Hangzhou, China π¨π³
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is famous for its beautiful West Lake and rich cultural heritage. |
| π₯ Population | Approx. 9.5 million |
| π» Internet Speed | Average of 80 Mbps |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 CNY β 0.14 USD; mobile payments widely accepted (WeChat Pay, Alipay) |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, boiled or bottled water recommended |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type A/C sockets |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom; prepaid cards available at airports and supermarkets. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks like Bank of China and ICBC offer services; KBC and Revolut not widely accepted. |
| π Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments and homestays via Airbnb. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms like Xiaozhu are popular for short-term stays. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like ZheJiang University Student Hotel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | COWO Hangzhou located in the Xiacheng District offers a vibrant workspace. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Maan Coffee on Yangjing Road is a popular cafe for remote workers. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Tech and startup meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Hangzhou International Club hosts regular meetups and events for expats. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the main ride-hailing app for getting around. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Ofo and Mobike are popular bike-sharing services. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Hangzhou is not near a beach but popular resorts are a 2-hour drive away (e.g., Xinchang Beach). |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines operates regional services. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Air China offers international flights from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to G60 and G25 highways for easy travel. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Hangzhou East Railway Station serves as the main transit hub for high-speed trains. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Hangzhou Public Transport Card available for buses and metro. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Shanghai and Nanjing from Hangzhou East Station. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital provides quality healthcare services. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Hangzhou offers various classes. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness brands like Anytime Fitness have facilities in the city. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromats like 58 Laundry are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Ele.me and Meituan are popular choices for food delivery. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Dongpo Pork, a famous Hangzhou dish. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pure Lotus offers a fully vegetarian menu. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Try the local Hangzhou-style Mooncakes at Wangxingji. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Qinghefang Ancient Street for affordable food. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are popular for online shopping. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Fresh Hema (η马) offers grocery delivery in the city. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | West Lake area has vibrant nightlife with numerous bars. |
| π» Local Brewery | Hangzhou Brewery offers locally crafted beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | The Wine Republic specializes in a variety of international wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Street food in Dongpo Road offers a variety of local snacks. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Chop House provide diverse international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and must-visit landmark. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The China National Silk Museum showcases Hangzhouβs silk heritage. |
| π° Historical Sites | Lingyin Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. |
| π Religious Sites | The Six Harmonies Pagoda offers stunning views and historical significance. |
| π Annual Events | The West Lake International Expo is held yearly in October. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Xihu Cultural District is known for art galleries and cultural events. |
| π Theater Venues | The Hangzhou Grand Theatre hosts various performances and shows. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Qinghefang Ancient Street is a vibrant market for souvenirs and snacks. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Venues like Rockstar Hangzhou feature live music and nightlife. |
| π¨ Street Art | Explore the street art around Wulin Square. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cultural Kitchen offers cooking classes in local cuisine. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | 937 Art Space features contemporary and traditional artworks. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old city walls and traditional architecture in the old town. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Hangzhou is known for its tea culture, especially Longjing tea. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Xixi National Wetland Park offers beautiful nature trails. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Mount Mogan is a scenic national park close to the city. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Enjoy the West Lake cycling path for great views. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | Leifeng Pagoda offers scenic views of the West Lake. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Xixi are ideal for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of West Lake allow bonfires for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and ZTO provide reliable delivery services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and various local repair shops are available. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have table tennis tables available. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Mandarin House offers popular Chinese language classes. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Hangzhou Library is a spacious place for reading and studying. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Hangzhou Community Cultural Center offers various workshops. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | CCG Gaming Lounge offers a space for gamers and eSports. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is generally not legal; focus on entertainment venues instead. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯45,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯1,800,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯30,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯1,200,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯40,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯2,400,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯28,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯1,680,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯38,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯3,040,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯25,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯2,000,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| π¦ Tax System | Generally, residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 13% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, subject to strict regulations. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on local government's assessment. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 3% for residential properties. |