Hangzhou City Guide

The city offers strong local dishes and varied international food, with growing vegetarian and vegan options. Night markets keep food available late.

Nightlife is developing with bars, pubs, and karaoke. It’s quieter than Shanghai but suits different tastes.

Growing coffee scene blending local tea culture, many specialty shops and local roasters.

Tipping is not expected or customary in most places.

Buy SIMs at China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom stores with your passport. eSIMs are not common for tourists.

The city is generally clean, especially in central and tourist areas, with regular waste collection.

Many convenience stores open all night. Some pharmacies and hospitals offer late or 24/7 service.

Large supermarkets and fresh markets offer local and some international products. Bargaining is common only at smaller markets.

Mobile payments with Alipay and WeChat Pay are used everywhere. Cash is rarely accepted.

ATMs at major banks like ICBC, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank accept international cards but may charge fees.

International schools teach in English; popular ones include Hangzhou International School and Wellington College International Hangzhou. Apply early due to waitlists.

Modest nomad scene with some meetups, coworking spaces, and cafes. Networking happens mostly through WeChat and events.

Plenty of parks and green areas, including West Lake and Xixi Wetlands, with shaded paths ideal for walks and runs.

Excellent running routes around West Lake and parks; safe and scenic with some air quality concerns in winter.

Several modern gyms and community centers offer fitness options.

Tennis courts available at clubs and sports centers, some coaching and equipment rentals.

Padel is emerging but still uncommon.

Many yoga studios with various styles; some English-speaking instructors.

Facilities for Tai Chi, Wing Chun, BJJ, Muay Thai, Sanda, and boxing. Some English-speaking instructors.

Limited ski resorts about 1.5-2 hours away with mainly beginner slopes and artificial snow.

Limited kayaking and paddleboarding on West Lake, often restricted and seasonal.

No surfing spots. The Qiantang River Bore is dangerous and not for surfing.

No diving or snorkeling sites nearby.

Public hospitals are good but busy; private clinics are pricier but better for English service. Pharmacies are widely available.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink without boiling. Use bottled water instead.

Several parks have playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes are growing, and attractions like West Lake boat rides and Hangzhou Zoo offer family fun.

Generally conservative, some tolerance in private or online spaces; no official protections or public pride events.

Pet restrictions are common, with few pet-friendly places and strict import rules.