Hangzhou Business Trip Guide | Essential Information for Beginners and Key Points for Visiting Yiwu

What is Hangzhou like?

A city gaining attention as a hub for China's e-commerce

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province in China and is known worldwide as an IT hub that is home to the headquarters of the Alibaba Group.

In recent years, it has garnered particular attention as a hub for cross-border e-commerce (e-commerce targeting overseas markets), and interest is growing as a destination for Japanese e-commerce businesses and individual buyers visiting for site inspections and sourcing.

A City Where Nature and Modernity Converge

While blessed with natural landscapes such as West Lake, the city also boasts an advanced business environment driven by cutting-edge technology and urban development, making it an easy place to stay even for first-time visitors to China.

It is highly regarded within China as a “city with a good living environment,” offering a sense of security in terms of public safety, public transportation, and infrastructure.

Attractions as a Hub for E-commerce

Hangzhou is home to a large concentration of companies providing e-commerce-related services, such as product photography, logistics outsourcing, and marketing support. A major attraction is the ability to gain an understanding of the entire flow of the Chinese e-commerce supply chain through site visits.

For businesses looking to expand their operations in China in the future, Hangzhou is an ideal first destination.

Getting from Tokyo to Hangzhou

Direct flights from Tokyo to Hangzhou are available from Narita Airport.

Airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) operate regular flights, with a flight time of approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Overview of Direct Flights from Narita Airport

Airlines:

・All Nippon Airways (ANA)

・Air China

・China Eastern Airlines

Key Features:

・A relatively large number of flights, with departure times available in the morning, afternoon, and evening

・Some flights are operated as codeshare flights, offering high convenience

・ANA flights also offer the added appeal of Japanese-language support

When using connecting flights

Routes via Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and other cities are also available, but

・Travel time: Approximately 6–8 hours

・Important note: Due to layover wait times and the risk of domestic flight delays, you should allow plenty of time in your schedule.

Direct flights are recommended for first-time visitors

If this is your first visit to China, we highly recommend taking a direct flight.

・Travel time is shorter, making it easier to plan your itinerary after arrival

・There are no transfers at the airport, so you’re less likely to get lost or feel stressed

・You only need to go through immigration once, allowing you to get started smoothly

Since this saves you time and effort, it’s ideal for those looking to ensure a successful business trip or inspection tour.

Getting from Osaka (Kansai International Airport) to Hangzhou

There are currently 2–3 direct flights per week from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (as of 2025).

Since the flight time is short, it is ideal for short-term business trips.

Direct Flight Overview

Airlines:

・China Southern Airlines

・Spring Airlines

Flight time:

Approx. 2–3 hours

Features:

・No layovers for a smooth arrival

・Low-cost flights available, making it ideal for budget business trips

・When using an LCC (Spring Airlines), be sure to check baggage allowances and adhere strictly to schedules

Points to Note

Due to limited flight availability, we recommend booking your ticket as soon as possible once your travel dates are confirmed.

It tends to get particularly crowded during trade show seasons.

Alternative Route: Traveling to Hangzhou via Shanghai

In the unlikely event that direct flights to Hangzhou are fully booked or suspended, traveling via Shanghai is a viable alternative.

When using Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (Recommended)

・Hongqiao Airport → Hangzhou East Station: Approximately 2 hours by high-speed rail (HSR)

・Shanghai Hongqiao Station is adjacent to the airport, making transfers very smooth

If using Shanghai Pudong Airport

・Pudong Airport → Hongqiao Station: About 1 hour by subway or car

・If arriving at Pudong, it is important to allow plenty of time for your connection

This route:

・Offers frequent service and a wide variety of flight options

・Makes it easy to adjust your business trip schedule flexibly

Points to note for first-time visitors to China

・Direct flights: Save time and effort, and are overwhelmingly smooth. Since there are few flights, early booking is recommended

・Via Shanghai: While this adds an extra leg to your journey, it offers more flexible flight options. Be sure to account for travel time and arrangements at the layover destination

How to get from Hangzhou Airport to the city center

The trip from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to the city center takes approximately 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the mode of transportation.

