Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Overview of Hangzhou Located in the south-eastern province of Zhejiang, Hangzhou has been bewitching visitors with its natural beauty for centuries. Even Marco Polo declared it 'paradise', having fallen in love with the tranquillity of its hills and gardens. Hangzhou's West Lake is lush, green and dotted with iconic temples, bridges and pavilions. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, take a boat ride, see the thousands of stone carvings at Lingyin Temple or admire the scenic view from Baochu Pagoda. Hangzhou has a number of interesting museums too, such as the National Silk Museum and the National Tea Museum. The city's tea fields are noteworthy, with the local green tea variety Xi Hu Long Jing a popular purchase among travellers, while the Silk Market and Night Market are good retail stops. As for its cuisine, Hangzhou's specialities include Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp Meat, Steam Rice Flower and West Lake Sour Fish. Hangzhou's nightlife doesn't rival the scenes in China's larger metropoles, but there are a number of bars, nightclubs and restaurants in the city centre. Visitors can expect to find karaoke halls, theatres and teahouses in abundance. All in all, Hangzhou offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history, without sacrificing any of the amenities they might expect from a big city.

Key Facts

Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects. Passport/Visa: Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel. Currency: China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more rural areas. ATMs are scarce in rural areas. Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary, but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common. Adapters are generally required.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

Page 1/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Travel to Hangzhou Climate for Hangzhou Hangzhou has a humid, subtropical climate, with generally warm and mild conditions all year round. The pleasant and temperate weather is probably one of the reasons the city is so popular with foreigners. As with most of China, the four seasons are distinct. Summer is long, hot and humid, and sees average highs of up to 93°F (34°C). Autumn is cool and clear, while winter is dry and cold, with average lows of 36°F (2°C). Spring is warm, rainy, and short. There are two rainy seasons in Hangzhou. The first is a brief period between late June and early July, when Hangzhou experiences the Asian monsoon season. The second is Hangzhou's typhoon season, which brings heavy rains in August and September. Although the area is prone to typhoons during this time, the storms very seldom hit Hangzhou directly, so it's usually less dramatic than it sounds. The best time to visit Hangzhou is in autumn (September to November), when the average low temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C) and high temperatures can reach 83°F (28°C). Summer in Hangzhou is also a fairly popular time to visit but the heat and humidity can be uncomfortable for some travellers. Spring is stunningly beautiful because of all the blossoms, but the rain can deter some visitors.

Health Notes when travelling to China A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming into China from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice about malaria before departure. Vaccinations are recommended against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid (not necessary if eating and drinking in major restaurants and hotels), Japanese encephalitis (usually only recommended for rural areas), and rabies (only recommended for travellers at risk of animal bites). Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Street food should be treated with caution. High levels of air pollution in major cities and industrialised areas in China may exacerbate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. There is generally a high standard of health care in major Chinese cities, but it is not provided free of charge; travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. Safety Notes when travelling to China China is generally safe, and there is currently little threat from global terrorism. The risk of terror attacks is higher in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and travellers should exercise caution if travelling to or around Xinjiang. Serious crime against foreigners is rare but does occur, particularly in isolated or sparsely populated areas. There has been an increase in the number of muggings and robberies at Beijing International Airport and around the Jianguomenwai area of Beijing, as well as in Shenzen, bordering Hong Kong. If travelling alone, including following parts of the Great Wall, it is advisable to leave an itinerary and expected time of return with a third party. Travellers should take extra care in street markets and at tourist sites, which attract thieves and pickpockets, and around the popular expat bar areas at night, where lone foreigners have occasionally been attacked. Travellers should be cautious about using pedicabs in Beijing, as tourists have reportedly been mugged by the drivers; women in particular have been targeted. Disputes over taxi fares can occur. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it. Seasonal heavy rains and typhoons cause hundreds of deaths in China each year, particularly those areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and western China. Demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa, Tibet, as well as in some Chinese provinces in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. Even though the situation seems to have stabilised, visitors are advised to stay up to date on the situation before travelling to the region and to avoid all protests. The Chinese government sometimes suspends the issue of permits for travel to Tibet due to unrest. Customs in China Chinese people usually have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family name. As a result, visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity, surnames may be underlined. When addressing Chinese people, the surname should come first and official titles should be used. Chinese handshakes last longer than those in western countries, and it is customary to stand close together when in conversation. Politeness in western terms is often foreign to the Chinese, and they rarely bother with pleasantries. It is considered disrespectful to keep prolonged eye contact, avoiding eye contact is considered reverential rather than rude. All foreigners should carry their ID on them at all times, as spot checks are common. Failure to show evidence of ID when requested by an official may result in a fine or detention.

