How to get there
From Shanghai
From Shanghai Hongqiao station, there are several regular hourly high-speed train services to Hangzhou. The journey takes around an hour.
Internet : www.chinatrainguide.com
Hotels
Banyan tree hangzhou
Opened in 2009, this establishment is set slightly back from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the 'wetland', a wild area of canals and forests that resembles the marshes of the Poitou region. A total of 36 traditionally-inspired villas have been built in a bucolic setting. The setting is one of Olympian calm and rejuvenation, and the vast villas are cosy in winter and airy in summer. Most have an outdoor hot tub that can be heated on demand in winter. To explore the surrounding area, ask for a boat trip through the marshes. You'll discover unsuspected flora and fauna. Sail along drinking the local green tea, longjing, whose leaves float in warm glasses... an ultra Zen experience, a true Chinese-style meditation session. One of the other highlights of this hotel is the spa with its oriental baths. An ideal place to combine business with relaxation.
2 westbrook resort, zijingang road
tel.: +86 571 8586 0000
email : hangzhou@banyantree.com
internet : www.banyantree.com
Shangri-la hangzhou
Pleasantly situated on the banks of the Lac de l'Ouest, it is a jewel of nature in the heart of the city. There's nothing to suggest that it contains 382 rooms, so hushed is the atmosphere. Guests of the Horizon Club also benefit from every kind of attention...
78 beishan road
tel.: +86 571 8797 7951
email : slh@shangri-la.com
internet: www.shangri-la.com
Hyatt regency hangzhou
This vast business hotel also faces the lake and is just a stone's throw from Hangzhou's business district. Its 390 rooms offer soothing views of traditional Chinese landscapes.
28 hu bin road.
Phone: +86 571 8779 1234
email : hangzhou.regency@hyatt.com
internet : www.hangzhou.regency.hyatt.com
Other major business hotels
Sofitel hangzhou westlake
333 west lake avenue
tel.: +86 571 8707 5858
email : sofitel@sofitelhangzhou.com.cn
internet : www.sofitel.com
Sheraton hangzhou wetland park resort
1 westbrook resort, zijingang road.
Phone: +86 571 8500 2222
email : sheraton.hangzhouwetlandpark@sheraton.com
internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
Four seasons hangzhou at west lake
5 lingyin road
tel: + 86 571 8829 8888
internet: www.fourseasons.com
Budget hotels
Courtyard by marriott
Ideally located near Hangzhou City Hall and not far from West Lake, the Courtyard offers 323 cosy rooms with all the amenities a business traveller needs. Plus: a beautiful indoor swimming pool.
28 ushu south road
tel.: +86 571 8981 7777
fax : +86 571 8981 7000
internet: www.marriott.com
Four points by sheraton
This hotel in the high-tech development zone is ideal for business travellers with appointments in this area. The hotel is equipped with numerous meeting spaces. Free internet and morning newspaper for guests
of the 350 rooms.
868 dongxin avenue.
Tel.: +86 571 2887 8888
email : fourpoints.hangzhou@fourpoints.com
internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
Restaurants
Jin sha
Elegantly decorated, this restaurant is one of the best in town. The menu at this Chinese restaurant features dishes with poetic names: moon cakes, beggar's chicken, jumping Buddha soup...
5 lingyin road
tel.: +86 571 8829 8888
internet: www.fourseasons.com
Waterlight court
Overlooking the canals, this international restaurant offers an eclectic culinary experience, but one that's very welcome when you're craving a dish of pasta or sushi during a long stay in China.
2 westbrook resort, zijingang road
tel.: +86 571 8586 0000
email : hangzhou@banyantree.com
internet : www.banyantree.com
Green tea restaurant
If you want to discover the delights of green tea, it's best to be patient. Many customers try the experience. The place may not look much, but the longjing-based dishes and desserts are well worth the diversions.
83 longjing rd xihu.
Information
Alliance française de hangzhou
198 jiaogong lu
tel: + 86 571 8808 2526
email : info.hangzhou@afchine.org
internet: www.afchine.org
Invest in hangzhou
Email : enquiries.hk@kpmg.com
internet : www.kpmg.com
Business centre
Regus
8/f tower b, zhejing foreign economics and trade plaza, 468 yan'an road, xiacheng
tel.: +86 400 120 1205
internet : www.en.regus.cn
Practical guides
China, lonely planet (2013).
China, green guide, michelin (2012).
China, traveller's library (2011).
Shanghai, wallpaper (2013).
Shanghai in a few days, lonely planet (2013).
Shanghai cartoville, gallimard (2013).
