“Lower Sands.” That’s the literal translation of Xiasha’s name. It is an industrial and educational hub east of central Hangzhou.
Xiasha is part of the Yangtze River Delta region. This includes Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces. It plays a crucial role in China’s economy.
Let’s delve into Xiasha’s history. It is also known as HEDA. This stands for the Hangzhou Economic and Technological Development Area. Founded in 1993, it was one of China’s first state-level development zones. Initially spanning 34 square kilometers, it may expand to 100.
Xiasha aims to be a leading international zone. It focuses on industry, science and manufacturing. A park of flags from around the world greets visitors. Xiasha’s products include microelectronics and mobile telecommunications. Optical equipment, automobile products, chemicals and computer laptops are also made here.
Many international companies have a presence in Xiasha. Siemens, Motorola, Toshiba and Mitsubishi all have sites here. Allergan pharmaceuticals, Turumo Medical Corporation, Panasonic Motors, Dingyi and Wahaha are also present. In total, HEDA boasts 600 industrial enterprises.
Education is also a focus. Xiasha has 14 universities. These include Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and Zhejiang Gongshang University. Hangzhou Dianzi University and Communication University of Zhejiang are also here. These universities educate 200,000 students. Small businesses cater to these students. Most of these schools moved to Xiasha around 2000. This shift to outer districts supports economic development in the inner city.
The park near Zhejiang Sci-Tech is remarkable. It features landscaping, arched bridges and sculptures. Curved granite pathways add to the beauty. Streets have polished granite curbs. Sidewalks feature polished and rough stone. Park benches and bike lanes are abundant. Canals with fishing areas are all over the city. The nearby Qiantang River provides an ocean breeze. It also has the world’s largest tidal bore. The river levee is paved. You can enjoy miles of car or bicycle rides on top of it.
Most people in Xiasha commute by bus, car or bicycle. High-rise apartments are being built to house workers. The urban area will expand as these are completed.
Xiasha has excellent highway access. It is served by the Shanghai-Hangzhou and Hangzhou-Ningbo highways. Xiaoshan International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. Taxi services are readily available. Bus lines connect Xiasha to Hangzhou’s city center. The Hangzhou Metro also serves the area.
Xiasha represents China’s economic ambition. Its blend of industry, education and natural beauty makes it unique. From its humble beginnings as “Lower Sands” to its status as a global hub, Xiasha embodies progress.