Page 2/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Duty Free in China Travellers to China do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of alcohol; perfume for personal use; and personal articles up to the value of ¥2000. Prohibited goods include arms, ammunition, or printed material that conflicts with the public order or moral standards of the country. Also prohibited are radio transmitters and receivers, exposed but undeveloped film and fresh produce. Strict regulations apply to the import and export of antiquities, banned publications, and religious literature. All valuables must be declared on the forms provided. Doing Business in China The Chinese are strict timekeepers and being late for a meeting is considered rude. When meeting people for the first time it is normal to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. Note that handshakes generally go on for longer in China than in most western countries. Business cards are commonly exchanged at the start of meetings in China; it is customary to have one side printed in Chinese and one in English. When giving or receiving business cards or a gift, it is customary to hold it with both hands. Chinese consider gifts an important show of courtesy. Decision-making may take longer than expected during negotiations. During a meal or reception, your host is likely to offer a toast; foreigners may be expected to offer them one in return. Women are generally treated with respect and courtesy when doing business in China and it is increasingly common to find Chinese women in senior positions, especially in the big cities. Businesswomen should, however, avoid showing too much skin. Business dress for both men and women tends to be conservative and plain without much ornament or bright colour. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A five-day week is more common in larger cities and international companies. Workers usually take their lunch break between 12pm and 2pm and it is not unusual to find offices empty during this time. Communication in China The international dialling code for China is +86. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Tipping in China Tipping is not officially recognised in China, though the practice is has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Travellers wanting to tip should leave a gratuity of about 10 percent. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of around 10 percent, so travellers should make sure that they aren't doubling up. Passport/Visa Note Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.

Page 3/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require both a valid passport and visa for entry into China.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and visa for entry into China.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport valid on arrival and a visa for entry into China. Passports endorsed British National (Overseas) are not recognized and holders should carry a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents together with their Hong Kong ID.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China. Visa exemptions include passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card valid for travel to China for stays up to 60 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.

Page 4/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Getting around in Hangzhou, China Like many cities in China, a good way to get around in Hangzhou is by bicycle. A public bike system is available, giving travellers access to bikes located across the city for a small fee, plus a deposit. Buses are another good way to get around the city, as the networks are extensive. However, all signage is in Chinese. There are several kinds of buses operating in the city, with tourists preferring the routes prefixed with a 'Y'. A limited, but expanding metro system operates in the city and some of the surrounding suburbs. Taxis are also available. The bright turquoise city taxis are easily spotted on the streets, and are more reliable than those offered by touts at tourist spots. Few drivers speak English, however, so travellers should have their destination written down or be able to point it out on a map. Visitors in Hangzhou are not advised to drive, as the traffic is known to be chaotic and road signs confusing.

Page 5/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Attractions in Hangzhou, China West Lake tops Hangzhou's list of attractions. In fact, a bicycle ride around the area is the perfect introduction to the city. Visitors will find many lovely parks, most with free admission. The Prince Bay Park is particularly beautiful in March and April, when the tulips and cherry trees are blossoming. Nature lovers should also stop at the Lingyin-Felai Feng Scenic Area. This stunning forested and mountainous area is home to Lingyin Temple: the Temple of the Soul's Retreat. The numerous sculptures carved into the mountain are some of its treasures. Hangzhou is also full of interesting museums, including the History Museum, the Hangzhou Lianzhu Cultural Museum and the National Tea Museum. The area is famous for its green tea and, apart from the museum, travellers may want to visit the Hangzhou Longjingshan Tea Cultural Village, where they can learn to make and serve tea using traditional methods. Travellers more interested in simply enjoying the tea, and various other culinary treats should visit Hefang Street: a delightful old Chinese pedestrian shopping street bustling with shops and stalls. This street offers all the usual touristy stock, but also has a few charming restaurants and teahouses.

Lingyin Temple The Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is one of the top 10 most famous Buddhist temples in China. Built in 326 AD and situated in the breathtaking Lingyin-Feilai Feng Scenic Area, it housed some 3,000 monks during its heyday and is still one of the largest and wealthiest temples in China. The forested walkway to the temple is strewn with hidden grottos, alcoves and ancient sculptures. Jovial and beautifully carved, the Laughing Buddha is particularly beloved. The temple's name can be translated as 'Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or 'Temple of Inspired Seclusion', both aptly describing its wondrous and meditative atmosphere. Although you can view the famous statues carved into the mountain independently, the Lingyin Temple complex is definitely worth exploring too. One of the many treasures Lingyin displays is a Sakyamuni statue 82 feet (24.8m) tall, which is one of the largest wooden statues in China and covered in gold leaf. The temple also stores an important collection of Buddhist literature that makes it popular with scholars. Address: 1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Xihu District Telephone: 0571 8796 8665 Website: www.lingyinsi.org

