What should I know before visiting Hangzhou?

Direct answer

Hangzhou is a scenic, historically rich city best known for West Lake, tea culture (Longjing/Dragon Well), canals, and silk. Plan for peak-season crowds, light rain, and explore beyond the lake to tea terraces and historic neighborhoods.

Visa / Entry Requirements

• Check your nationality for visa rules: many travelers need a Chinese visa (L visa for tourism). Some countries qualify for visa-free transit (24/72/144 hours) in certain ports—verify with your nearest Chinese consulate before travel.
• Passport must be valid for at least six months with blank pages. Bring printed hotel bookings and return/exit ticket for immigration checks if requested.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures (10–22°C / 50–72°F), blooming scenery—ideal for West Lake and tea viewing.
• Autumn (September–November): Crisp weather, clear skies, and autumn foliage—another prime window.
• Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and rainy (monsoon season); heavy tourist crowds during July/August and Mid-Autumn/Golden Week holidays.
• Winter (December–February): Cool and damp, fewer tourists, lower prices; some attractions quieter.

Safety Tips

• Hangzhou is generally safe. Standard precautions: watch belongings in crowded tourist spots (West Lake, train stations), avoid unlicensed taxis.
• Use official ride-hailing apps (DiDi) or call reputable taxi companies. If taking a taxi, ensure the meter is used.
• Tap water is not typically drunk; use bottled water. Carry sunscreen, a raincoat/umbrella, and insect repellent in warmer months.

Local Customs & Etiquette

• Politeness matters: greet with a smile; a slight nod/handshake is normal in tourist interactions.
• Remove shoes when entering some homes or traditional guesthouses if requested.
• Public displays of affection are modestly acceptable in public tourist areas; be respectful at temples and religious sites.
• When dining, it’s common to share dishes; wait to be seated or follow the host’s lead at formal meals.

Currency & Money

• Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY, ¥). Have some cash for small vendors and markets; many places accept mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay).
• Foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, major shops, and international restaurants. Bring a card and some cash. Consider setting up Alipay/WeChat Pay if staying longer (requires Chinese bank card/verification or tourist versions in some regions).

Getting Around (Transportation)

• By air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) serves domestic and international flights. Airport Express and taxis connect to city.
• Rail: Hangzhou East and Hangzhou Railway Station link high-speed trains to Shanghai (~45 min), Suzhou, Nanjing, and Beijing.
• Metro: Efficient and expanding; lines cover major attractions. Use single-ride tickets or a metro card.
• Buses: Extensive network but can be slower for tourists.
• Taxis & Ride-hailing: DiDi app is convenient; taxis are plentiful—carry your hotel name in Chinese for drivers.
• Bicycles / E-bikes: Public bike-share systems are abundant and great for short trips around West Lake (bike lanes available).

Must-Know Tips & Local Insights

• West Lake (Xi Hu): Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Take a boat cruise or walk the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway. Consider visiting Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and the Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies for quieter scenery.
• Longjing Tea: Visit tea plantations in Meijiawu or Longjing Village—try a tea-tasting and learn about hand-firing. Buy sealed, reputable tea packages to avoid counterfeits.
• Silk & Shopping: Hangzhou is known for silk—buy from reputable shops. Explore Qinghefang Ancient Street for snacks, crafts, and local specialties.
• Food to try: Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Beggar’s Chicken, local snacks at street markets. Vegetarian options are available at temples like Lingyin.
• Language: Mandarin is primary; English is limited outside tourist spots. Keep key phrases or an offline translation app and addresses in Chinese for taxis.
• Connectivity: Get a Chinese SIM or portable Wi-Fi for maps and ride-hailing; some online services/apps are restricted—consider a VPN if you need certain foreign services (check local laws and app availability).
• Day trips: Consider nearby destinations—Xitang or Wuzhen water towns, or a short high-speed train to Shanghai.

Practicalities

• Charging & Adapters: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs; standard voltage 220V/50Hz. Bring an adapter and power bank.
• Health: Pharmacies are widely available; bring prescriptions and travel insurance. Masks are still commonly used in crowded indoor spaces—carry extras.
• Tipping: Not customary in most places; small tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected.

Final quick checklist

• Passport, visa, travel insurance
• Cash (CNY) + card, translation app, hotel address in Chinese
• Comfortable shoes, umbrella/raincoat, sunscreen
• Copy of train/flight bookings, and a plan for West Lake early/late visits

Enjoy Hangzhou’s mix of natural beauty, tea culture, and history—plan around peak times, use metro/DiDi, and explore beyond the lake for a richer experience.