?

The members include 19 individual countries--Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States--along with the European Union (EU). The EU is represented by the European Commission and by the European Central Bank.

For further information, visit http://eng.hangzhou.gov.cn/.

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