Hangzhou's Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival Lands on the City's 4,000-year-old Neolithic Heritage

HANGZHOU, China, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hangzhou, a getaway destination dotted with picturesque natural wonders and time-honored cultural scenes, opens this year's cherry blossom cultural festival from March 18 to April 16 at Liangzhu Culture Village that rises from the ancient Liangzhu archaeological site on the northwest side of the city.

The art fest spanning through the blossoming spring features more than 20 photography exhibitions, keynote speeches, live performances and fairs presented by artists, writers and craftsmen including award-winning photographer Shao Dalang, nature writer Liu Ka-shiang and play director Meng Jinghui at Liangzhu Center of Arts, the village's landmark.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Liangzhu Center of Arts is the city's latest venue with a root in the Neolithic culture heritages and vision in promoting the fusion of local and world cultures.

"The Liangzhu Culture existed from 3400 to 2250 BC in the Yangtze River Delta reigned in central China at the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, this fleeting civilization created splendid cultural legacy chiseled in jade and passed down the ancient artisanal spirit that has coined the notion of simplicity in Hangzhou's unique and artistic lifestyle," said Zhao Hongzhong, deputy director of Hangzhou Tourism Commission.

Before cultural events and cherry blossoms weave an intellective journey combining nature's best offerings, Hangzhou hosted Zhejiang Province's first nature's notebook expedition and contest by the West Lake to highlight the importance of biodiversity in modern metropolis.

For Hangzhou residents and visitors, Hangzhou will work with global museums and organizations offer more options to explore a leisure lifestyle combining urban and historical legends by experiencing various aspects of eastern culture.

"The Liangzhu Culture is in the process of applying to be recognized as a world heritage, it represents the profound cultural legacies of Hangzhou. And by combining traditional and contemporary cultures, it also builds a bridge to connect people from around the world," Zhao said.

About Hangzhou

Host of G20 summit, Hangzhou is a city praised by Marco Polo as the finest and most splendid in the world. Home to tea and silk, it continues the legacy from the flourishing dynasty's capital to a vibrant and dazzling metropolis with World Heritage, nature scenic and profound Chines culture. Located 50 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed rail, Hangzhou offers a 144-hour visa-free transit.