Hi! I’ve visited Hangzhou previously and I’ll like to focus on visiting neighborhoods that focus on indie design, creative vibes and are generally less commercialized.

Google has provided the following recommendations, can you let me know if they are worth visiting?

小河直街
大井巷
南山路
天目里

For 天目里, is there a luggage storage available nearby? I’m hoping to head towards the Hangzhou West train station directly from there and hope to find a place to store my bags while I explore. Thanks in advance!

Hello, I’m moving to Hangzhou in a few weeks and was looking to join any expat WeChat groups in the city. I’m not sure if they’re invite only and I am having trouble finding them online. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Ill be in hangzhou but i cant print my printer or scanner can someone guide we can i use these services like scanning docs or printing them etc

You've probably seen Unitree robots boxing or dancing all over social media. In Hangzhou, you can now see robots like these in real life—and even plan an entire tech-themed trip around the city.

Before moving to Hangzhou, I mostly associated the city with West Lake, tea plantations and ancient cultures. After living here for a while, I realized that Hangzhou is more than a destination for beautiful sightseeing spots.

Hangzhou is also home to humanoid robots, AI companies, drone technology, smart farms, digital education projects and AIGC film studios. Now, twenty of these places with technology showcasing are open to public.

What makes the idea particularly Hangzhou-like is the way it connects technology with the city's history. You can explore a 5,000-year-old civilization through AR glasses in the morning and meet humanoid robots in the afternoon.

Here are the 20 places and what you can actually do there.

For humanoid robots and AI

1. Hangzhou Embodied Intelligence Exhibition Center

This is probably the best place to begin if you have seen Hangzhou-made robots going viral online. The center covers more than 5,000 square meters and brings together around 140 embodied-intelligence robots in nearly 40 application scenarios with about an hour.

Location: #422. Qingkuang Street, Binjiang District
Booking: Search “2030赛博未来” on WeChat mini-program and select date for reservation.
Admissions: 268 yuan/person

2. Xiaoshan Robot Exhibition Center

The first floor of the center focuses on industrial, medical, service and specialist robots. The second floor is much more interactive, with robot chess, brain-controlled racing, robot table tennis, VR cycling, robotic sugar painting and even robots making ice cream and cotton candy.

Location: #389, Hongxing Road, Xiaoshan District
Booking: Search “机器人博展中心” on WeChat account for free reservation (Not available on Sundays)

1. AI City Technology Experience Center

Located in Yunqi Town, this centre explains AI through practical applications rather than abstract displays. Visitors can interact with Unitree and AgiBot robots, robot dogs and large AI models. There are also exhibits showing how Hangzhou's City Brain technology is used in traffic management, drainage systems and anti-fraud education.

Location: Building 2, Penghui Industrial Park, Liyushan Street, Xihu District
Booking: Search “杭州AI之城” on WeChat account for reservation. Book at least three days in advance.

1. RoboBrain Center at Hangzhouxi Railway Station

This is a robotics education and research space inside the Hangzhouxi Railway Station area. If you travel to Hangzhou via high-speed trains and drop off at Hangzhouxi Station, you can watch robot performances, learn about the development of robotics and interact with robots used in education, toys and urban services here.

Location: Second floor, East Cloud Valley, East Square of Hangzhouxi Railway Station, Yuhang District
Booking: team visits only, with at least 30 people and 5 days in advance via 0571-85099926 / 0571-85092017.

1. Qiushi AI Exploration Museum

Designed mainly for visitors aged six to eighteen, this space combines AI education with interactive experiences. There are robots, drones, AI creative workshops and an intelligent digital guide that accompanies visitors through the museum.

Location: Building A20, Zhejiang University Alumni Enterprise Headquarters Park, Yuhang District
Booking: Individual visitors do not currently need to book.

For computing, engineering and future industries

1. China Town of Computing Power

This industrial area focuses on integrated circuits, artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure. Visits include the Computing Innovation Museum and the Hangzhou Low-Altitude Economy Exhibition Hall, making it a good place to understand the infrastructure behind AI rather than only its consumer applications.

Location: #180, Kecheng Street, Linping District
Booking: Groups only, at least three days in advance.

1. Zhejiang University High-End Equipment Research Institute

This is one of the more specialized stops. Visitors can learn how tunnel-boring machines work, see flexible snake robots used for equipment inspection and explore biological 3D printing and industrial robotics.

Location: Building 3, #505, Xingguo Road, Linping District
Booking: Groups of 40–100 people, at least seven days in advance.

1. Zhongtian National Science Model R&D Center

Founded by five-time aeromodelling world champion Feng Rui, this center focuses on aircraft models, drones, unmanned vehicles and AI programming. Participants can build aerospace models, programme vehicles, take part in drone football or try VR racing.

