Local Time
11.16pm (GMT+8)

Local Weather
High: 38C/100F
Low: 26C/79F
Facts for the Traveller
At a Glance
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.Plug Type
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LanguageMandarin Chinese, with English widely spokenPopulation6.5 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/1800
Visas

Visas are required for all international travellers entering mainland China. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan or Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.

Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days.  You can also make visa arrangements at certain travel agencies. Visa applications generally require at least one photo.

A 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are often more difficult to obtain.

Please consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese Embassy or Consulate for further details.

Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The currency in China is known as Renmenbi (RMB). The unit of money itself is called the Yuan (CNY). 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:
.14
US Dollar (USD)
.14
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.09
Euro (EUR)
.07
British Pound (GBP)
1.08
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
5.96
Indian Rupee (INR)
14.74
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.18
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.19
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
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. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours8.30am to 5pm, Monday through FridayOffice Hours8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday through FridayShop Hours9am to 8pm
Public Health

Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.

Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Hangzhou. 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-26C to 32C (79F to 90F)-to chilly and cool during the winter--3C to 8C (37F to 41F).  Significant rain falls in the province in May and June, but slows to a drizzle the rest of the year.
Five-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Partly Sunny

Partly Sunny

Partly sunny; hot and humid
High: 38C
Low: 26C
High: 100F
Low: 79F
Partly Sunny

Partly Sunny

Partly sunny and humid
High: 33C
Low: 24C
High: 91F
Low: 75F
Intermittent Clouds

Intermittent Clouds

Humid with times of clouds and sun
High: 33C
Low: 24C
High: 91F
Low: 75F
Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Humid with clouds and limited sun
High: 34C
Low: 25C
High: 93F
Low: 77F
Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.
High: 34C
Low: 27C
High: 93F
Low: 81F