Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. Known as the "Land of Fish and Rice" and "the State of Profound Culture", Hangzhou boasts a history that dates to the Liangzhu Civilization, approximately 5000 years ago. The city was a significant capital during the Wuyue Kingdom and the Southern Song Dynasty, and it played a pivotal role in the development of Chinese civilization.
🟠Route 1: West Lake Cultural Tour
Morning: Tour West Lake scenic area (2-3 hours)
- Start at the famous Su Causeway (苏堤), a 2.8km tree-lined path with six elegant bridges
- Continue to Bai Causeway (白堤), known for its peaceful willow trees and lake views
- Take a traditional wooden boat ride for unique perspectives of the lake
Afternoon: Cultural Exploration (3-4 hours)
- Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and most significant Buddhist temples
- Explore Flying Peak's ancient Buddhist rock carvings, dating back to the 10th century
- Stop by Feilai Peak Grottoes featuring over 470 Buddhist statues
Evening: West Lake's Ten Scenes (Optional)
- Start at Broken Bridge for the famous "Broken Bridge in Snow" view
- Visit Leifeng Pagoda, a five-story tower offering panoramic lake views
- Take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, best viewed at sunset
- Evening visit to Impression West Lake show
🟠 Route 2: Historical Culture and Modern Lifestyle Tour
Morning: Historical Streets Exploration (3-4 hours)
- Walk the Southern Song Imperial Street, a well-preserved medieval thoroughfare
- Visit Hefang Street's traditional medicine shops and tea houses
- Watch craftsmen create paper fans and scissors at local workshops
Afternoon: Cultural Museums (4-5 hours)
- West Lake Museum: Learn about the lake's 2,000-year history through interactive exhibits
- China National Silk Museum: Discover silk-making processes and ancient textile artifacts
- Optional: Tea Museum to understand Dragon Well tea cultivation
Evening: Nature and Urban Experience
- Xixi Wetland National Park - China's first wetland park
- Take a traditional boat through waterways
- Visit restored ancient water villages
- Watch bird life in their natural habitat
🟠 Modern Hangzhou
- Shop at Hubin Yintai, a luxury shopping complex
- Explore Qinghe Fang's boutiques and art galleries
- Try fusion restaurants mixing traditional and modern cuisine
All visitors to China must meet the following entry requirements:
- Valid travel document (with a minimum validity of 6 months);
- Onward/return ticket;
- Entry facilities to next destination;
- Sufficient funds to stay in China;
- Visa for China (*if applicable).
Visa-free policy
Unilateral visa-free policy: Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan.
Mutual visa-free policy: The United Arab Emirates, Barbados, Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Mauritius, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Tonga, Belarus, Qatar, Armenia, Albania, Dominica, Suriname, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Solomon Islands.
List of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between the People’s Republic of China and Foreign Countries
Request for Visa Application Document(s) - Invitation Letter
If, for visa purposes, you require an invitation letter to allow you to travel to China, please email ivsc@mdpi.com the following details to the conference secretariat:
- Photocopy of your passport;
- Name (as it appears on your passport);
- Passport number;
- Nationality;
- Date and Place of Birth;
- Place of Issue;
- Date of Issue: dd/mm/yyyy;
- Expiration Date: dd/mm/yyyy;
- Country of departure;
- Job title;
- Organization;
- Mailing address;
- Email.
Kindly ensure that you have completed your registration and made payment before sending in your request for your visa application document(s) to the conference secretariat. The document(s) will be prepared and sent by email. Failure to provide the above information will result in the delay of your invitation letter.
1.1. Credentials/Documents
(a) Passport
(b) Visa if needed
1.2. Daily Necessities
(a) Masks, medicines (e.g., cold medicine/gastrointestinal medicine/anti-inflammatory medicine)
(b) Conversion plug, mobile phone card (open international traffic)
(c) Credit card and some cash; commonly used Alipay and WeChat
2. Local Life Tips
2.1. Public Safety
Chinese police number: 110
Chinese emergency number: 120
Fire alarm number in China: 119
2.2. Common APP
(a) How to Pay
• In China, you can enjoy convenient payments with just a mobile phone. Payment services such as Alipay and Weixin Pay are available.
Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards can all be added.
This is a Alipay guide video: https://youtu.be/JcUKLoNyeUQ?si=rOfa1xkOO6PTrHzh
• Cash. If you need cash, you can withdraw RMB cash with your bank card at an ATM with logos of the corresponding bank card organizations. You can also directly exchange at bank outlets with currency exchange signs, outlets of qualified financial institutions, or self-service kiosks. Please consult the staff for currencies available.
Search routes: Gaode Maps, Baidu Maps
Public transportation: public transportation is well developed, generally take the bus, subway, use Alipay - you can swipe the electronic card to pay for the trip.