The following transportation options are available:

Main Transportation Options

・Airport Bus: Runs to major hotels and the city center; inexpensive but takes a bit of time

・Metro Line 7: Runs from 6:00 AM to around 11:00 PM. Provides access to Hangzhou East Station and the West Lake area

・Taxi: Board at the front of the airport. Starting fare is approximately 13 yuan (about 260 yen)

・Ride-hailing app "DiDi": Book via smartphone. Fares to major business hotels in the city center range from approximately 70 to 100 yuan (approx. 1,400–2,000 yen)

For business travelers, taking a taxi or using DiDi is particularly convenient as it allows you to get moving immediately upon arrival.

If your destination is in Xihu District or Binjiang District, booking a hotel in those areas will make your travel more efficient.

Points to check when booking a hotel　

・Check if foreign guests are allowed (look for the statement: “This facility welcomes guests from all countries and regions”)

・Check if cashless payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are accepted

・Booking through Japanese-language websites (such as Trip.com, Agoda, or Expedia) offers peace of mind

・"Fliggy" (part of the Alibaba Group) is also popular locally

Things to Prepare Immediately Upon Arrival　

Things you can do at the airport:

・Purchase a SIM card (counters for various carriers are available)

・Withdraw Chinese yuan from an ATM

How to use the ride-hailing app DiDi:

・Install the app and register in advance

・No Japanese language support / Can be operated in English

・Tap your destination on the map to check the fare in advance → Request a ride

Even if you’re not good with maps, simply enter the hotel name in English to see suggested options.

Payment is handled entirely through WeChat Pay or Alipay, so you don’t need local currency.

Hangzhou: A Hub for Cross-Border E-Commerce and IT

The Perfect Business City for Site Visits and Business Meetings

Hangzhou is home to several areas with a high concentration of IT companies, such as the Xixi Park District, where Alibaba’s headquarters are located, and the Binjiang District, a hub for startups.

For businesses interested in cross-border e-commerce and digital business, it is an extremely attractive destination for site visits and business negotiations.

Key Points for Business Visits

・Advance appointments are required

At the facilities of major companies such as the Alibaba Group, advance reservations and identity verification are required.

Walk-in visits are not accepted, so it is essential to plan well in advance.

・Consider arranging an interpreter

Since English is often not widely understood locally, arranging a Chinese-speaking interpreter in advance will help ensure your business negotiations proceed smoothly.

・Japanese-affiliated hotels with reliable internet access

　Many Japanese-affiliated hotels in the city offer free Wi-Fi and provide a comfortable internet environment suitable for business use.

A wide range of cross-border e-commerce and IT-related trade shows

Timing your visit to coincide with trade shows is ideal for gathering information

Cross-border e-commerce and IT-related trade shows are held regularly at the Hangzhou International Expo Center and large exhibition venues in Binjiang District.

Many companies and buyers from all over China attend, providing opportunities to compare products, understand market trends, and conduct business negotiations.

Recommended Preparations Before Attending an Exhibition

・Check the exhibitor list and venue map in advance to identify key booths

・If there is an official trade show app, download and pre-register

・Bring plenty of business cards with Chinese text (preferably double-sided)

・Create a WeChat account and familiarize yourself with its basic functions

・Bring a smartphone or notepad to take notes during business meetings

Note that English may not be widely understood on-site, so it is advisable to print and bring the address of your meeting location in Chinese.

You can now visit China without a visa!

Visa Exemption for Short-Term Stays in China (For Japanese Nationals)

From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2026, holders of ordinary passports issued to Japanese nationals are exempt from the Chinese visa requirement for short-term stays of up to 30 days.

Eligible Purposes of Visit

・Business

・Tourism

・Visiting relatives

・Cultural exchange

・Transit within China, etc.

Pre-trip Checklist

・Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months

・Double-check that the purpose of your trip falls within the scope listed above

This visa exemption measure is a major boon for cross-border e-commerce businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises.

