Hangzhou, China — Travel Tips
Getting There By Air
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Tel: (571) 8506 2233.
Website: www.hzairport.com
Located 27km (17 miles) from downtown Hangzhou, Xiaoshan International Airport is still a developing airport with a limited schedule of international routes, which currently include Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul and Busan, as well as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and around 40 other Chinese cities.
As well as shops, restaurants and a small business center, baggage storage and 24-hour parking, there are five first-class lounges. A shuttle bus runs between the city and the airport every 15 minutes 0930 to 1700, and every 30 minutes between 0730-0930 and 1700-2200 (journey time - 50 minutes). The ticket office is at 390 Tiyuchang Road (tel: (571) 8515 4295). A taxi to the city center costs around RMB120.
Getting There By Road
Bus services
Hangzhou's inter-city bus routes are extensive, but all four main bus stations are outside the city center. The East Bus Station (tel: (571) 8696 4011), on Genshanxi Lu, is the most comprehensive with frequent services to many major cities including Shanghai (two to three hours). It also has direct buses to Shanghai's two airports. Services from the North Bus Station (tel: (571) 8809 7761), on Moganshan Lu, include Nanjing (five hours). The West Bus Station (tel: (571) 8522 2237), on Tianmushan Lu, has buses to Huang Shan mountain (six hours), while the South Bus Station (tel: (571) 8607 5352), on Qiutao Lu, offers buses to Wenzhou (nine hours).
Getting There By Rail
Hangzhou benefits from a new high speed rail link from Shanghai, thanks to the newly launched bullet train.
Rail Services
Hangzhou has two train stations, the main one, Hangzhou Central Station, is on Jiangcheng Lu and is used by most inter-city trains. The much smaller one, Hangzhou East Station, on Xinfeng Lu, is of less use for tourists.
Rail Operators
In 2011, a new bullet train service was launched between Shanghai and Hangzhou. The journey takes 45 minutes and runs five times a day. First class, single tickets start from £14, and second class, single tickets start from around £9. Five overnight trains to Beijing leave from Central Station every evening.
Connections
From Shanghai – 45 minutes; Beijing – 12 to 18 hours; Suzhou - three to four hours; Nanjing - five to seven hours.
Getting Around in Hangzhou, China
Public Transport
The best way to get around the lakeside is on foot or by bicycle. Maps are available from hotels and the Hangzhou Tourist Center. A comprehensive bus network plies the city streets but is difficult to negotiate for those who can't speak or read Chinese. If you fancy trying, bus Y1 does a handy circuit of West Lake. The first line of Hangzhou's new metro system will open in 2012. It will connect Hangzhou Central Train Station with the north east corner of West Lake before burrowing into the city.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful, safe and reliable, but drivers don't speak English so remember to carry with you the name and address of your intended destination in Chinese characters so you can show it to the driver when you hail a cab. For the same reason, calling a taxi yourself can be tricky. Your hotel may be able to help. Try Hangzhou Taxis (tel: (571) 2881 1111).
Car Hire
Car hire is not recommended for foreign travelers as a valid Chinese driving license is needed for which you must have a residence permit. Companies such as Zhejiang Foreign Affairs Travel Bus Co (tel: (571) 8702 6218) offer car rental with a driver included. However, English-speaking skills will be basic at best.
Bicycle Hire
Bike-rental kiosks, with rows of bright red bicycles, are all over the city, especially around West Lake. Once you've obtained a swipe card, you can pick up a bike from any kiosk and return it to any other. The first hour is free. After that, it's still very cheap. You will need your passport and a fully returnable deposit to get your swipe card but note that not all the kiosks have facilities to dish out these cards. One that does is on the north-east corner of the lake on Beishan Lu. Also note, you cannot return a bike after the kiosks are closed for the evening.
