Arriving in Hangzhou

Metro Line 1 runs from HGH to the city centre (Wulin Square, Longxiangqiao for West Lake area) in about 40–50 minutes (¥12–18). Taxis cost ¥100–140 to central Hangzhou. Arriving by HSR at Hangzhou East: Metro Lines 1/4 connect directly to the West Lake and Wulin Square areas in 20–30 minutes. Didi is fully operational from both the airport and the train station.

The usual China Mobile/Unicom tourist SIM options apply; available at HGH arrivals. Hangzhou is a tech-forward city (Alibaba's headquarters are here) and mobile internet infrastructure is strong throughout the urban area. This does not affect VPN requirements — the Great Firewall applies equally here.

Alipay was developed in Hangzhou by Alibaba and the city has near-universal adoption. Even traditional teahouses and West Lake boat operators accept Alipay QR payment. The Hangzhou metro accepts Alipay, WeChat Pay, and contactless bank cards. Foreign card linking via Alipay international is particularly reliable here given Alibaba's operational proximity.

ATMs are at the airport and at Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank branches throughout the West Lake area and central Hangzhou. Currency exchange is available at the airport and at the Bank of China on Yan'an Road. Cash is less necessary than in many Chinese cities but keep ¥200–300 for traditional teahouses and Hefang Street market stalls that may be cash-preferred.

Hangzhou is UTC+8. A morning walk along the West Lake causeways before the city wakes (06:00–08:00) is one of the more pleasant jet-lag remedies available in China — the light across the lake at dawn is notable.

Hotels around West Lake and Wulin Square have English-speaking front desk staff. Lou Wai Lou restaurant and most tourist-area establishments have English menus. Hangzhou's tourism infrastructure has been strengthened in recent years; the major sites have English audio guides. Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital has English-language medical services. In emergencies, dial 120 for ambulance; hotel staff are the best first point of contact for translation assistance.