Hangzhou's CBD along the Qiantang River. [Photo/IC]

As China's 14th Five-Year Plan period concludes in 2025, Hangzhou has delivered a strong record of high-quality growth, blending economic strength, digital innovation, ecological protection and cultural vitality.

Over the past five years, the city's GDP rose from 1.69 trillion yuan ($242.3 billion) in 2020 to 2.19 trillion yuan in 2024 and is expected to reach 2.3 trillion yuan in 2025, with an economic increase of more than 600 billion yuan.

The digital economy has become a core engine, with value added climbing from 429 billion yuan to 630.5 billion yuan, driven by leading internet, fintech and smart manufacturing firms. Digital governance and smart public services have further improved efficiency and quality of life across the city.

Ecologically, Hangzhou strengthened wetland, river and greenway systems, advancing projects such as the integration of West Lake and Xixi Wetland and the restoration of the Grand Canal, while expanding urban green space and improving air and water quality.

Culturally, the city deepened the protection and creative transformation of heritage sites such as the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, while accelerating the global reach of its cultural industries, including online literature, games and animation. Together, these achievements mark Hangzhou's transformation over five years from a historic "paradise on earth" into a dynamic, globally oriented modern city.

A bird's-eye view of Hangzhou's iconic West Lake. [Photo/IC]