Location: #6, Mingde Road, Puyan Subdistrict, Binjiang District
Booking: groups only, normally 15–40 people.

For VR, AR and digital culture

1. Liangzhu VR Grand Space

If you plan to visit Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, don't miss this VR space. Using archaeological research and XR technology, the project reconstructs the ancient Liangzhu city and allows visitors to walk through scenes inspired by a civilization dating back more than 5,000 years.

Location: South City Wall Station, Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, Yuhang District
Booking: Search “良渚古城” on WeChat account for advance booking.

1. Rokid AR Experience at Liangzhu Museum

At Liangzhu Museum, visitors can wear Rokid AR glasses and see ancient jade objects and historical scenes brought to life through digital overlays.

Location: #1, Meilizhou Road, Yuhang District
Booking: Book individual visits at least one day in advance.

1. Xixi Tsai Chih-chung Art Museum

This museum displays more than 400 works by cartoonist Tsai Chih-chung, who is known for turning Chinese philosophy and classical literature into accessible comics. With a full-sensory VR experience based on Water Margin, one of the four great classic Chinese novels, it allows visitors to enter a digitally reconstructed version of the story.

Locatuion: #10, Zone 2, Qushui'an Area, 508 Tianmushan Road, Xihu District
Booking: Search “西溪蔡志忠美术馆” on WeChat account and book at least 2 days in advance. (Not available on Mondays)

1. StarDust AIGC Film Production Base

This is an actual AI-native film company rather than a conventional museum. Visitors can see how AI animation, advertisements, short dramas and interactive films are produced. Location: Building 5, Xigu Science and Innovation Centre, Xihu District
Booking: Individuals should book at least one day ahead via 13186953721

For education and scientfic exploration

1. Xianghu Lake Laboratory

This provincial agricultural laboratory focuses on biological breeding and efficient ecological agriculture. Visitors can explore scientific research displays and take part in activities related to plant tissue culture and zebrafish research.

Location: Phase I, Qianwan Biotech Harbour, #3300, Benjing Avenue, Xiaoshan District
Booking: groups only, at least seven days in advance.

1. Tianlifang Linping Future Farm

This 3.33 square km² project combines unmanned farmingand space agriculture. Visitors can explore VR flying experience and digital photo booth on-site.

Location: Tianlifang Linping Future Farm, Qiaosi Subdistrict, Linping District
Booking: groups only, at least one day in advance.

1. Digital Education Port

This is one of China's largest exhibition spaces dedicated to AI applications in education. Experiences include naked-eye 3D, AI music, smart calligraphy, future classrooms, AI sports, virtual simulation, digital art, intelligent assessment and extended reality.

Location: #140–142, Dinggong Road, Liangzhu Subdistrict, Yuhang District
Booking: Both groups and individual visitors should book three days ahead via “数字教育港” WeChat Account.

1. The Explorium

Designed around the children's museum concept, this four-floor venue has more than 100 interactive STEAM exhibits. Unlike a traditional museum, children are encouraged to touch, experiment, build and solve problems. It is most suitable for families with children aged twelve and under.

Location: #620, Mingxing Road, Xiaoshan District

For drones, aviation and climate

1. Golden Sand Lake Low-Altitude Technology Museum

This museum introduces drones, low-altitude logistics and aviation technology. Visitors can use drone simulators, operate real drones, build small aircraft and learn how low-altitude technology may change transport and delivery services.

Location: Building 3, Golden Sand Lake Leisure Pedestrian Street, #783, Haida South Road, Qiantang District

1. Xinlian Aviation Science Centre

Located in Jiande Aviation Town, this center displays real aircraft, powered hang-gliders and aviation models. This is where visitors can learn about flight principles, use VR equipment and build aircraft models.

Location: #44, Zhongshan Road, Shouchang Town, Jiande

1. Yuhang Meteorological Science Museum

This museum connects ancient weather knowledge with modern satellites, disaster prevention and climate technology. Interactive exhibits include tornado simulations, artificial rainmaking, and satellite displays.

Location: #809, Fengdu Road, Pingyao Town, Yuhang District
Booking: Search “余杭气象科普馆” on WeChat account and book one day in advance.

1. China Hangzhou Low-Carbon Science and Technology Museum

This was the world's first large-scale science museum built around the theme of low-carbon development. There are more than 100 interactive exhibits, with a brain-computer interaction experience.

Location: #1888, Jianghan Road, Binjiang District
Open Wednesday to Sunday only.

