Hangzhou Zhejiang, China Travel Guide
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom stand as the three major mobile providers. Acquire a SIM card at an official store upon arrival. A passport, and sometimes facial recognition, establish registration. Prices vary based on data packages.
Wi-Fi appears in most hotels, major cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls. Public Wi-Fi networks may require a local phone number for authentication. Consider a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi for consistent access.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English proficiency remains limited outside major tourist areas and international hotels. You may find communication challenging in local eateries.
China Post operates as the national postal service. Branches exist in major cities for sending postcards or packages internationally or domestically.
For deeper cultural immersion, consider learning basic Mandarin phrases. Rosetta Stone offers comprehensive language programs.
General operating times for various services and holiday impacts.
Generally 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some larger branches may open on Saturday. ATMs operate 24/7.
Most department stores and shopping malls operate from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Smaller, independent shops may open later and close earlier.
Lunch service typically runs from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM; dinner from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Some street food stalls and fast-food options remain open later.
China observes several major public holidays. These periods can significantly influence travel plans. Expect considerable crowds at attractions and fully booked transportation.
Access to airport lounges worldwide via Priority Pass. For flight disruptions, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
Avoid travel during major national holidays, especially Golden Week, to escape overwhelming crowds and higher prices.
Adhering to local customs enriches your Hangzhou experience. Small gestures of cultural consideration carry substantial meaning.
A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (hello) fits general greetings. A nod or slight bow expresses respect. Handshakes are common in formal settings or when greeting Westerners.
Casual attire fits tourists generally. When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Avoid overly revealing clothing in sacred places.
Use chopsticks correctly. Never stick them upright in your rice bowl. Dishes are shared from common plates. Tipping is not customary or expected.
Generally, photographing people in public appears acceptable. However, always ask for permission before taking close-up photos. Respect "no photography" signs.
Specialized services for visual or hearing impairments remain limited. Consider a local contact or tour guide for assistance.
