Zhejiang Province, often referred to as Chekiang in older Western texts, is a coastal province in Eastern China. Here are some detailed insights:
Zhejiang spans an area of approximately 101,800 square kilometers. It is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with over 70% of the province being hilly or mountainous. The province's coastline stretches over 6,486 kilometers, making it one of the longest in China, which has facilitated extensive maritime trade and fishing activities.
The history of Zhejiang dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human activity from the Paleolithic era. It was part of the ancient kingdom of Yue in the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). During the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD), Zhejiang was incorporated into the Chinese empire, and its maritime trade began to flourish. The province has been a significant cultural and economic center since:
Zhejiang is one of China's leading economic provinces:
The cultural heritage of Zhejiang is rich, with: