HANG-TCHEOU-FOU, the metropolis of the province of Teche-kiang in China. See TEHE-KIANG.—It is, according to the Chinese, the paradise of the earth; and may be considered as one of the richest, best situated, and largest cities of the empire. It is four leagues in circumference, exclusive of its suburbs; and the number of its inhabitants amounts to more than a million. It is computed, that there are a thousand workmen within its walls employed in manufacturing silk: what renders this city delightful, is a small lake, called Si-hou, which washes the bottom of its walls on the western side; its water is pure and limpid, and its banks are almost every where covered with flowers. Halls and open galleries, supported by pillars, and paved with large flag stones, have been erected here on piles, for the convenience of those who are fond of walking; causeways, cased with cut stone, traverse the lake in different directions; and the openings which are left in them at intervals, for the passage of boats, are covered by handsome bridges. In the middle of the lake are two islands, to which company generally resort after having amused themselves with rowing, and in which a temple and several pleasure-houses have been built for their reception. The emperor has a small palace in the neighbourhood. This city has a garrison of 3000 Chinese, under the command of the viceroy, and 3000 Tartars, commanded by a general of the same nation. It has under its jurisdiction seven cities of the second and third class.