Hangzhou

杭州

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is famous for its natural beauty and historical culture. Home to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient water town ambiance of the Grand Canal. Known as 'Paradise on Earth' for its mild climate, lush greenery, and elegant gardens. A leading tech hub as headquarters of Alibaba.

12.2 million
Population
Subtropical monsoon
Climate
50
Attractions
50
Restaurants

📍 Overview

Hangzhou cityscape
West Lake Xianghu Lake Hefang Street
Legend:
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🗺️

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🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Best visited in spring for flowers or autumn for golden foliage. Summer is hot and humid with frequent rain. Spring rainy season (Meiyu) in June. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around West Lake.

March April May October November
Summer: 28C (82F)
Winter: 4C (39F)

Top Highlights

West Lake - UNESCO World Heritage
Xianghu Lake - New scenic area
Hefang Street - Historic shopping street
Lingyin Temple - Ancient Buddhist temple
Xixi Wetland - Largest urban wetland

Quick Facts

🗣️
Language
Mandarin Chinese (Simplified)
💰
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB)
🛂
Visa
Most nationalities require visa
Electricity
220V/50Hz, Type A/I plugs

🍜 美食亮点 本地人真心推荐

Discover local food highlights in Hangzhou

Legend:
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🗺️

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🗺️ Three-in-One Food Map

Layer controls: Michelin stars, Black Pearl rankings, and local recommendations

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🏛️ Must-Visit Attractions (50 places)

Discover the best attractions in Hangzhou

Legend:
Attractions
Restaurants
Transport
Emergency
🗺️

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West Lake
1

West Lake

Natural

西湖

A UNESCO World Heritage site and the iconic heart of Hangzhou. A freshwater lake with surrounding gardens, pagodas, and causeways creating stunning landscapes.

Open 24 hours
🎫Free (some attractions within require tickets)
Half to full day
Leifeng PagodaThree Pools Mirroring the MoonBroken BridgeSu Causeway
💡

Rent a bike to circle the lake. Take a boat ride to see the Three Pools. Visit Leifeng Pagoda at sunset. Spring for peach blossoms, autumn for lotus.

📍 West Lake Scenic Area, Xihu District

Xixi National Wetland Park
2

Xixi National Wetland Park

Natural

西溪国家湿地公园

The largest urban wetland in China with unique ecosystem, traditional fishing villages, and serene natural beauty.

08:00-17:30
🎫80¥
3-4 hours
Gaoxin BridgeXixi VillageMagua LakeLuo Yang Thatched Cottage
💡

Take the boat tour for best experience. Visit in early morning for fewer crowds. Combine with nearby West Lake.

📍 Xixi National Wetland Park, Xihu District

Lingyin Temple
3

Lingyin Temple

Cultural

灵隐寺

One of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in China, dating back to 326 AD, with stunning architecture and rock carvings.

06:30-17:30 (Summer), 07:00-17:30 (Winter)
🎫45¥ (temple), additional 55¥ for Feilai Feng peak
2-3 hours
Feilai Feng peakHall of the Heavenly KingsMahavira HallCave of the 500 Arhats
💡

Arrive early to avoid tour groups. The temple is at the foot of Feilai Feng. Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.

📍 1 Lingyin Road, Xihu District

Hefang Street
4

Hefang Street

Cultural

河坊街

A historic pedestrian street in Hangzhou with traditional Chinese architecture, local snacks, tea houses, and souvenir shops.

Open 24 hours (shops 09:00-22:00)
🎫Free
1-2 hours
Traditional medicine shopsLocal snacksCraft storesHu Xueyan Residence
💡

Best visited in the evening when illuminated. Try Hangzhou local snacks like lotus root powder and steamed dumplings. Compare prices before buying souvenirs.

📍 Hefang Street, Shangcheng District

Grand Canal
5

Grand Canal

Historical

京杭大运河

The longest ancient canal in the world, stretching 1794km from Beijing to Hangzhou. Hangzhou's section offers boat tours through historic water towns.

08:00-17:00
🎫60¥ (boat tour additional)
2-3 hours
Xiangji TempleHuangchang RiverGongchen BridgeAncient water towns
💡

Take an evening boat tour for romantic scenery. The bridge views are particularly beautiful at night.

📍 Canal Scenic Area, Gongshu District

Showing 5 of 50 attractions
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🚇 Transport Guide

Getting to and around Hangzhou

Getting to Hangzhou

✈️ air

Major international airports (Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong)

Duration: Varies by origin (2-3 hours from Shanghai, 12+ from Europe)
Price: 800-3000¥
Frequency: Daily international flights from Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok

💡 Hangzhou Airport is 27km from city center. Airport shuttle bus to East Railway Station and West Lake area. High-speed rail from Shanghai is faster.

