Airport Overview
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) serves Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province and one of China's most beautiful and prosperous cities. Located approximately 30 km southeast of central Hangzhou in the Xiaoshan district, the airport handles around 40 million passengers annually. Hangzhou is home to Alibaba Group headquarters, making HGH a key airport for China's digital economy ecosystem. The city is also renowned for West Lake (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Longjing green tea, and historic silk production.
The airport underwent massive expansion for the 2022 Asian Games hosted in Hangzhou, with a new Terminal 4 (T4) opening to accommodate growing demand. HGH serves as a hub for Zhejiang Airlines (formerly Loong Air) and processes significant traffic from Alibaba's global e-commerce supply chain.
Terminals
Terminal T1 is the original terminal, now primarily handling domestic charter and cargo operations.
Terminal T2 is the primary terminal for domestic and some international flights operated by major Chinese carriers including Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines.
Terminal T4 opened in 2022 as a state-of-the-art facility for both domestic and international flights. T4 features smart airport technology including facial recognition check-in, biometric boarding gates, and automated baggage systems. It handles a growing share of international routes.
WiFi Availability
Free WiFi is provided throughout the terminal buildings under the "HGH-Airport-FreeWifi" network. Authentication requires a Chinese phone number for SMS OTP. International visitors can request manual assistance at information counters. T4 features a next-generation WiFi system with higher speeds than the older terminals. Paid telecom SIM cards are available in arrivals for data packages. China Telecom and China Mobile kiosks are found in both T2 and T4.
Transport to City Center
Hangzhou Metro (Line 7)
Hangzhou Metro Line 7 connects HGH to the Hangzhou urban metro network. From the airport, Line 7 reaches key interchange stations including Gaosha Road, where connections to Lines 1, 2, and 5 provide access to the city center. The journey to Hangzhou East HSR Station takes approximately 40 minutes for CNY 7–12. Metro Line 19 (Airport Express) is under construction and will provide a faster direct connection to the city center upon completion.
Bus Services
Airport shuttle buses operate routes to central Hangzhou, Hangzhou East Station, Hangzhou South Bus Terminal, and neighboring cities including Shaoxing, Ningbo, and Jiaxing. Fares range from CNY 20–50. Buses depart from the ground transportation area outside T2 and T4.
Taxi and Rideshare
Metered taxis and DiDi are available from designated ranks outside T2 and T4. The fare to central Hangzhou (West Lake area) is approximately CNY 100–160, taking 40–70 minutes. DiDi is widely used and often more convenient than metered taxis. Traffic on the highway can be congested during rush hours.
Airport Lounges
Air China First Class Lounge (T2) — A premium lounge for CA first class and Star Alliance Platinum members, offering full-service dining and shower facilities.
China Eastern SkyTeam Lounge (T4) — A modern lounge in the newly opened T4, serving MU business class and SkyTeam Elite Plus members with a comprehensive hot buffet and beverages.
Loong Air (Zhejiang Airlines) VIP Lounge (T2) — For Loong Air business class passengers, featuring local Hangzhou-style refreshments including Longjing tea and light snacks.
HGH VIP Service Center (T2 and T4) — Independent lounges accepting Priority Pass and DragonPass in both terminals, offering hot food, bar service, and Wi-Fi.
China Southern Pearl Lounge (T4) — For CZ business class and SkyTeam Elite Plus members departing from T4 on domestic and international routes.
Hotels Near the Airport
Marriott Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport — A full-service luxury hotel adjacent to T2 with a covered walkway connection. Features pool, spa, and multiple dining restaurants including Hangzhou cuisine.
Holiday Inn Express Hangzhou Airport — A comfortable budget-friendly IHG property near the terminal with complimentary breakfast and free airport shuttle service.
Hilton Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport — A modern Hilton property approximately 5 minutes from T4, offering business facilities, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.
Novotel Hangzhou Airport — A reliable mid-range AccorHotels option with free shuttle to terminals, a pool, and a restaurant serving both Western and Zhejiang cuisine.
Wyndham Grand Hangzhou Airport — A spacious hotel approximately 10 minutes from the terminal in Xiaoshan district, with conference facilities popular for business events.
Food and Restaurants
West Lake Restaurant (T2, Airside) — Serves traditional Hangzhou-style dishes including West Lake vinegar fish (xi hu cu yu), Dongpo pork (braised pork belly), and beggar's chicken.
Longjing Tea House (T4) — A cafe-style shop serving Hangzhou's famous Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea alongside light pastries and snacks. An essential Hangzhou experience.
McDonald's (T2 and T4) — Standard international fast food with China-specific menu items available at multiple locations.
Starbucks (T4) — Several outlets in T4, with standard menu and occasional seasonal Hangzhou-inspired items including tea-based beverages.
Zhou He Ji Braised Snacks (T2) — A popular Chinese fast-casual chain specializing in braised duck necks, lotus root, and tofu — quintessential travel snack foods in China.
Heytea (T4) — A trendy Chinese premium tea brand famous for its cheese tea, fresh fruit teas, and modern tea shop concept. Very popular with younger Chinese travelers.
Travel Tips
- Hangzhou's West Lake is one of China's most beautiful destinations — a half-day visit fits well between flights if you have a layover of 6+ hours.
- Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea, produced in hills west of Hangzhou, makes an excellent souvenir. Purchase at the airport's specialty tea shops for guaranteed quality.
- Alibaba's headquarters is in Hangzhou's Xixi area — if visiting for business, Uber-equivalent DiDi is the most convenient way to reach tech company campuses.
- For the 2022 Asian Games legacy venues, many sports facilities in Hangzhou and surrounding areas are open for visits and events.
- Metro Line 7 to Hangzhou East HSR gives access to Shanghai in 45 minutes — excellent for day trips or multi-city itineraries.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential for transactions in Hangzhou; cash acceptance is declining rapidly, especially in tech-forward Hangzhou.
- A VPN must be configured before arriving in China to maintain access to Google, WhatsApp, and international services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is HGH from West Lake in Hangzhou?
West Lake is approximately 35–40 km from the airport. By taxi or DiDi, the journey takes 40–70 minutes and costs CNY 100–160. By metro (Line 7 to interchange, then Line 1 to Longxiangqiao station near West Lake), the total journey takes about 60–75 minutes. West Lake is in the western part of the city and is quite distant from the airport in Xiaoshan.
How do I get from Hangzhou Airport to Shanghai?
The most practical route is to take a taxi or metro to Hangzhou East HSR Station, then board a high-speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao. The HSR journey is approximately 45 minutes at CNY 73–150 depending on train speed. Total transit time including airport-to-station transfer is about 90 minutes — often faster than flying between the two cities.
When did Terminal T4 open at Hangzhou Airport?
Terminal T4 opened in January 2022 ahead of the 2022 Asian Games hosted in Hangzhou. The terminal features smart airport technology including facial recognition for check-in and boarding, and an advanced baggage handling system. It significantly expanded HGH's capacity and is now the airport's primary international terminal.
Which airlines operate international routes from Hangzhou Airport?
International destinations from HGH include Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Hong Kong, Taipei, and others. Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates operate international services. The airport's international route network has been growing, reflecting Hangzhou's economic prominence.