Hangzhou is bounded to the south by the Qiantang River and to the west by hills. The land surface descends from south-west to northeast. The northeastern part, including the urban area is flat. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 16.3C,and 250 frost-free days. Annual rainfall averages 1,500 millimeters. Hangzhou is rich in mineral deposits. Up to now 34 kinds ores have been discovered, most of which are nonmetallic ores.

Hangzhou is one of China's major textile industry centers, and the largest producer of gunnysacks in China. Furthermore it is noted for its silk, paper, wireless communication equipment, food processing, and handcraft, Steel, chemical products, machinery, rubber, construction materials, and electronic equipment are also produced here. Now the Hangzhou High-Technical Development Zone and the Qiantang River Investment Zone are being established. The chief farm products include rice, wheat, cotton, silkworm cocoons, tea, and freshwater fish.

With good rail water, air, and road transportation facilities, Hangzhou is a junction of inter-country links.

Hangzhou is one of China's big tourist attractions. It has many historical relics and scenic spots, including West Lake, and the scenic area near the Fuchun River and the Xinan River. The special local-made products are silk, Xihu silk umbrellas, color-glazed porcelain, Longjing tea, and white chrysanthemum.