Hangzhou

name

Etymology: From the Hanyu Pinyin romanization of Mandarin 杭州 (Hángzhōu), from its former role as the seat of Hang Prefecture (also 杭州 (Hángzhōu)), folk etymologized as a reference to King Yu's ferry over the Qiantang on his way to Shaoxing but more likely a transliteration of an earlier Baiyue placename.

1. A prefecture-level city, the provincial capital of Zhejiang, in eastern China; a former imperial capital.

   “In the Province of Chekiang, near the chief City of Hangcheu, runs a River, which in regard of its courſe, is called ſometimes Che, at other times Cientang, and in ſome places Cingan.”

   “Tibetan colors and gilding are frequently mentioned in Chinese texts, and several monuments survive northwest of Beijing and in Hangzhou in southeast China that were designed by Tibetan monks and were very likely built and carved by both Tibetan and Chinese artists.”

2. The adjacent bay of the East China Sea, separating Shanghai from Ningbo.