ClimateLike other places in the south, the winter of Hangzhou is biting clammy. Even people from the north can't bear without thick and warm clothing, while the general unlined garment is enough in other seasons. It is in need of special caution for the periods as follows. It is the rainy season from late June to early July in which the weather changes between sunny and rain suddenly. And typhoon often accompanied with heavy rain occurs frequently in mid-August. At this point, a sunny umbrella is needed during the tour of Hangzhou, and it can also serve as a photo prop in the charming West Lake even if it does not rain.
Accommodation As an international tourist city with a worldwide reputation, the hotel service is in great prosperity. There are hundreds of fully equipped hotels in different styles, beside small types at all levels. Shangri-la Hotel, Continental Hotel, and Radisson Hotel are of well-known five-star hotels. The representatives of four-star hotels are Oriental Dragon Hotel, Lake View Hotel and Dragon Hotel, as well as Huagang Hotel, Overseas Chinese Hotel, Overseas hotel and Friendly Restaurant of three-star level. The private hotels are springing up all over the city, most of which clean and tidy, and they are welcomed by ordinary tourists because of their low price and good service.
SnackHangzhou dishes are innumerable, and the most notable are Beggar's Chicken, Dongpo Braised Pork, Songsao Fish Potage, Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Shelled Shrimps with Dragon Well Green Tea, West Lake Water Shield Soup, Stewed Spring Bamboo Shoots and so on. The Dongpo Braised Pork is agreeably fat, Beggar's Chicken tender and refreshing, Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish delicious and tasty, all of which you should have a try in Hangzhou. There are sevaral famous restaurants in Hangzhou, such as Time-honored LouWailou, Tianwaitian, Shanwaishan and so on. As first arrive in Hangzhou, you might be directed to Louwailou, but actually it is not a wise choice, for it just takes an advantage near West Lake. Here is our recommendation: Red Mud of New Generation (No.149 Yan'an Road), New city in Flower (No.107 Hushu Road), ZhangShengJi at Nan Xiao port, and Golden Sunshine at South Yan'an Road.
TrafficThe new International Airport of Hangzhou is located in the town of Guali, Xiaoshan. It is about 30km away from the center of city, and there are two ways to go there. First, you can take Hangzhou-Ningbo highway, go across the third Bridge of Qiantang River and go down at the exit of Guali. Secondly, you can go through the third Bridge of Qiantang River and take the Airport Expressway. The whole journey spends about 40 minutes, and it costs about 110-120 Yuan to go there. It is able to take air bus at Wulin Gate in the center of the city. One-way fare is 20 Yuan per person. It is one hour intervals from 6:00 to 8:00, and half-hour intervals from 8:00 to 19:00. Besides, there is high-speed bus to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport in Civil Aviation Ticket Office at Wulin Gate, which costs 85 Yuan and carries 6 turns daily from 6:00 to 15: 00.Civil Aviation Information Tel: 0571-85141010
Special Note:Don't be fooled when someone recommends guesthouse and hotels for accommodation at the train station of Hangzhou. There are hotels of all grades and prices along West Lake, which adapt to diverse consumers. It is also available to rent a bike to enjoy the beautiful view of West Lake.
