Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif talks with Joseph Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group. [Photo/Tide News]

A series of high-profile foreign leaders visited Hangzhou this year, as the city increasingly steps into the international spotlight, showcasing not only its renowned cultural heritage but also its growing strength in innovation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

In recent months, Hangzhou welcomed Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with many of their tours involving stops at Unitree Robotics, Deep Robotics, and Alibaba Group, companies which focus on the city's cutting-edge technology sector rather than its traditional tourist landmarks.

Hangzhou's growing international profile also builds on a long diplomatic legacy. The city hosted key moments during the historic 1972 visit of Richard Nixon to China and later welcomed world leaders during the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit. More recently, it hosted the 2024 Liangzhu Forum and the 2022 Asian Games, further enhancing its global visibility.

Today, foreign delegations are increasingly viewing Hangzhou as a gateway to understanding China's innovation ecosystem. With a thriving network of AI startups, robotics firms, and digital economy leaders, the city is attracting growing international attention as both a technology powerhouse and a platform for global cooperation.

The towering North American redwood gifted by then US President Richard Nixon. [Photo/Tide News]