Hangzhou travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Hangzhou is an extremely safe city by global standards, with heavy policing, widespread CCTV coverage, and airport-style security screening at metro stations and major sites such as Lingyin Temple and Songcheng Park. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Visitors are far more likely to encounter an overpriced tea-tasting scam near West Lake than any physical threat. One practical issue stands out for most travelers: China's internet restrictions (the 'Great Firewall'), which block Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many Western news and travel apps unless a VPN is installed before arrival. Hangzhou's summer humidity and occasional typhoon-related heavy rain (July-September) are worth planning around, but pose no unusual danger with normal precautions.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk — Hangzhou Has Very Low Rates Of Violent Crime And Is Considered One Of China's Safest And Most Prosperous Major Cities. The Main Practical Concerns Are Tourist-Targeted Scams Around West Lake And Hefang Street, Occasional Pickpocketing In Crowded Areas During Golden Week, And Internet Access Restrictions Rather Than Personal Safety.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Install a reliable VPN before arriving in China — Google, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western news sites are blocked without one
Carry a passport or a photocopy at all times; police can request ID checks, and airport-style security screening is required to enter the metro system daily
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before the trip, since much of daily life (taxis, small shops, vending machines) is effectively cashless, and Hangzhou is Alipay's home city
Save the accommodation's name and address in Chinese characters (screenshot or business card) to show taxi drivers or in case of getting lost
Decline unsolicited invitations to tea ceremonies or 'practice English' meetups from overly friendly strangers near West Lake and Hefang Street
Check the weather forecast for typhoon season (roughly July-September) — heavy rain can disrupt outdoor sightseeing and, rarely, transport schedules
Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella during the June plum-rain (meiyu) season, when sudden showers are common
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Water safety
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- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled or boiled water is standard practice, and hotels typically provide complimentary bottled water or a kettle.
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- Vaccinations
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- No special vaccinations are mandatory for tourists, but routine vaccinations plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended by travel clinics for China. Check with a travel health provider 4-6 weeks before departure.
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- Humidity and heat
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- Hangzhou summers (June-August) are hot and very humid, regularly reaching 33-38°C (91-100°F) with high humidity; pace outdoor sightseeing around West Lake and Lingyin Temple, hydrate frequently, and use mornings or evenings for walking-heavy plans.
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- Travel insurance
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- Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended, as costs at international-standard private clinics can be high and are billed directly to the patient.
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- Pharmacies
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- Pharmacies (green cross sign) are widespread around West Lake and the city center; English-language support varies, so having medication names or conditions translated in advance is helpful.
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- Mosquitoes
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- Mosquitoes are common in the warmer months, especially around West Lake's shoreline and Xixi National Wetland Park; insect repellent is worth packing for evening walks and wetland visits.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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