Hangzhou, China — Activities
Hangzhou Culture
Hangzhou has a rich and varied cultural life. Details of upcoming events are listed in the free monthly city magazine: More Hangzhou and InTouch Zhejiang, and the free Hangzhou Weekly newspaper (published each Monday).
The Hangzhou Theater, 360 Tiyuchang Road (tel: (571) 8517 8435) provides a full calendar of theater, dance and music. Zhejiang Concert Hall, 31 Shuguang Road (tel: (571) 8552 3177) offers regular classical concerts by Chinese and international musicians, while Dongpo Opera House, 7 Dongpo Road (tel: (571) 8708 4803) has nightly performances of historic regional and national operas. Red Star Theater, 280 South Jianguo Road (tel: (571) 878 5135) is the place to see and experience Shaoxing opera, which heralds from the historic nearby canal-side town of Shaoxing.
Hanzghou UME International Cinema, 4/F, West Town Plaza, 551 West Wen’er Road (tel: (571) 8810 0999) shows international releases and Chinese blockbusters.
Hangzhou Tours
Most tours organized by the Hangzhou Tourism Commission are geared towards Chinese tourists, though the city’s hotels provide a broad range of trips and excursions. The West Lake’s centrality to Hangzhou’s history and identity makes a cruise on its waters a ‘must do’ experience. West Lake Boat Co. (tel: (571) 8796 1138) offers pleasure boat trips from two wharfs: at the south end of the Hubin Road esplanade, and at the north end of Hubin Lu near Changsheng Road. The one-hour cruise takes in the Xiaoyingzhou Island, Mid-Lake Pavilion and Yang Causeway.
Jumping on the West Lake Golf Cart Tour (tel: (571) 8797 2452) is a leisurely way to explore the myriad attractions fringing the West Lake. Simply wave it down and hop on.
Hangzhou Holidays Bike Co. (tel: (571) 8519 6370; website: www.hzbike.com) organizes regular group rides into the hills surrounding the city.
