Hangzhou

ISO3: CHN
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I have not visited ❌

Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

"人杰地灵 | Land of outstanding people and natural beauty"

30.2741° N, 120.1551° E

About:

Hangzhou, a city in eastern China, has a history dating back to the Neolithic Age. It flourished as a major hub during the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907 AD), becoming the southern terminus of the Grand Canal. Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), experiencing significant cultural and economic growth. It was a renowned international trade center during the Yuan Dynasty. In modern times, Hangzhou has evolved into a significant technological hub, hosting the headquarters of Alibaba Group.

When to visit:

Hangzhou, a picturesque city in eastern China, is best visited during the spring and autumn months, specifically from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn adding to the city's charm. Tourist crowds are generally smaller compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience exploring Hangzhou's renowned attractions like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the Grand Canal. Whether you prefer the blossoming beauty of spring or the colorful landscapes of autumn, visiting Hangzhou during these times will offer a truly delightful holiday experience.

When to avoid:

The worst time to travel to Hangzhou on a holiday is during the Chinese National Day holiday, which falls on October 1st to 7th each year. During this time, the city experiences a significant influx of domestic tourists, causing overcrowding at popular attractions such as West Lake and Lingyin Temple. Hotel prices tend to skyrocket, and transportation can be extremely congested, leading to long wait times and difficulty in navigating the city. Travelers looking to avoid crowds and high prices should consider visiting Hangzhou during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn.

"Winter Season (Dec-Feb)"

The warmest part of the year in Hangzhou, China is from June to September, with July and August being the hottest months. During this period, temperatures typically range from 28°C (82°F) to 35°C (95°F).

Rainfall is quite high during these months due to the East Asian monsoon, with June and September experiencing around 180mm of rain, while July and August receive about 150mm. This means that heavy showers and thunderstorms are common during the summer.

The city gets an average of 6-7 hours of sunlight per day during this period. Humidity is high, often exceeding 80%, which can make the heat feel more intense and the overall climate quite muggy.

Cloudiness varies, but generally, the summer months are less cloudy compared to other seasons. However, expect some days with overcast skies due to the monsoon influence.

For a visitor, a typical day in the summer in Hangzhou feels hot and humid. The mornings usually start off warm, with temperatures quickly rising to their peak by the afternoon. Frequent rain showers can provide temporary relief from the heat, but also contribute to the high humidity. Despite the rain, there's still a good amount of sunshine. It's a great time to visit the West Lake, but do remember to carry an umbrella or raincoat, and stay hydrated.

"Summer (June-August)"

The warmest part of the year in Hangzhou, China is from June to September, with July and August being the hottest months. During this period, temperatures typically range from 28°C (82°F) to 35°C (95°F).

Rainfall is quite high during these months due to the East Asian monsoon, with June and September experiencing around 180mm of rain, while July and August receive about 150mm. This means that heavy showers and thunderstorms are common during the summer.

The city gets an average of 6-7 hours of sunlight per day during this period. Humidity is high, often exceeding 80%, which can make the heat feel more intense and the overall climate quite muggy.

Cloudiness varies, but generally, the summer months are less cloudy compared to other seasons. However, expect some days with overcast skies due to the monsoon influence.

For a visitor, a typical day in the summer in Hangzhou feels hot and humid. The mornings usually start off warm, with temperatures quickly rising to their peak by the afternoon. Frequent rain showers can provide temporary relief from the heat, but also contribute to the high humidity. Despite the rain, there's still a good amount of sunshine. It's a great time to visit the West Lake, but do remember to carry an umbrella or raincoat, and stay hydrated.

Language:

mandarin

Hangzhou, the capital of China's Zhejiang province, predominantly speaks Mandarin Chinese, specifically the standard variant known as Putonghua. However, the local dialect is Hangzhou dialect, a variant of Wu Chinese. English is also taught in schools and used in business and tourism sectors. Other languages, such as Japanese and Korean, are spoken among expatriate communities.