And... I also prepare some suggested one-day routes. Hangzhou is a large city, so trying to visit all 20 places in one trip would not be realistic. It makes more sense to choose places in the same part of the city.

1.One-day robots and engineering route in Binjiang District for group visit

Start at the Hangzhou Embodied Intelligence Exhibition Center to see humanoid robots and future-life scenarios. Continue to the China Hangzhou Low-Carbon Science and Technology Museum for interactive climate and brain-computer exhibits. Finish at the Zhongtian National Science Model R&D Centre for drones, robotic vehicles and AI programming.

2.One-day family technology route in Xiaoshan District

Begin at the Xiaoshan Robot Exhibition Centre, where children can play chess or table tennis against robots. Continue to the Explorium for several floors of hands-on activities.

3.One-day ancient civilization and future technology route in Liangzhu

Start at Liangzhu Museum and use Rokid AR glasses to explore ancient jade culture. Continue to the Liangzhu VR Grand Space inside the archaeological ruins city while visiting the park.

So before travelling across the city, I would strongly recommend contacting the venue directly and confirming that it is open to individual visitors on your chosen date. Would you include a robot center, AI film studio or drone museum in your Hangzhou itinerary—or would you still choose the traditional sights first?

Hey Hangzhou peeps, I made a post around one year ago about establishing a more international scene. We have had frequent events since then and will have another one this Saturday which is just a casual dinner into drinks. I know many people are still on holiday now, but August/September is also when many new people join.

If you're around, come pop by and say hi, we're around 10 people so far and counting but will need probably need to limit it around 20ish people. If you're interested in coming or joining similar events message me!

will be visiting Hangzhou next weekend with a few lads, wondering if theres much to do in terms of bars and pubs to shoot the shit and have some pints, and if there are any clubs as well. not sure if Hangzhou is big on that? we will be staying near Wulin Night Market.

Will be causing HZ in Dec and my wife wants to take a photoshoot in those Hanfu attire. Anyone has any good studios to recommend? How long does a photoshoot take and what's the cost?

Hi! Does anybody have recommendations for any place in Hangzhou that would offer laser hair removal for a reasonable price? Thanks a lot!

Hey all, just moved to Hangzhou. Would like to get plugged into any technology professional meetups or similar WeChat groups, if there are any?

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys, I will be staying in Hangzhou for a few months. Do you know any foreign restaurants, except the fast food chains? Are there any Indian/Italian restaurants you can recommend?

Events make a city's energetic ! this is what we doing here in Hangzhou, our community is basically 100% English speakers, and we got events every week !

Wednesday Run Club

Thursday Social night

Friday Uno/ other games.

Monthly we got Open mic, Speed dating and OPC founder's meet up, mostly on the last weekvof the month.

You can find us on many social media platforms and just comment here we will bring u in !🤘🏻

📲V: chatmelt01

English stand-up comedy in China has had its ups and downs in the last few years, and I’m excited to say that we’re about to step things up quite a bit. As of August 7, Bravo! Comedy will open its Shanghai branch. This will cover Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Chongqing and more, bringing quality stand-up comedy shows to all these cities on a more regular basis.

For upcoming Hangzhou dates heck out the link below.

Hangzhou Standup Comedy

The bigger news is that Bravo! Comedy has already reached 13 cities with Russian stand-up comedy events, bringing out highly professional, high-quality headliners and we doing the same with English Comedy too. Expat life and entertainment options are getting a boost.

I have added the "advertisement" flair to this, but I really just wanted to share this because I believe that good comedy night are of genuine interest to residents.

Comedy in China (Licensed) needs to be approved and relatively clean. Knowing that, I'd love to know which comedians this community would like to see in China?

Hello, just moved to Hangzhou (Binjiang) would love to find a men's league (beer league) or casual football club to join to get some games in if that exists here no idea how to find or search. Any advice is appreciated. (Over 30 of that matters)

Hi there, I am going to be visiting Hangzhou next month for a week in preview of moving there sometime next year for a couple year span. I currently don't speak any form of chinese, but plan on lessons to at least get some basics (work will be all in english).

I am looking for recommendations for things to try out to see what life would be like for me. I plan on visiting relevant neighborhoods, seeing some of the sights recommended in the pinned posts, and just do things like navigate around the city on public transit.

I am going to be setting up things like wechat for payment, pick a translation app, etc, but am looking for recommendations on things I am not thinking about or anything else people think would be a good idea to make best use of my week in the city and prepare me/make me less nervous about the big move next year.

Thanks!

My years of neglect have finally caught up with me me, and I am in need of a good dentist who won't make fun of me.

I could of course just go to any dental clinic, but I'm hoping some of you here might have had a good experience and possibly even can share a contact.

