When I first learned I was about to start my expat journey in Hangzhou, China, countless questions popped into my head: Would there be a good nursery for my child? How’s the local food? Do people speak English here? Can I find my favorite wine? I scoured the internet for answers, but most information was either for tourists visiting Hangzhou or expats moving to other Chinese cities—there was a clear lack of content specifically about expat life in Hangzhou. Despite the initial uncertainties, moving to Hangzhou ended up being an amazing decision for my family. Still, I couldn’t help but wish there had been more online resources to ease my anxiety during the planning stage.
That’s why I decided to put together this guide—to help anyone considering a move to Hangzhou. With the growth of international schools, the development of expat-friendly housing, and shopping malls filled with global brands, Hangzhou is clearly gearing up to welcome more expats in the coming years. Below is my complete guide to expat life in Hangzhou, China.
1. Expat Community in Hangzhou （杭州外籍社区）
Hangzhou’s expat community is steadily growing, though it’s not as large as those in Shanghai or Beijing. There are numerous expat social groups, mostly organized via WeChat—including hiking clubs, secondhand buy-sell groups, women’s rugby teams, and regular social mixers. The community itself is incredibly supportive and willing to help newcomers. Historically, Hangzhou served as the capital during the Southern Song Dynasty for over a century, offering expats plenty of rich cultural heritage to explore.
2. Living Costs （杭州外籍生活成本）
Living in Hangzhou isn’t cheap, but costs vary by category. Local staples like rice and vegetables are very affordable, while imported goods (such as cheese, Western-style bread, and imported milk) can be quite pricey. On the bright side, utility bills (water, electricity, gas) are surprisingly low, and transportation is budget-friendly—especially if you use public transit (buses, subways) or ride-hailing services like DiDi (China’s equivalent of Uber).
3. Accommodation （杭州外籍住宿）
Most expats in Hangzhou live in apartments, usually within gated residential compounds that often include amenities like gyms, swimming pools, gardens, and children’s playgrounds. Accommodation costs are relatively high, and it’s common for landlords to raise rents when leases expire—due to Hangzhou’s ongoing real estate market growth. For quality housing options tailored to expats, you can refer to platforms like Hangzhou PLUS Housing (www.hangzhouhomes.com) or Hangzhou LEASE RENTALS (www.hangzhoulease.com). Expat neighborhoods in Hangzhou are mostly concentrated around international school districts, making commutes for families easier.
4. Internet Access and VPNs （网络访问与VPN）
Many popular international websites and services (such as Google, Facebook, and Netflix) are blocked in China. However, expats can access these platforms using a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN is essential for maintaining connections with friends/family abroad, accessing work tools, and using familiar online services from your home country.
5. Television （电视服务）
Expats in Hangzhou can access a wide range of TV channels through IPTV services (provided by local telecom companies like China Telecom or China Unicom). These services offer both live TV (including some international channels) and on-demand content, making it easy to keep up with favorite shows.
6. Foreign Food and Drink （外国餐饮与食材）
While Chinese food is widely available, affordable, and delicious, foreign cuisine (like Italian, Mexican, or Western breakfasts) can be expensive. For expats craving familiar ingredients, online platforms like Taobao (China’s largest e-commerce site) and Epermarket (a specialty expat grocery platform) offer imported foods—though prices are often higher than in Western countries.
7. Culture Shock （文化冲击）
New expats in Hangzhou may experience culture shock due to differences in food, language, and social norms (e.g., dining etiquette or public transportation customs). However, these challenges become easier to navigate over time. Translation apps like WeChat Translate or Google Translate (when using a VPN) are great tools to bridge language gaps, and the local community (both expat and Chinese) is often willing to help.
8. Activities （杭州外籍休闲活动）
Hangzhou offers plenty of activities to keep expats busy. You can explore iconic tourist spots like West Lake (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or Longjing Tea Plantations, or spend time in modern malls that feature cinemas, trampoline parks, and ice skating rinks. There are also many sports clubs (for yoga, football, or cycling) and vibrant nightlife options. Popular expat hangouts include bars like Wades, 9 Bar, Shares, Social10, and Jazz Bar—great places to meet other foreigners and locals.
9. Work Opportunities （杭州外籍工作机会）
Hangzhou is classified as a Tier-2 city in China, with a population of approximately 9 million. It’s home to many international companies, including Tesla, Alibaba (a global tech giant founded in Hangzhou), and various multinational manufacturing firms. This makes it a great destination for expats seeking job opportunities, especially in tech, trade, education, and manufacturing sectors.
10. Education （杭州国际教育）
Hangzhou has several high-quality international schools, making it a suitable city for expat families with children. Popular choices among foreigners include Hangzhou International School (note: corrected from "Schol") and Wellington College China (Hangzhou Campus)—both offering curricula aligned with international standards (e.g., IB, A-Level, or American-style programs).
11. Healthcare （杭州外籍医疗）
Hangzhou has a number of hospitals and clinics that provide English-speaking services, ensuring healthcare is accessible for expats. For example, international medical departments at top local hospitals (like The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University) or private clinics cater specifically to foreign patients, offering consultations, routine checkups, and emergency care in English.
Related Articles