In particular, for cases requiring multiple short-term visits to China for purchasing goods or market research, the previously cumbersome visa application process is no longer necessary,

offering the following benefits:

No need to prepare application documents

Significant reduction in fees and processing time

Greater scheduling flexibility

Now, while the visa waiver is in effect, is the perfect time to visit!

For those considering on-site sourcing or inspections, this visa exemption period is a great opportunity to take action.

For those interested in visiting Yiwu

About an hour from Hangzhou to Yiwu! A must-visit sourcing hub for buyers

The trip from Hangzhou to Yiwu takes about an hour by high-speed rail.

Yiwu is known for being home to the "Yiwu International Trade City," one of the world’s largest wholesale markets, making it a key destination for cross-border e-commerce businesses dealing in general merchandise and daily necessities to conduct site visits and source products.

Yiwu offers the perfect environment for sourcing

・A massive market featuring hundreds of thousands of items

・Many suppliers offer low minimum order quantities, making it ideal for small-scale e-commerce businesses

・We can assist with sourcing samples for stores and OEM consultations

Reliable Support from "HubBuyer" (With a Base in Yiwu)

While there are few sourcing agencies in Yiwu that offer Japanese-language support, ‘HubBuyer’ has established a permanent office in Yiwu City staffed by Japanese-speaking personnel.

Flexible Pickup and Drop-off Service (Reservation Required)

・Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport → Yiwu

・Hotels in Hangzhou → Yiwu

・Yiwu Station → Yiwu Market / Hotel

Feel free to contact us via LINE or email for a preliminary consultation!

・Visit schedules and market tours can be arranged in advance

・Interpretation and escort services available (by prior arrangement)

No worries even if it’s your first visit!

Even if it’s your first time in Yiwu, with “HubBuyer”’s Japanese support, your inspection and purchasing will go smoothly.

If you’re considering a visit, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Business Trip Preparation Checklist [First Business Trip to Hangzhou and Yiwu | Preparation Checklist]

Travel Preparation

・Check Your Passport’s Expiration Date

　Be sure to check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining.

・Book Flights and Hotels Early

　Direct flights and popular business hotels may sell out quickly.

　Make arrangements as soon as your itinerary is finalized.

Communication & Apps

・Preparing Your Internet Connection (SIM, eSIM, VPN)

　Since access to Google and LINE may be restricted, prepare everything—including a VPN service—before departure.

・Registering and Topping Up Local Apps

　For services like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and DiDi, creating accounts and adding funds in advance will ensure a smooth experience on-site.

・Downloading Translation and Map Apps

　Install apps that work offline (e.g., Baidu Maps, Google Translate, etc.).

　With the Google Translate app, you can use the translation feature offline by downloading language files in advance.

Business Tools

・Prepare business cards with Chinese text

　Having Chinese text printed on both sides of your business cards will help build trust with local contacts.

・Check your travel insurance

　Make sure you have insurance that covers business travel. It’s reassuring to have coverage for medical expenses, theft, and flight delays.

Essentials & Hygiene Items

・Multi-plug adapters, over-the-counter medications, etc.

　Be sure to bring hygiene items (such as masks and alcohol wipes) and any necessary medications from Japan, as these can be difficult to find locally.

Summary | Tips for Successfully Navigating Your First Business Trip to Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou is an easy city to visit, even for those on their first business trip to China.

It is relatively safe, and its transportation infrastructure and accommodation options are well-developed.

By taking advantage of the visa-free program in effect until the end of 2026, you can easily take your first steps toward site visits and market research.

Furthermore, by combining your trip with a visit to Yiwu—home to one of the world’s largest wholesale markets—you can significantly expand your opportunities for sourcing and business negotiations.

To ensure that your business trip to China runs smoothly and is productive, having a reliable local partner is essential.

At "HubBuyer,"

we have established a comprehensive support system—including pre-trip consultations in Japanese, local transportation, interpretation, sourcing accompaniment, and inspection and logistics—so you can feel at ease even on your first visit to China.

If you’re thinking, “I’d like to see the area firsthand” or “I’d like to visit Yiwu as well,” please don’t hesitate to contact hubbuyer.

Our experienced staff will provide attentive support to ensure your business trip yields tangible results.