Delter International Business Institute

Hangzhou Delter is situated in a delightful setting.   Close to the historical Gulou (the old gate to the city), the street is “old China” at its best.  In the morning, the air is filled with the smell of food and breakfast is served by local entrepreneurs.  Yet despite the narrowness of the street and its old appearance, taxis are plentiful.  Here, pedalcabs abound with bicycles taking the place of humans in the old rickshaw style of travel.

A very efficient bus service takes you into the heart of Hangzhou for 1 Yuan and  Westlake is an inviting spot for strolling in the heat of summer or on nice days in the winter.  Westlake itself is beautiful and many locals rent rowing boats or take cruises on the Lake.

Just a short walk ( again through ancient byways) will bring you to the market place.  A typical Chinese market presented  in old-style architecture but, in fact, quite new.  The Museum of Chinese Medicine is close by as is the old pharmacy. 

The campus of the partner school is attractive and unique in that many of the campus dormitories are built on the mountain which separates the school from Westlake.  In fact, the teachers’ apartments are also built on the mountain, necessitating a climb up stone steps.  At first I viewed this climb with dismay but I soon got used to it and amazingly enough, since I am not much of an exercise aficionado, I am beginning to actually enjoy it.  The attractive lay out of gardens on the way up helps also.

Hangzhou, like all the cities of China is developing and progressing at a galloping rate.  However,  the architecture of the new buildings blends well with the old and Hangzhou loses none of its charm by the intrusion of the more modern  structures.

Hangzhou is Southwest of Shanghai and a comfortable 2 hour train ride will get you to the hub of that bustling city.  A bus, which  takes a little longer  is also available.

The cost of living is similar to Shanghai and a wholesome meal can be had in the locality of the school for as little as 5 yuan, while city restaurants offer meals from 45 yuan to 168 yuan at international hotels.  Coffee shops abound and for those appreciating western style foods (with an Asian touch) UBC restaurants are very enjoyable.