'This Is Hangzhou' launched ahead of Asian Games

The English version of the book "This Is Hangzhou" was launched Tuesday in the capital city of Zhejiang province, ahead of the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games.

The English edition of the book "This Is Hangzhou." [Photo/CICG]

This book, jointly published by Foreign Languages Press under China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Hangzhou Publishing House, is a guide to the city of Hangzhou, showcasing its captivating stories of nature, culture, and history.

At the launch ceremony, CICG Vice President Lu Cairong said that the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games is not only a great international sports event, but also an opportunity to show the world the charm of China, Zhejiang, and Hangzhou.

Lu Cairong, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a book launch ceremony in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

He highlighted the significance of the book's publication in promoting Hangzhou's culture and introducing traditional Chinese culture to a global audience.

Huang Haifeng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hangzhou Municipal Committee and director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee, speaks at a book launch ceremony in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

The book presents a captivating narrative with a rich blend of past and present, complemented by vivid illustrations to portray the extensive historical legacy of Hangzhou as well as its artistic splendor and urban spirits, said Huang Haifeng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hangzhou Municipal Committee and director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee.

David A. Janke, translator of the book "This Is Hangzhou," speaks at the book's launch ceremony in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

David A. Janke, the book's translator, explained that the book was created by reworking captivating and interesting stories from Hangzhou through a narrative dialogue format. 

The book is a tribute to the Hangzhou Asian Games and a showcase of the rich history and culture of modern Hangzhou, according to the publishers.