The city surrounds the shores of West Lake, with modern Hangzhou spread to the north and east. The lake is best explored on foot and by boat, while sights farther afield will require a taxi or bus. Taxis cost ¥10 for 3km (1 3/4 miles), then ¥2 per kilometer until 10km (6 1/4 miles) and ¥3 per kilometer after that. There is a ¥1 gas surcharge on all trips. Air-conditioned buses cost ¥2, while tour buses with a Y prefix (youke) cost ¥3 to ¥5. Bus no. K7 runs from the railway station to Lingyin Si via the northern shore of the lake (Beishan Lu) and the Shangri-La Hotel, while bus no. 27 runs along Beishan Lu to Longjing Cun (Dragon Well Village), and bus no. Y1 makes a loop of the lake starting from Lingyin Si. Bicycles are available for rental at public leasing points around the city, but it's a bit of a hassle as you have to first purchase a stored value card at Longxiang Qiao 20 (tel. 0571/8533-1122), with proof of ID and a ¥300 deposit. Water taxis (tel. 0571/8802-4368; ¥3) also ply a small section of the Grand Canal in the northern part of town from Wuling Men (Wuling Gate/Westlake Cultural Square) north to Gongchen Qiao and Canal Cultural Square around Xiaohe Lu, stopping at Xinyifang along the way. Hangzhou has a tourist information hot line (tel. 0571/96123).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
