Hangzhou Tours

Hangzhou FAQs

• 1. Why should I visit Hangzhou?  

  Known as "the Heaven on Earth", Hangzhou has always been a bustling city by the Yangtze River. Its prosperity spans ancient times, offering stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The picturesque West Lake, historic temples, traditional tea plantations, and nearby ancient towns like Wuzhen are all accessible with well-developed transportation.

  Additionally, known as China's Silicon Valley, Hangzhou also showcases cutting-edge technology, with amenities like self-driving taxis and intelligent hotels, providing a seamless and futuristic travel experience. 

• 2. How do I get to Hangzhou?  

  Hangzhou is well-connected by high-speed trains from many cities, including Shanghai, which only takes 45 minutes to get there. You can also fly directly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport from many international and domestic locations.

• 3. What is the best time to visit Hangzhou?  

  The best times to visit Hangzhou are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is comfortable. In winter, occasional snowfalls provide the unique opportunity to witness the renowned "Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge" scenery.
  Summer (June to August) tends to bring higher temperatures and larger crowds, so planning ahead and booking early might enhance your experience. An experienced travel expert can be invaluable during peak season. Odynovo travel experts will customize your itinerary and make advance bookings to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable Hangzhou trip.

• 4. What is the 144-hour visa-free transit policy? Is it applicable in Hangzhou?  

  Yes, Hangzhou, along with Jiangsu Province and Shanghai, has collaboratively implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows travelers from certain countries to enter and exit these three regions through the eligible ports, including Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Shanghai's Airports, and Nanjing Lukou International Airport. Travelers can stay for up to six days (144 hours) without a visa. 
  For detailed information, please consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or contact Odynovo travel experts.

• 5. What are the must-see attractions in Hangzhou?  

  The West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the Longjing Tea Plantations are iconic attractions that should not be missed. 
  West Lake epitomizes Chinese classical beauty with its serene waters, lush shores, and picturesque bridges. A boat ride offers stunning views of the scenic hills and gardens. 
  Lingyin Temple is a 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple famous for its large scale and magnificent Buddhist statues, including a Sakyamuni carved from 24 blocks of camphor wood. Nearby, Feilai Peak features 470 Buddhist figures tucked away inside grottoes by a river. 
  Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Plantations: Here, you can experience tea-picking, learn about the tea-making process, and savor a cup of Longjing Tea. 

• 6. Is Hangzhou a family-friendly destination?  

  Yes, Hangzhou is an ideal place for family outings, offering a range of activities for children and families. The West Lake area provides scenic boat rides and parks for family picnics. Children can enjoy interactive experiences at museums and try their hands on fun activities like fan painting. There are numerous cultural shows suitable for all ages.  

• 7. How long should I plan to stay in Hangzhou?  

  The length of your stay depends on your interests and what you want to experience.
  For most visitors, two to three days are sufficient to explore Hangzhou's main attractions, including West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantation, and Six Harmonies Pagoda.
  If you're interested in immersing yourself in Hangzhou's cultural heritage, consider extending your stay by a few more days. This will allow time to cruise the Grand Canal, visit museums, and unwind in nearby ancient towns like Wuzhen and Nanxun, both within 1.5 hours of Hangzhou.
  If you're on a tight schedule, a day trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai, Suzhou, or Nanjing is also feasible.

• 8. Are there any unique experiences I can try in Hangzhou?  

  Yes. Picking and savoring the Longjing tea in the Tea Village can leave you unforgettable. Also, it is advisable to take a night cruise on the West Lake or try your hand at paper fan-making or umbrella painting while visiting local museums.

• 9. What local foods should I try in Hangzhou?  

  Hangzhou cuisine is known for its fresh, subtle flavors. Typical local specialties you should try include West Lake Vinegar Fish made with fresh fish from the West Lake and cooked in a sweet-and-sour sauce with Zhejiang vinegar, Dongpo Pork Named after its inventor, Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, and Longjing Shrimp combining hand-peeled prawns stir-fried with fragrant Longjing tea leaves.

• 10. Can I visit any water towns near Hangzhou?  

  There are several picturesque water towns that can be reached by car within 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, perfect for day trips. Among them, Wuzhen is known for its charming canals and ancient architecture, while Nanxun is a quieter option offering a mix of traditional Chinese and European-style buildings, and the tiny Tongli town is famous for its waterway networks and well-preserved gardens. 

• 11. What are some good destinations for short excursions from Hangzhou?  

  Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing are all excellent choices for short excursions from Hangzhou, thanks to their easy access via high-speed train.

  Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis that blends a cutting-edge cityscape with traditional lifestyles. Here, you can explore both historical colonial buildings and futuristic skyscrapers at the same time.

  Suzhou is known for its elegant classical gardens, including the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden. 

  Nanjing, often referred to as the "Southern Capital", is known for its rich history. Here, you can visit the mausoleums of both feudal emperors and modern revolutionary leaders.

  Huangshan is a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The breathtaking Yellow Mountain and nearby ancient villages, like Hongcun and Xidi, are the must-sees. 

• 12. Can I visit the headquarters of Alibaba in Hangzhou?  

  Alibaba's headquarters are currently open to groups, universities, institutions, or invited visitors, and occasionally open applications for online and in-person training programs. You can opt for an educational or business group visit, which includes tours of Alibaba's campus, demonstrations of Alibaba's cutting-edge technologies, seminars about e-commerce strategies, digital marketing, etc., and opportunities to engage directly with Alibaba representatives. Please get in touch with us for more information.