Shangcheng District is one of ten urban districts of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China, it is located in the core urban area of Hangzhou. The district has an area of 18 sqkm and a population of 310,000.

History

The district lies beside Hangzhou's famous West Lake and includes the territory of the former imperial Chinese cities of Qiantang and Lin'an, the imperial capital of the Song dynasty from 1138 to 1276. Hangzhou's four imperial academies were located here. They were the Wansong Academy (万松书院, now a park), the Ziyang Academy (紫阳书院, now Ziyang Primary School), the Qiushi Academy (求是书院, now Zhejiang University), and the Zongwen Academy (宗文书院, now Zhangzhou No.10 High School).

Present

The district government is located on 3 Huimin Rd. The district hosts the headquarters of military region in the province and is also known for its prison where political prisoners such as Zhu Yufu are incarcerated. Some prominent schools are located nearby, including China Academy of Art, Hangzhou Second High School, and Hangzhou Fourth High School.

Administrative divisions

Subdistricts:

Honors

Religion

The local people believe in Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Protestantism. Haichao Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the area.