| Weather (Sep~ Dec) | ● Hangzhou is situated at 12°16'E longitude and 30°15'N latitude, approximately 100 kilometers from the East China Sea, within a subtropical monsoon climate zone. ● During your three-month stay in Hangzhou: September sees average temperatures of 20-28°C. October gradually cools to 15-23°C. November transitions into late autumn (10-18°C). December marks the arrival of winter (5-12°C). ● Precipitation & Humidity: Autumn is generally sunny with less rainfall, though occasional typhoon influences may occur. Winter brings increased overcast days and rainfall, coupled with high humidity that amplifies the chill. Warm winter clothing is recommended. Special Notes: Winter may experience haze episodes with fluctuating air quality, typically categorized as mild pollution. |
| Time Zone | Hangzhou uses Beijing Time (China Standard Time, CST), which is UTC/GMT +8.00 (Eastern Eighth Time Zone). China does not observe daylight saving time. |
| Electrical Appliances | If your electronic devices use British-standard three-pin square plugs (e.g., laptops or hair dryers purchased in Singapore), you will need a converter to adapt to Chinese sockets, especially when using three-hole sockets (e.g., chargers with grounding pins). It is advisable to prepare a British-to-Chinese National Standard (GB) converter plug in advance, or carry a universal multi-country travel adapter for compatibility. |
| Payment | ● 支付宝 Alipay ○ Registration & Card Binding: Download the Alipay International Version, select "International User" to register using an email or Singaporean mobile number. Bind international credit cards (e.g., Visa/Mastercard) and complete real-name verification by uploading your passport information page and entry stamp page. ○ Use Cases: Scan-to-Pay: Accepted at most Chinese businesses (hotels, restaurants, malls). Online Transactions: E-commerce, food delivery, ride-hailing payments, campus card top-ups. Transportation: Scan QR codes for Hangzhou metro and buses (enable the "Hangzhou Transportation Code" in Alipay). ○ Tip: Switch the app language to English under Settings > General > Language for easier navigation. ● 微信支付 WeChat Pay ○ Registration & Card Binding: Download the WeChat International Version and bind an international credit card (similar process to Alipay). It also supports a RMB wallet feature, requiring real-name verification. ○ Use Cases: Complements Alipay; some merchants (e.g., chain brands, mini-programs) exclusively accept WeChat Pay. ● Cash Payment ○ Exchange Tips: Exchange a small amount of RMB (¥500–¥1,000 for emergencies) before arriving in China. Convert SGD to RMB at Hangzhou airports or bank branches (lower exchange rates and higher service fees). ○ Use Cases: Traditional markets, street vendors, and some time-honored shops. |
| Shopping Centers Near Zijingang Campus | ● 城西银泰城 West City Intime ○ Features: Large integrated mall with luxury brands, fast fashion (ZARA, Uniqlo), dining (Cou Cou Hotpot, Lele Tea), cinema, and an OGAWA massage store (B1 Floor) for student relaxation. ○ Transport: 1.6 km from campus (20-minute walk, 8-minute bike ride). Direct access via Pingshui Street Station (Line 5), Exit C; or a short taxi ride. ● 龙湖西溪天街 Longhu Xixi Paradise Walk ○ Features: Youth-oriented mall with trendy brands (HEYTEA, POP MART) and viral restaurants (Xinbailu, Gelaoguan). ○ Transport: 3 km from campus (15-minute bike ride). Direct access via Jiangcun Station (Line 5), Exit E. |
| Airports | ● 杭州萧山国际机场 Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ○ Location: Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, approximately 27 kilometers west of downtown. ○ Airport Shuttle Bus: RMB 20. Every 15–30 minutes. Route: Departs for Wulinmen Civil Aviation Ticket Office in downtown Hangzhou (50-minute one-way trip). ○ Metro: The airport has a metro station. Take the metro to campus (about 1.5 hours one-way). ○ Or wait in line for taxis and ride-hailing service at specific stops. ● 上海浦东国际机场 Shanghai Pudong International Airport ○ Location: Pudong District, Shanghai, approximately 30 kilometers east of downtown Shanghai. ○ Airport Shuttle Bus: RMB 110. 3.5-hour trip to Huanglong Tourism Hub in downtown Hangzhou (about 7 km from Zijingang Campus). |
| Railway Stations | ● Hangzhou has four railway stations: Hangzhou Railway Station (City Station), Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou South Railway Station, and Hangzhou West Railway Station. ● Hangzhou East Railway Station is the main hub with the most frequent services. ● Metro Access: All stations connect to metro lines. Take the metro to Zijingang Campus (3 nearest stations: 浙大紫金港站、虾龙圩站、三坝站Zhejiang University Zijingang Station, Xialongwei Station, or Sanba Station). |
| Transportation within Hangzhou | ● Metro ○ Hangzhou has an extensive metro network with convenient transfers. Fares: Range from RMB 2–10 based on distance. Purchase tickets at station vending machines or use Alipay Metro QR Code. Route Planning: Use navigation apps like Amap (高德地图Gaode Map) to plan your trip. ○ Nearest Stations to Zijingang Campus: South Gate: Zhejiang University Zijingang Station (Line 5). East Gate: Xialongwei Station or Sanba Station (Lines 2 & 5). ● Public Bus ○ Fares: Air-conditioned buses: RMB 2–3 (marked with “K” before route numbers). Non-air-conditioned buses: RMB 1–1.5. Tourist buses: RMB 3–5. ○ Payment: Use Alipay or prepare exact change (most buses are driverless). ● Taxi ○ Fares: Starting fare: RMB 13 for the first 3 km. Additional: RMB 2.5/km thereafter. ○ Tips: Always request a receipt (includes license plate info for lost items). Pay via meter. ● Ride-Hailing ○ Recommended App: DiDi Chuxing (supports English interface; link Alipay/WeChat with international credit cards for payment). ○ Safety Reminders: ■ 1.Choose pickup points near landmarks (e.g., Starbucks, hotel entrances). ■ 2.Verify license plate and driver’s photo before boarding. ■ 3.Payment: Prioritize Alipay/WeChat with Visa/Mastercard. |