🚄 train

Shanghai (45min-1h), Nanjing (1h), Beijing (4.5h)

Duration: 45min-5 hours depending on origin
Price: 150-600¥
Frequency: Multiple high-speed trains daily

💡 High-speed train from Shanghai is fastest and most convenient. Hangzhou East is near shopping districts. Hangzhou Station is closer to West Lake.

Getting Around

🚇 Metro

  • 12 lines covering city center and suburbs
  • Single ride: 2-9¥ depending on distance
  • Line 1 connects East Railway Station
  • West Lake area served by Lines 1, 2, 10

Recommended Transport Apps

🚗
DiDiEN
Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.
iOSAndroid
🚄
Trip.com TrainsEN
Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.
iOSAndroid
🚇
Metro Now
Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.
iOSAndroid

🚌 Bus

  • Extensive network covering areas not served by metro
  • Single ride: 2¥ (basic), higher for air-conditioned
  • Buses to West Lake from main tourist areas

🚕 Taxi

  • Starting fare: 11¥ (first 3km)
  • Waiting: 0.05¥ per minute
  • Night surcharge: 20% extra (23:00-05:00)
  • Didi app recommended for English speakers

🚴 Bike

  • Hellobike, Meituan bikes widely available
  • Unlock: 1-2¥, then 0.5-1.5¥ per 30 minutes
  • Designated bike lanes on West Lake surrounding roads
  • Scenic bike paths around West Lake

🏨 Where to Stay

Browse 180 vetted hotels across 6 categories in Hangzhou

💳 Payment Guide

How to pay in Hangzhou

💙

Alipay

Universal payment method throughout Hangzhou

How to Use:

  • 1. Download app before arrival
  • 1. Link international credit card or open Chinese account
  • 1. QR code scanning

Tips:

  • Required for most transactions
  • Works at all restaurants and shops
  • English interface available
💚

WeChat Pay

Secondary popular payment method

How to Use:

  • 1. WeChat app required
  • 1. Link international card through WeChat Pay

Tips:

  • Accepted almost everywhere Alipay is
  • English version available
💵

Cash

Still useful at traditional markets and small vendors

How to Use:

  • 1. ATMs widely available
  • 1. Exchange at banks or airport

Tips:

  • Keep small bills for markets
  • Most upscale restaurants accept cards

💳 Recommended Payment Apps

💬
WeChatEN
Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.
iOSAndroid
💰
AlipayEN
China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.
iOSAndroid
💳
WeChat PayEN
Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.
iOS
💳
Wise (TransferWise)EN
Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.
iOSAndroid

💡 Switch to English mode in app settings if you see Chinese interface. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay support foreign credit cards.

📶 SIM Cards & eSIM

Stay connected in China with the best data options

📱 eSIM (Recommended)

eSIM is the easiest way to get data in China. No physical SIM needed - activate instantly on arrival.

📱
Airalo eSIMEN
Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.
iOSAndroid
🌏
Holafly eSIMEN
Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.
iOSAndroid

💡 Pro Tips

  • • eSIM works best if your phone supports it (iPhone XS+ and most Android flagships)
  • • Download eSIM apps before arriving in China
  • • Airalo and Holafly offer China-specific plans with unlimited data options

📱 Essential Apps

Download these apps before arriving in China

📱Essential Apps for Hangzhou

Download these apps before arriving in China

16 with English13 Essential
💬
WeChatENEssential

Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.

Download
💰
AlipayENEssential

China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.

Download
💳
WeChat PayENEssential

Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.

Download
🚗
DiDiENEssential

Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.

Download
🗺️
Baidu MapsENEssential

Navigate with turn-by-turn directions in English. Search places using English. Works offline with download.

Download
🍜
MeituanENEssential

Order food delivery, browse restaurant menus (with translation), find deals. Has English menu feature for local restaurants.

Download
📚
Pleco Chinese DictionaryENEssential

The ultimate Chinese learning companion. Camera OCR, flash cards, example sentences. Essential for reading menus and signs.

Download
🌐
Google TranslateENEssential

Point your camera at Chinese text for instant translation. Download offline Chinese language pack.

Download
📕
XiaohongshuENEssential

Chinese social platform with local recommendations, reviews, and travel guides. Great for finding hidden gems and local tips.

Download
🚄
Trip.com TrainsENEssential

Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.

Download
🍽️
DianpingENEssential

The Yelp+Groupon of China. Browse restaurant reviews, find deals, and book tables. English interface available.

Download
💳
WiseENEssential

Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.

Download
📱
Airalo eSIMENEssential

Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.

Download
🗺️
AmapEN

High-precision navigation, real-time traffic updates, and walking directions. Popular among locals.

Download
🤖
AI TranslationEN

More accurate than Google for nuanced Chinese. Great for menu translation and conversations.

🌏
Holafly eSIMEN

Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.

