The first time for foreigners to visit Hangzhou
Hangzhou, a city that blends natural beauty with a long history, is a great destination for foreign tourists to explore China’s Jiangnan culture. The following is a detailed guide to help foreign friends who come to Hangzhou for the first time to better plan their trip.
First, prepare for the trip
Visa and entry
Apply for a Chinese visa in advance, depending on your nationality. The specific requirements and procedures for visa application can be found on the official website of the Chinese Embassy or consulate in your country.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is a major port of entry with direct flights to several international cities.
Transportation reservation
Air/train tickets: Book air or train tickets to Hangzhou. Hangzhou East Railway Station and Hangzhou Railway Station are major railway transportation hubs, connecting many cities in China.
Hotels: Based on personal preference and budget, book hotels in the city center or around the West Lake in advance. The lakeside Longxiang Bridge and Fengqi Road near the West Lake have convenient transportation and beautiful night views.
Money and payments
Hangzhou uses the Chinese Renminbi (CNY). Most places support mobile payments, such as Alipay, wechat Pay, etc., but it is recommended to carry some cash for emergencies.
communication
Mobile roaming packages or SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or locally to access the Internet and make calls using mobile phones.
Download utility APP
Map APP: such as Amap, Baidu map, convenient for planning trips and viewing traffic information.
Translation APP: such as Google Translate, easy to use when you encounter a language barrier when communicating.
Second, must visit the scenic spot recommendation
West Lake
Highlights: Hangzhou’s iconic scenic spot, known for “the combination of mountains and rivers, lake city”, with the Su Embankment spring dawn, broken bridge snow, Pinghu autumn moon and other ten views of the West Lake.
Suggestion:
Rent a shared bike, ride around the lake or walk around the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains.
Take a boat trip to the West Lake and experience the “three pools of the Moon” and other water scenery.
Head there in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the rush and enjoy the tranquil lake view.
Lingyin Temple
Highlights: One of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in China, with a long history, strong incense and quiet environment.
Suggestion:
Buy tickets to Feilai Peak Scenic Spot (45 yuan) and Lingyin Temple (30 yuan).
Visit the stone carving art of Feilai Peak and feel the tranquility and solemnness of the thousand-year-old temple.
Around the Faxi Temple, Yongfu Temple and other temples, you can visit together.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Highlights: China’s first national wetland park integrating urban wetland, agricultural wetland and cultural wetland, known as the “kidney of the city”.
Suggestion:
Buy a ticket (80 yuan) and take a boat ride among the reed marshes to experience the beauty of nature.
In autumn, you can participate in the Xixi Fire persimmon Festival and experience the fun of picking persimmon.
Visit scenic spots such as Gaozhuang and Hezhu Street to learn about wetland culture.
Song City
Highlights: The Song Dynasty history and culture as the theme of the large-scale theme park, you can watch the large-scale live performance “Song City through the ages”.
Suggestion:
Book your tickets in advance according to the season and time of day (prices vary).
Watch the performance of Song City through the Ages and experience the history and culture of the Song Dynasty.
Visit the strange street, Xianshan Grottoes and other scenic spots, feel the Song Dynasty city life.
Wuzhen
Highlights: Typical Jiangnan water town, known as the “land of fish and rice, silk house”, charming night view.
Suggestion:
From Hangzhou to Wuzhen by car (about 1.5 hours drive), visit the Xisha scenic area.
Visit Mu Xin Art Museum, grass color dyeing house, Yuelao Temple and other scenic spots.
Ride the sculling boat between the water lanes and experience the water village style.
Thousand-island Lake
Highlights: Featuring thousands of islands, clear water and gold belts, it is the largest forest park in China.
Suggestion:
Book Thousand Island Lake tickets and cruise tickets in advance.
Take a boat trip to the lake islands, such as Meifeng Island and Longshan Island.
Try local delicacies such as Thousand Island Lake Fish Head soup.
Third, food recommendation
Hangzhou characteristic cuisine
West Lake vinegar fish: grass carp as raw materials, cooked, fresh sweet and sour, with crab flavor.
Longjing shrimps: With Longjing tea and shrimps as raw materials, the color is elegant, the taste is beautiful and clear.
Dongpo pork: half fat and half lean pork, soft but not rotten, fat but not greasy.
Fried shrimp eel noodles: the eel slices are crisp and dense, the shrimp are fresh and tender, and the noodles are smooth.
Snacks and night market
Scallion wrapped juniper: traditional snack, crispy skin and sweet filling.
West Lake lotus root powder: Glutinous haw taste, with pastry and lotus root juice, is a good afternoon tea.
Wulin Night Market: All kinds of snacks and handicrafts.
Hefang Street, Southern Song Imperial Street: The reconstructed streets show the style of the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, you can taste authentic Hangzhou snacks and buy special souvenirs.
Fourth, itinerary planning advice
Five-day Tour Recommended Itinerary:
Day 1:
Morning: Arrive in Hangzhou, check in to the hotel.
Afternoon: stroll Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, enjoy the beauty of West Lake.
Evening: Take a boat trip to the West Lake, experience the “Three pools of moon” and other water scenery, and visit the Wulin night market.
Day two:
Morning: Go to Lingyin Temple, visit the Feilai Peak stone carvings, feel the tranquility of the thousand-year ancient temple.
Afternoon: Visit Yongfu Temple, Tao Guang Temple and other surrounding temples.
Evening: Return to the city, visit Hefang Street, Southern Song Imperial Street.
Day 3:
Morning: Go to Xixi National Wetland Park, shuttle between the reeds by boat.
Afternoon: Go to Songcheng, watch the large-scale live performance “Songcheng Eternal Love”.
Evening: Free activities, taste Hangzhou cuisine.
Day 4:
Morning: Go to Wuzhen by car and visit Xisha scenic spot.
Afternoon: Take the sculling boat to shuttle between the water lanes and experience the style of the water village.
Evening: Return to Hangzhou, browse the shopping mall or taste the special snacks.
Day 5:
Morning: Go to Qiandao Lake and take a boat tour of the islands in the lake.
Afternoon: Continue to visit other attractions of Qiandao Lake and taste Qiandao Lake fish head soup.
Evening: According to the return flight or train time, go to the airport or train station in advance to end the pleasant trip to Hangzhou.
Fifth. Practical tips
Transportation trip
Hangzhou has extensive subway lines, and you can use Alipay or wechat to get an e-metro card.
You can get around the city by bus, taxi or shared bike.
To Wuzhen, Qiandao Lake and other surrounding scenic spots, it is recommended to charter or take a tour bus.
Climate and dress
Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are cool and suitable for outdoor activities; Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, so be prepared for sun protection and heat protection; Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, so bring warm clothing.
Verbal communication
Hangzhou is an international city, and most attractions and restaurants are available in English. If necessary, you can also enlist the help of local people or use translation apps to communicate.
Ticket reservation
Some popular attractions may require advance booking of tickets, it is recommended to book in advance through official channels or travel platforms.
Safety tips
Take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places.
Comply with local laws and regulations and scenic area regulations, civilized travel.
In case of emergency, you can call the local police number (110) or the help number (120).
Through the above guideline, I believe you can better plan your first visit to Hangzhou and feel the unique charm and profound heritage of the city. Wish you a pleasant trip!
