Zhejiang University is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, a beautiful and prosperous province in southeastern China with rich cultural heritage as well as fine traditional products such as silk and tea. Honored as "the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world" by the Italian traveler Marco Polo, Hangzhou was the capital of China in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). As a tourist resort with world fame, it now boasts many scenic spots and historic sites such as West Lake, Soul-Conceal Buddhist Temple, Six-Harmony Pagoda and the primitive Liangzhu Relics as well as four national museums of silk, tea, traditional Chinese medicine and pottery respectively. Hangzhou enjoys a mild climate throughout the year with four distinct seasons of special beauty. Hangzhou is only two hours from Shanghai by train or by bus. Many cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Kunming and Hongkong are all within easy reach by train or airplane.