Grand Canal The Grand Canal in China is the largest man-made canal in the world. It once ran from Hangzhou all the way to Beijing, covering a stunning 1,115 miles (1,794 km). It was built section by section over many centuries, but the majority of it was developed under the Sui dynasty during the 7th century. The canal played a vital role in Chinese history, not just as a trade route, but also as a military asset and an important cultural and economic link between the north and south of the country. Boat trips along the Grand Canal are a popular way to see the countless scenic river towns in southern China, with spectacular river vistas, attractive bridges and old buildings on its banks. It is also lovely to walk or cycle along the canal through central Hangzhou.

West Lake Famed for its natural beauty, West Lake in Hangzhou is perhaps the landscape most representative of ancient China owing to its immortalisation in art. This is where visitors will recognise the blue waterscapes, bridges, and gardens on many ceramics. The lake itself is sheltered on three sides by mountains where travellers can truly feel that they have escaped the city. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of historical points of interest, including the various temples, pagodas and museums. Visitors can easily hire a boat to take them to the islands in the centre of the lake, which is a lovely way to view the area. Many visitors hire bicycles and ride all the way around West Lake, a trip of about six miles (10km) depending on the route. There are so many things to see and do in West Lake that visitors will need at least a day to explore. Famous scenic spots worth seeking out are Su Causeway, Crooked Courtyard, Flower Pond and Broken Bridge â€' considered the most romantic spot in West Lake.

Page 6/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Page 7/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Page 8/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Nightlife in Hangzhou, China

Page 9/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Shopping in Hangzhou, China

Page 10/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Dining in Hangzhou, China

Page 11/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Airports in Hangzhou Hangzhou Airport (HGH) Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport www.hzairport.com Location: Hangzhou The airport is located 19 miles (31km) from downtown Hangzhou. Time: GMT +8 Transfer between terminals: The terminals are close to each other and can be reached on foot. Getting to the city: The Airport Bus shuttle service links the airport to points in city. Taxis are also available. Car rental: Car rental services are available at the airport. Airport Taxis: Taxis are located outside Gate 4 and Gate 10 of the domestic arrival area. Facilities: Facilities include medical services, ATMs, currency exchange, a children's play area and a designated smoking section. Parking: Parking is available at the airport.

Page 12/13 Hangzhou, China Destination Guide

Currency China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more rural areas. ATMs are scarce in rural areas.

Exchange rate for 1 CNY - Chinese Yuan 0.15 BMD 0.14 EUR 0.15 USD 0.11 GBP 16.55 JPY 0.20 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.15 CHF 0.21 AUD 3.82 UAH 51.33 KZT 228.86 LBP 0.11 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 1.04 BOB 16.40 NPR 0.06 OMR 0.55 QAR 0.21 SGD 1.26 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 1.01 TTD 1.52 VEF 6.97 DOP 1.02 HRK 2.83 MXN 89.11 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.48 PGK 0.15 BSD 0.32 FJD 3.44 HNL 16.80 DZD 181.06 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 1.70 BWP 0.51 PEN 105.40 CLP 72.66 AMD 3.67 CZK 3.04 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 18.89 ISK 446.64 UZS 0.59 ILS 0.11 JOD 0.05 KWD 4.76 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 5.40 MUR 4.33 NIO 1.27 NOK 0.60 PLN 0.57 SAR 22.19 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 5.41 THB 0.56 AED 0.55 BRL 0.62 RON 1.18 HKD 89.31 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 3,415.75 VND 2.12 ARS 0.41 XCD 1.19 GTQ 1.49 MAD 0.06 BHD Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar 0.15 PAB 0.23 AZN 473.85 COP 10.38 KGS 42.52 HUF 1.20 TJS Panamanian Balboa Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble 2,079.58 IDR 1.35 EGP 181.03 KRW 861.65 PYG 0.63 MYR 81.88 CRC Indonesian Rupiah Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón 0.22 NZD 15.92 PKR 10.15 RUB 2.37 ZAR 0.32 TND 0.30 BBD New Zealand Dollar Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar 0.27 BGN 0.45 TRY 7.09 PHP 4.96 TWD 29.86 NGN 16.28 XPF Bulgarian Lev Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc 0.59 GHS 18.99 JMD 0.27 ANG 0.21 BND 16.80 RSD 3,024.21 BYR Ghanaian Cedi Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Belarussian Ruble 1.01 DKK 0.52 TMT 10.22 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

Page 13/13

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)