Check out our guide to life in Hangzhou
While Hangzhou was officially founded in the common era, it is listed as one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China. Nearby Neolithic finds date inhabitancy back as far as seven thousand years. Despite decades of urban development, the city still retains many of its historical and cultural sites. Tea is a vital part of the local economy and culture. Hangzhou is known for being the birthplace of Longjing green tea. Modern day Hangzhou is an important manufacturing base and logistics hub for coastal China. Industries include food processing, medicine, IT, machinery, electrical and more.
Hangzhou Fast Facts
Prefecture-level and Sub-provincial city
Founded – 606 CE
Population – 9,806,000
Hangzhou Weather
Hottest Month July (30 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (5 °C avg)
Wettest Month June (142.2 mm avg)
Windiest Month March (9 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 859.2 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Hangzhou
West Lake
Enjoy the temples, pagodas, gardens and artificial islands or take a boat around the lake.
Lingyin Temple
Discover the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, with gorgeous grottos, statues and pagodas.
Pagodas
Head to the top of 5-story Leifeng Pagoda or 7-story Liuhe Pagoda for incredible views.
Wulin Square
Bargain shop during the day and stay past dusk to enjoy the lovely musical fountain at night.
China National Silk Museum
Fascinating museum showing the story of silk production and relics from the Silk Road trade.
Dreaming of the Tiger Spring
Stunning statues and architecture combine with the beauty of nature at this pure spring.
Yue Fei Temple
Statues and tranquil gardens surround this stunning temple in honour of general Yue Fei.
Xiling Seal Art Society
Enjoy some art, shopping and historic architecture as you discover the history of seals.
Hangzhou Paradise
This amusement park features fun rides, shopping, entertainment, dining and activities.
Xixi National Wetland Park
The wetlands’ hosts regular events and its lakes, restaurants and gardens span 2,800 acres.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 50 | 5.71 | 10.44 | 104.39 |
| Water | 2.50 | 0.29 | 0.52 | 5.22 |
| Beer in a bar | 15 | 1.71 | 3.13 | 31.32 |
| Beer in a shop | 6 | 0.69 | 1.25 | 12.53 |
| Coke | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.26 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 25 | 2.85 | 5.22 | 52.20 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 65 | 7.42 | 13.57 | 135.71 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 120 | 13.70 | 25.05 | 250.54 |
| Gym per month | 250 | 28.54 | 52.18 | 521.96 |
| City bus | 4 | 0.46 | 0.83 | 8.35 |
| Monthly utility billsv(electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 312 | 35.62 | 65.12 | 651.41 |
| Loaf of bread | 12 | 1.37 | 2.50 | 25.05 |
