Events

In brief, Popular Festivals and Events in Hangzhou:

While specific event dates may vary, here are some popular events you might encounter in Hangzhou:

• West Lake Music Festival: A renowned music festival held annually, featuring both local and international musicians.  

• Dragon Boat Festival: A traditional Chinese festival celebrated with dragon boat races on the West Lake.  

• Mid-Autumn Festival: A festival celebrated with mooncake eating and lantern displays.  

• Tea Festivals: Hangzhou is famous for its tea culture, and various tea festivals are held throughout the year.  

• Art Exhibitions: Hangzhou hosts numerous art exhibitions, showcasing both traditional and contemporary art.  

By checking these resources and staying updated on local news, you can discover a wide range of events and activities happening in Hangzhou throughout the year.

For more details

Hangzhou is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and it hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from traditional festivals and cultural performances to modern art exhibitions, international conferences, and sporting events. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular events in Hangzhou:

1. Cultural and Traditional Events

**1.1. Hangzhou International Tea Culture Expo (杭州国际茶文化博览会)

• When: Annually, typically in April or May.

• Overview: Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea), and the Tea Culture Expo is one of the largest tea-related events in China. It features tea tastings, traditional tea ceremonies, exhibitions on tea culture, and opportunities to buy the finest teas. The event is usually held at the Hangzhou International Expo Center or in scenic locations near West Lake.

• Highlights: Tea tastings, tea art exhibitions, seminars on tea culture, and opportunities to visit local tea plantations.

1.2. West Lake International Expo (西湖国际博览会)

• When: Annually in October.

• Overview: The West Lake Expo is a comprehensive event that celebrates Hangzhou's cultural, economic, and tourism potential. It typically includes a mix of business exhibitions, cultural performances, and tourism promotions.

• Highlights: The expo focuses on Hangzhou’s international tourism offerings and may feature exhibitions about local food, crafts, and fashion. There’s often a strong cultural component, including performances and displays of traditional Chinese opera and art.

1.3. Dragon Boat Festival (端午节)

• When: Typically in June (5th day of the 5th lunar month).

• Overview: The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with traditional dragon boat races on West Lake, where teams compete in elaborately decorated boats. The festival is also known for the preparation and eating of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves). Hangzhou’s lakeside atmosphere makes it an ideal place for these colorful celebrations.

• Highlights: Dragon boat races, cultural performances, and enjoying zongzi (a local delicacy) along the lake.

1.4. Hangzhou Lantern Festival (杭州灯会)

• When: February (Lunar New Year).

• Overview: The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations and features bright, beautiful lantern displays. In Hangzhou, you can expect a spectacular array of illuminated lanterns along the West Lake and other scenic areas, alongside cultural performances, traditional music, and dance.

• Highlights: Stunning lantern displays, traditional Chinese performances, and street food stalls.

2. Music and Art Festivals

2.1. Hangzhou International Music Festival (杭州国际音乐节)

• When: Annually in September or October.

• Overview: The Hangzhou International Music Festival is a major cultural event that brings together world-class musicians and performers. The festival includes classical music, opera, jazz performances, and even pop music concerts, all set against the scenic beauty of Hangzhou.

• Highlights: Opera performances, orchestral concerts, and international musicians performing in venues around the city, including Hangzhou Grand Theatre.

2.2. Hangzhou Contemporary Art Biennale (杭州当代艺术双年展)

• When: Every two years, typically in September.

• Overview: This biennial event showcases contemporary art from China and around the world. The festival includes art exhibitions, installations, and performances by renowned and emerging artists.

• Highlights: Art exhibitions at major galleries, public art installations, and interactive workshops.

2.3. Qiantang River Music Festival (钱塘江音乐节)

• When: Usually in July.

• Overview: This music festival celebrates Hangzhou's river culture, with performances held near the Qiantang River. It combines both Chinese and international music styles, such as rock, pop, electronic, and folk music.

• Highlights: Live concerts by local and international artists, cultural performances, and food and craft stalls.

3. Sports Events

3.1. Hangzhou Marathon (杭州马拉松)

• When: Annually in October.

• Overview: The Hangzhou Marathon is one of China’s top marathons, attracting runners from around the world. The race features a full marathon, half marathon, and mini-marathon, with participants running through some of Hangzhou’s most iconic landmarks, including West Lake, Qiantang River, and the city’s bustling streets.

• Highlights: The marathon offers a chance to run through the scenic areas of Hangzhou, including the famous West Lake.

3.2. Hangzhou International Golf Open

• When: Annually in April or May.

• Overview: The Hangzhou International Golf Open attracts top golf players from across the world and is part of China’s growing golf scene. It’s held at the West Lake Golf Club, a prestigious venue that is recognized for its beautiful, challenging course.

• Highlights: Professional golf tournaments and networking opportunities in the world of golf.

4. Food and Wine Events

4.1. Hangzhou International Food Festival (杭州国际美食节)

• When: Annually, typically in October.

• Overview: The Hangzhou International Food Festival is a celebration of both local Zhejiang cuisine and international food cultures. Held at various venues around the city, this festival includes food stalls, gourmet dining experiences, and cooking demonstrations.

• Highlights: Local dishes like dongpo rou (braised pork) and longjing tea, along with international cuisines, wine tastings, and chef workshops.

4.2. Hangzhou Wine and Cheese Festival

• When: Annually, typically in September.

• Overview: This food-focused event celebrates wine and cheese, attracting both wine lovers and food enthusiasts. The event typically features wine tastings, pairing dinners, and masterclasses with renowned sommeliers.

• Highlights: Wine and cheese tastings, wine-pairing dinners, and food trucks offering international delicacies.

5. Technology and Innovation Events

5.1. China International Internet and E-commerce Expo (中国国际互联网及电子商务博览会)

• When: Annually, typically in May or June.

• Overview: Hangzhou is home to Alibaba, China’s tech giant, and is an important hub for the e-commerce and internet industry. This expo showcases the latest trends and innovations in e-commerce, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.

• Highlights: Industry-leading talks, new product launches, and networking opportunities for tech professionals.

5.2. Global Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Technology Exhibition (全球人工智能与机器人技术博览会)

• When: Annually, typically in October.

• Overview: As a hub for tech innovation, Hangzhou hosts an annual AI and robotics exhibition, where cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are showcased.

• Highlights: Robot demonstrations, AI-related innovations, and keynote speeches from tech leaders.

6. International Events

6.1. G20 Hangzhou Summit (G20杭州峰会)

• When: Held once in 2016 (the event was in Hangzhou that year).

• Overview: The G20 Summit in 2016 was one of the most significant international events ever held in Hangzhou. Though this is not an annual event, G20 summits are major international diplomatic gatherings where global leaders discuss economic policies.

• Highlights: High-level meetings, exhibitions, and cultural events celebrating international diplomacy and economic cooperation.

Conclusion:

Hangzhou offers a rich variety of events that cater to both locals and international visitors, celebrating the city’s cultural heritage, its thriving modern industries, and its natural beauty. From traditional festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival to high-tech expos and art festivals, there's always something exciting happening in this dynamic city. Whether you’re into food, sports, music, or technology, Hangzhou's event calendar has something for everyone.