Hangzhou, known as the "earthly paradise", is the capital and the largest city in East China's Zhejiang province. Boasting a long history and a myriad of cultural and tourism resources, the city has made great strides in its social and international development since China's reform and opening up in 1978.

Let's take a look at the major achievements that Hangzhou has made during the past 40 years.

Raised International Profile

In recent years, Hangzhou has made great progress in promoting globalization. The city has successfully held a series of international meetings, such as the World Council Meeting of the United Cities and Local Governments and Metropolises, as well as ministerial conferences among BRICS countries.

As the host city of the 2016 G20 Summit, which put Hangzhou in the global spotlight and earned the city worldwide recognition, the Yangtze River metropolis is set to hold the next Asian Games in 2022, and become the third Chinese host of the continent's showpiece event after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.

September 5 is designated as Hangzhou's International Day, a permanent annual event aimed to raise the city's international profile.

More than 160 leading officials and high-caliber professionals from 29 countries attend the opening ceremony of Hangzhou International Day on Sept 5. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]