Download
🍔
Ele.me

Major food delivery platform with wide restaurant coverage. Track your order in real-time.

Download
🚇
Metro Now

Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.

Download

💡Download before arriving in China — app stores may be restricted.

🎎 Cultural Tips (15 tips)

Essential cultural knowledge for Hangzhou

Tea Culture

High Priority

Hangzhou is famous for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Visit a tea house for authentic tea ceremony. Spring tea picking (April) is a special experience.

Dining Etiquette

High Priority

West Lake vinegar fish and Dongpo pork are local specialties. Tipping is not expected. Restaurant service may be casual.

Clothing

Medium Priority

Comfortable walking shoes essential for West Lake. Dress modestly for temple visits. Light layers for variable weather.

Best Times

Medium Priority

Visit West Lake early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Spring (April-May) for flowers, autumn for foliage.

Silk Heritage

Medium Priority

Hangzhou has been China's silk capital for over 2,000 years. Visit the China Silk Museum or silk factories for authentic products. '杭州丝绸' is a premium brand recognized worldwide.

Lotus and Water Lily Culture

Medium Priority

Lotus flowers are symbolic in Hangzhou's culture, representing purity and elegance. West Lake's lotus gardens bloom in summer (June-August). The '曲院风荷' view is one of the Ten Views of West Lake.

Imperial Heritage

Medium Priority

Hangzhou served as capital during Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The city's layout, gardens, and cuisine reflect this imperial period. Emperor Gaozong chose Hangzhou for its 'paradise' scenery.

Literary and Poetry Heritage

Medium Priority

West Lake inspired countless poets including Su Dongpo, Bai Juyi, and Li Bai. Many famous poems describe West Lake scenes. The '三潭印月' and '断桥残雪' are classic poetic themes.

Longjing Tea Harvest Season

High Priority

The first flush of Longjing tea (明前龙井) in early April is the most prized. Tea picking season brings visitors to Longjing Village. Fresh tea from this period commands premium prices.

Legend of White Snake

Medium Priority

The Legend of White Snake (白蛇传) is Hangzhou's most famous folk tale. Leifeng Pagoda is where the story's heroine was imprisoned. This romantic legend has been adapted into opera, film, and television.

🚨 Emergency Contacts (13 contacts)

Important phone numbers in Hangzhou

Legend:
Attractions
Restaurants
Transport
Emergency
🗺️

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⚠️ In case of emergency, call the appropriate number immediately. English operators may be available.

💡 Foreign visitors in China should also save +86-10-12308 (Consular Protection Hotline) — the 24/7 English-speaking line of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Quick Dial (Inside China)

Note: The SOS button in the bottom-right corner of any page provides instant access to emergency services with translation and GPS location sharing.

🏥 Hospitals

🏥

First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University

浙江大学医学院附属第一医院

79 Qingchun Road

English-speaking staff, accepts international insurance

📞+86 571 8723 6000
🏥

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital

邵逸夫医院

3 East Qingchun Road

Quality international medical services

📞+86 571 8609 0088

🏛️ Embassies & Consulates

🏛️

US Consulate General Shanghai

美国驻上海总领事馆

Shanghai (nearest US consular services for Hangzhou)

For US citizens in Hangzhou region

📞+86 21 8011 2400
🏛️

British Consulate General Shanghai

英国驻上海总领事馆

Shanghai

For UK citizens in Hangzhou region

📞+86 21 6179 2000
🏛️

Australian Consulate General Shanghai

澳大利亚驻上海总领事馆

Shanghai

For Australian citizens in Hangzhou region

📞+86 21 5292 8000
🏛️

German Consulate General Shanghai

德国驻上海总领事馆

Shanghai

For German citizens in Hangzhou region

📞+86 21 6101 2000
🏛️

Japanese Consulate General Shanghai

日本驻上海总领事馆

Shanghai

For Japanese citizens in Hangzhou region

📞+86 21 6218 0021

📞 Other Emergency Numbers

🚑

Hangzhou Emergency Center

杭州急救中心

English interpretation available at major hospitals

📞120
👮

Hangzhou Public Security Bureau

杭州市公安局

Tourist police at West Lake area

📞110
🔥

Hangzhou Fire Department

杭州市消防救援支队

For fire emergencies and rescue operations

📞119

Hangzhou Tourist Information Center

杭州旅游咨询服务中心

West Lake Scenic Area

Tourist complaints and information service

📞0571-96123

Hangzhou Tourist Police

杭州旅游警察

West Lake Police Station, Xihu District

24-hour tourist police service

📞+86 571 8502 6110

Hangzhou Tourism Complaint Hotline

杭州旅游投诉热线

For complaints about tourism services

📞0571-12345

Emergency Numbers

🆘 Emergency SOS
• Tap: Call Police (110)
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