Travel

By Air – Direct to Hangzhou

Hangzhou Xioshan International Airport (HGH) is located about 30km from downtown Hangzhou. It connects with domestic flights from the major Chinese cities, and International connections with Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Toyko and Osaka.

There are airport shuttle buses between Wulin Men (the city centre) and the airport.  One way fares are about 15 Yuan per person. Taxis cost about 120 Yuan one way.  High speed buses also connect and are around 85 Yuan one-way.

By Air – Shanghai

Most international flights arrive at Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Please check the website for information regarding arrival procedures and other airport information.

http://www.shairport.com/en/index.jsp

Transfers: Airport to Shanghai City

Pudong International Airport to Shanghai city. The trip to the city takes 60-90 minutes. Use an official taxi from the lines right outside the terminal, the cost should be around 150 Yuen.

Please note: the AMI international delegation are staying at the Ramada Pudong airport (5 minutes from the international terminal), not in the city centre. A shuttle bus service will also pick up from the Ramada Pudong airport, for transfers to Hangzhou.

Transfers: Shanghai To Hangzhou

By Bus - Hangzhou government buses will be available as a shuttle service between the Shanghai international airports and the conference venue and hotels in Hangzhou. It takes around 2-3 hours by bus (non-stop) to Hangzhou from the Shanghai International airport.

By Train - There is an air-conditioned tourist train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, cost is around 25 Yuen per person.

Transfers and Travel Bookings

Details and bookings can be made through the following travel agency

Zhejiang Everbright International Tour Co., Ltd.

English speaking staff are available to assist international visitors. Please call

Billy Lu, Mobile: 86-13621795987, Phone: 86-571-85159732

Mr Han, Mobile: 86-13805714727

http://www.zjeb.com.cn/gd/ (English version of website will be available shortly)

Phone: 86-571-56770077

Fax: 86-571-56773355

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With its natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is one of China’s most important tourist venues. Hangzhou is also listed as one of the seven ancient Chinese capitals (the other being Van, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Anyang, Beijing and Nanjing).

The city is located 180km from Shanghai, and has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. October is peak tourist season as it presents the most pleasant weather, with little or no rain. Average temperatures for late October/Early November range from 15-20 degrees C (55-75 F).  During this Autumn season, Hangzhou is host to the West Lake Carnival and Leisure Expo, as well as numerous other festivals and events.

Hangzhou is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in China. It is famous for its surrounding hills and numerous beautiful scenic spots, especially the West Lake. Other tourist attractions include Pagoda of Six Harmonies, Soul's Retreat Temple, The Peak That Flew Here, Hangzhou Oriental Culture Park, the Newly-Built Leifeng Pagoda, Fuchun River, Xin'an River, the "Thousand-Island Lake," the rarely seen tide of the Qiantang River, and Tianmu Mountain. A beautiful walk around the West Lake includes many points of interest including traditional architecture, pagodas, gardens and lotus beds.

Marco Polo described Hangzhou as ‘the most graceful city in the world’. The local people have a saying ‘Up above is heaven, and below there is Hangzhou’.

Food

Hangzhou dishes are noted for the elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste. Local farm produce include rice, wheat, tea and freshwater fish, which are all available in abundance.

Local Water

It is not advised to drink the local tap water. Bottled water is very cheap and easy to obtain. Bottled water is likely to be provided also in your hotel room.

Shopping

Shopping in China is exciting and convenient. Travelers can access many local tourist markets and find a wider range of local goods including silk, tea, parasols, silk embroidery, paper cuttings and other handmade art.  The special local-made products are silk, Xihu silk umbrellas, color-glazed porcelain, logjing tea and white chyrsanthemum (which is often served as a tea).

History

Much of the ancient city that had been the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-ninteenth century. Modern Hangzhou is a modern city, with wide streets, excellent infrastructure and modern architecture. However, the west lake is surrounded by reminders of the past eras, and is reflects the beauty of China’s cultural heritage.

For More information: www.Travelchinaguide.com