Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the most famous cultural and historical cities in China. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY (Renminbi) ≈ 0.15 USD, widely accepted payment methods include WeChat Pay and Alipay. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, it's recommended to boil or use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Options like tourist SIM cards are also available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign bank cards accepted at major ATMs and hotels. Suggested banks include HSBC and Bank of China. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments like Oakwood. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments are widely used, especially WeChat Pay and Alipay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings on Xiaozhu are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Mingtown Etour Youth Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | West Lake area is recommended for its scenic beauty and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Xihu area has many cafés and coworking spaces, making it ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Hangzhou is a popular coworking spot with a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mozart is known for its comfortable atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for meetups on platforms like Meetup.com or WeChat groups focused on expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Hangzhou Expats Facebook group for events and community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | DiDi is the most popular ride-hailing app used in Hangzhou. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo provide convenient bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Qingdao Beach is accessible by train, approximately 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines provides good regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China and China Southern Airlines have frequent international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The G60 and G25 highways connect Hangzhou to major cities in China. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hangzhou East Railway Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transportation cards can be used for buses and metros, available for purchase at metro stations. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services to nearby cities like Shanghai and Nanjing are frequent and convenient. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital is the main healthcare facility offering a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaburn Studio is popular for yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access and modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Wash & Dry are readily available across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Ele.me is the most popular food delivery service in Hangzhou. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beggar's Chicken is a must-try traditional dish from Hangzhou. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut offers various vegan dishes in a relaxing environment. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Here's a dessert cafe: Zhen Zhu tea offers various sweet options. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wushan Night Market is known for budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Taobao is the go-to online marketplace for shopping in Hangzhou. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freshippo (Hema) provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Hubin area offers a vibrant nightlife with many bars and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hangzhou Craft Brewery is famous for its local beer offerings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bistro d'Ho offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Wulin Square offer a variety of snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta e Vino serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | China National Tea Museum showcases the history of tea culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lingyin Temple is a famous historical Buddhist temple. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Six Harmonies Pagoda offers spiritual significance and scenic views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The West Lake International Expo is an annual event celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hefang Street is a historic district known for traditional shops and snacks. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hangzhou Grand Theatre hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Hangzhou Silk Market is popular for textiles and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like Bar Dada. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Scenes along the Qiantang River show beautiful murals and local art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at Hangzhou Cooking School teach traditional Chinese dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Tengwang Pavilion features artworks focusing on local culture. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Hefang Street houses traditional architecture worth exploring. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Hangzhou is known for its rich history of silk production. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Xixi Wetlands offer beautiful landscapes and a chance to see local wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Qiandao Lake National Park is known for its stunning islands and clear waters. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The path around West Lake is perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Leifeng Pagoda provides picturesque views over West Lake. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Xixi Wetlands is an excellent spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas around Xianghu Lake allow for bonfires with prior permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express offers reliable and fast delivery services in Hangzhou. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Hangzhou Repair Center handles tech repairs and services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks like Xihu Park have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Chinese Language School Hangzhou offers classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hangzhou Library provides study spaces and resources for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Hangzhou International Community Center hosts various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameZone is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While gambling is restricted in China, casual gaming centers are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,680,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥23,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,380,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥26,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥2,080,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥21,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,680,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation system applies to individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% for most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign enterprises. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific digital nomad visa, but income from foreign sources may be taxed favorably. |