Hangzhou gears up to host 2016 G20 Summit

HANGZHOU, China - While leaders of the world's nations gathered in Antalya, Turkey to discuss key issues like global economic growth, preparations for the 2016 G20 Summit in China have begun in Hangzhou, China. The 2016 G20 Summit will be held in Hangzhou on September 4-5, 2016. The G20 Summit is the annual, premier forum for members of the Group of Twenty (G20), and is responsible for international economic cooperation and decision-making.

To accommodate for the influx of guests, many new hotels are set to open in Hangzhou within the next few years. In Q1 2016, Hangzhou will see the opening of its second Shangri-La property, located in the Xiacheng Business District within steps of the city's gorgeous West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Slated for opening September 2016, Conrad Hangzhou is being constructed as part of the mixed-use development, Raffles City Hangzhou Mall located in the Qianjiang New CBD near major transportation hubs, East Railway Station and Hangzhou City Station. Hangzhou attracts significant attention from international hotel flags such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, who are expanding their footprints in the city.

"Hangzhou has been regarded throughout China as a national cultural and leisure capital, renowned for its rich legacy and pristine natural beauty," said Mr. Li Hong, director-general, Hangzhou Tourism Commission (HTC). "With the news of G20 combined with the announcement earlier this year that Hangzhou will host the 2022 Asian Games, the city is poised to take its place on the world stage."

The HTC has implemented several tech-focused programs to aid visitors in navigating Hangzhou. Launched in January 2015 by the HTC in partnership with e-commerce giant, Alibaba, the Hangzhou Tourism Passport facilitates reservations and payment via a QR code at hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions across the city.

Hangzhou offers pristine natural beauty, well-preserved historical attractions, a vibrant culture and modern amenities for today's global traveler. Located in Eastern China only 50 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai, the city is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, West Lake and the Great Canal, as well as many other cultural and ecological attractions. Hangzhou is also a budding tech hub, home to Alibaba's global headquarters, as well as the West Lake Apple Store, arguably the largest Apple store in Asia, which opened in January 2015.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia