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

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