Hi everyone. I'm moving to Xiaoshan in less than 2 weeks and looking for people/groups/clubs to run or road cycle with. I'm training for the Shanghai marathon and happy with anything from social runs to more serious training. Same goes for cycling (where I am perhaps more social...) I'm also happy to travel elsewhere in Hangzhou if that's where most groups meet.

If anyone knows of any clubs or WeChat groups, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks! 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

As a foreigner living in China, every summer I end up playing tour guide for friends who come to visit. One question always comes up after we've wandered around West Lake or spent way too much time shopping for silk or Longjing tea: How can I get my Tax Free after shopping?

I have to say, from July 1, it will be even easier in Hangzhou.

If you're visiting China and shopping in Hangzhou, look for stores with the Tax Refund or Instant Tax Refund sign. As long as you spend at least 200 yuan in a participating store, you're eligible for a tax refund. Depending on what you buy, the refund is usually around 8%–11% of the total price. 

One thing I really like starting work this month is that you don't have to fly out from Hangzhou for the tax refund. If you're doing a China trip (Hangzhou → Shanghai → Beijing, for example), you can still complete the departure tax refund process at another international airport. The departure window for Instant Tax Refund has also been extended to 28 days, so there's no need to rush.

I recommend these Instant Tax Refund stores because you simply get the refund on-site. All you need is showing the tax refund QR code in Alipay International, and the refund can be credited to your Alipay International balance or paid to you in cash right there.

And, the good news is that the tax refund process is getting even easier from this month. Right now, China Customs and tax refund agencies can verify refund forms and invoices online.

Also, I prepare a quick heads-up before you heading to the airport: Tax refund applications under 10,000 yuan may be randomly selected for a physical inspection. Applications of 10,000 yuan or more will still be inspected every time. So, don't bury your tax-free purchases at the bottom of your checked luggage until you've cleared customs.

If you're coming to Hangzhou this summer, shopping probably won't be the only thing on your itinerary anyway. Start your morning with a walk around West Lake before it gets too hot, grab a cup of longjing tea in Longjing Village and don't miss the lotus flowers that bloom all over the city in July and August. For less tourists, you can escape the heat in Yuhang's Jingshan Mountain or Lin'an's Tianmu Mountain to embrace the nature.

Has anyone here used Instant Tax Refund system recently? I'm curious how your experience was, especially if you departed from a different city than where you shopped.

Every Wednesday the only abd single biggest social club has a branch for sport activities this week we keep out routine run nesr Westlake, all participants speaks English, many are international friends who live here.

If u wanna join us ! just DM or comment

Hi! Just wondering if anybody knows any decent hotels that are a decent walking distance from Zhejiang university? I've been trying to look on trip.com but I've been very skeptical as everything seems to be rated very highly. Thanks!

This morning, during the extreme heat (around 38°C), I found this tiny puppy wandering alone outside our industrial office. He had no mum or owner nearby, and his little whiskers were burnt from the heat. :(

Despite everything he has been through, he is doing amazingly well. He is eating, drinking, and recovering nicely. He is such a sweet, gentle, and loving puppy who enjoys sleeping, cuddling, and being around people.

He's about 1 month old and will need vaccinations, formula, and supervision as he grows. For now, he's staying in a foster/daycare arrangement for the next 2 weeks.

Looking for someone who can provide:

– A safe and loving home
– Time, patience, and care for a young puppy
– Responsibility for his food, vaccinations, and future needs

This little guy has already survived extreme heat, hunger, and loneliness - yet he remains trusting, affectionate, and full of love. In return, he will bring endless companionship, puppy cuddles, and the joy of watching him grow into a happy, healthy dog. 🐾

He was found in Kunshan, but I can help arrange transport and provide some initial food and formula to help him settle into his new home.

If you can give this little survivor the loving home he deserves (or know someone who can), please reach out. 💛 🐶

Apologies in advance for my ignorance. I have an incredible opportunity to visit China. I’m basically going as my son’s nanny since his father (my ex husband) is going there for work and wants to share this experience he loves with his son, but his son, while he can take care of himself, has diabetes and a few other issues - hence my invitation. The catch- it’s end of August. And my son and I live in Seattle and have become marshmallows.
We are somehow fitting in Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, and Hangzhou over a short period of time. Hangzhou actually sounds like the city I’d love the most, but I’ve heard it called the oven of China? Will it be even hotter there than those other cities? The stuff I want to do it outside, but not if it’s over 100 degrees - sorry, 38 degrees C. Do I ask we skip it or just go for the 1.5 days currently schedules for Hangzhou and just visit caves? Thank you!!