Hangzhou is the capital of the Zhejiang province, located in eastern China. It is home to some of China's best-known attractions, including the picturesque West Lake.
The surrounding area is dotted with temples and pavilions, bringing the area's rich history to life at every turn.
Visas
All international travellers require visas although Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders are able to enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer visas are often more difficult to obtain.
For further details, consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese embassy or consulate.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
RMB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.17
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.13
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.11
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
1.25
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
9.01
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
16.50
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.20
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.20
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.16
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 15% surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies between establishments.
Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8.30am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Office Hours
8.30 am - 5.30 pm, Monday through Friday
Shop Hours
9am - 8pm
Public Health
Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor about your vaccination requirements.
Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.
Dress
Dress is generally informal in Hangzhou except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.
Weather
Hangzhou has a humid, subtropical climate ranging from very warm during the summer-26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F)-to chilly and cool during the winter--3°C to 8°C (37°F to 41°F).
Significant rain falls in the province in May and June, but slows to a drizzle the rest of the year.
Today
Showers
Occasional morning rain and drizzle
|
High:
|
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Low:
|
21°C /
69°F
|
Tomorrow
Intermittent Clouds
Very warm and humid with clouds and sun
|
High:
|
32°C /
89°F
|
|
Low:
|
21°C /
69°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Intermittent Clouds
|
High:
32°C /
89°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Monday:
|
|
Cloudy
|
High:
27°C /
80°F
|
Low:
22°C /
71°F
|
|
Tuesday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
31°C /
87°F
|
Low:
21°C /
69°F
|