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Taxis are plentiful and affordable in Hangzhou, but Didi is usually the better option for most trips. This guide covers when to use taxis, how much to pay, common scams to watch for, and practical tips for getting a reliable ride anywhere in the city.
Taxi Basics
Hangzhou has approximately 12,000 licensed taxis operating across the city. The standard taxi is a turquoise-green sedan — most commonly a Volkswagen Santana, Hyundai Elantra, or BYD Qin (electric). All licensed taxis have a roof-mounted light that displays “空车” (available) when empty and a meter on the dashboard. The taxi license plate starts with 浙A·T, making them easy to distinguish from private cars.
Key facts:
- Fleet size: ~12,000 licensed taxis
- Common models: VW Santana, Hyundai Elantra, BYD Qin EV
- Color: Turquoise green body with white roof
- License prefix: 浙A·T
- Seat capacity: 4 passengers maximum (5-seat car, front passenger seat usually available)
How to Hail a Taxi
On the Street
Stand on the curb and raise your hand when you see a taxi with the green “空车” sign lit on the roof. Taxis cannot stop in the middle of the road or at bus stops, so position yourself at a clear stretch of curb. In central areas (Wulin, Hubin, West Lake), available taxis are common during off-peak hours but scarce during rush hour and rain.
Taxi Queues
Designated taxi queues operate at Hangzhou East Station (follow signs to the taxi rank on B1 level), Xiaoshan Airport (outside each terminal arrivals hall), and major hotels. At train stations, expect a 10 to 30 minute wait during peak arrival times. Airport queues move faster, typically under 10 minutes.
Hotel Concierge
Most mid-range and upscale hotels can call a taxi for you. The concierge will write your destination in Chinese, which eliminates communication problems. Some hotels add a ¥5–10 service fee for this convenience. Budget hotels and hostels generally cannot call taxis for you.
Using Didi to Call a Taxi
Didi Chuxing (the Chinese Uber equivalent) offers a “Taxi” option within the app that dispatches a licensed taxi to your location. This is the safest and most reliable method — see the dedicated section below for details.
Fare Structure
Hangzhou taxi fares are regulated by the city government. All licensed taxis must use the meter by law.
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base fare (first 3 km) | ¥11 |
| Per km after 3 km | ¥2.5 |
| Night surcharge (23:00–05:00) | +30% on base and per-km rates |
| Waiting/idle time | ¥2.5 per 5 minutes of waiting |
| Fuel surcharge | ¥1 (added to all rides over 3 km) |
| Toll fees | Passenger pays any highway tolls |
Important notes: The meter starts at ¥11 the moment you get in. If the driver stops for traffic, the waiting charge accumulates. For trips crossing the Qiantang River via the Qiantang River Bridge, there is no toll. For trips using the Hangzhou Bay Ring Expressway, tolls (typically ¥10–30) are added to your fare. Always check that the meter is running — if the screen shows a flat number without incrementing, the driver may have “forgotten” to start it.
Common Routes and Costs
These are approximate metered fares under normal traffic conditions. Actual fares may vary by 10–20% depending on traffic and waiting time.
| Route | Distance | Approx. Fare | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaoshan Airport → West Lake (Longxiangqiao) | 35 km | ¥100–130 | 45–60 min |
| Hangzhou East Station → West Lake | 10 km | ¥30–40 | 20–30 min |
| West Lake → Xixi Wetland | 12 km | ¥35–45 | 25–35 min |
| West Lake → Lingyin Temple | 6 km | ¥18–25 | 15–20 min |
| West Lake → Qianjiang CBD | 8 km | ¥25–35 | 20–30 min |
| Hangzhou East Station → Xiaoshan Airport | 30 km | ¥90–110 | 35–50 min |
| Wulin Square → Songcheng Theme Park | 18 km | ¥50–65 | 30–40 min |
| West Lake → Hangzhou Zoo | 7 km | ¥20–28 | 15–25 min |
Night surcharge example: A ride from the airport to West Lake that costs ¥120 during the day will cost approximately ¥156 after 23:00 due to the 30% night surcharge.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
1. Refusal to Use the Meter
What happens: The driver quotes a flat price that is usually 50–100% higher than the metered fare. This is most common at tourist hotspots like West Lake, the airport, and train stations.
What to do: Insist on the meter by saying “打表” (dǎ biǎo, “use the meter”). If the driver refuses, get out and find another taxi. This is your legal right — drivers are required by law to use the meter.
2. The Scenic Route (绕路)
What happens: The driver takes a deliberately longer route to inflate the fare. This is especially common from the airport and train stations, where drivers assume you do not know the city.
What to do: Open your phone’s map app (Baidu Maps or Amap work best in China) and follow the route. If the driver goes off-route, ask “这是最快的路吗？” (Is this the fastest route?). The mere act of showing you are tracking the route usually deters detours.
3. No Change / Fake Bills
What happens: You hand over a ¥100 bill and the driver claims to have no change, or subtly swaps your real bill for a counterfeit and demands you pay again.
What to do: Carry small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50). Before handing over a ¥100 bill, note the last two digits of the serial number. If the driver returns a different bill claiming it is fake, you have proof of the switch. Better yet, use Alipay or WeChat Pay to avoid cash entirely.
4. “This Attraction Is Closed”
What happens: The driver tells you your destination (usually a temple or museum) is closed for a holiday or renovation, then offers to take you to an “alternative” — which is always a jade factory, silk shop, or tea house that gives the driver a commission.
What to do: Do not believe the driver. Check the attraction’s opening hours on your phone. If the driver persists, insist on your original destination or get out.
5. Unlicensed “Taxis”
What happens: Someone approaches you at a tourist area offering a ride in an unmarked car. These are illegal operators with no meter, no insurance, and no accountability.
What to do: Never get into an unmarked car. Only use licensed taxis (turquoise green with roof light and 浙A·T plates) or Didi.
Using Didi to Call a Taxi
Didi is the safest and most convenient way to get a taxi in Hangzhou. The app shows your driver’s name, license plate, and real-time location. The route is GPS-tracked, and payment is handled through the app, eliminating scams.
How to use Didi for taxis:
- Download Didi (or use the Didi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat).
- Enter your destination in English — Didi’s map recognizes English place names and landmarks.
- Select the “Taxi” (出租车) option instead of “Express” (快车) if you specifically want a licensed taxi.
- Confirm the pickup location on the map and tap “Call Taxi.”
- The driver’s name, photo, license plate, and car model appear on screen.
- The meter runs as normal — you pay the metered fare through the app.
Advantages over street-hailing: No communication barrier (destination is sent to the driver’s GPS), GPS-tracked route, cashless payment, driver accountability through the rating system, and the ability to file complaints directly in the app.
Didi vs Taxi
| Feature | Didi Express | Street Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 10–20% cheaper (no fuel surcharge) | Metered + ¥1 surcharge |
| English interface | Yes (app) | Usually no |
| Payment | App/Alipay/WeChat | Cash/Alipay/WeChat |
| Availability | Always (surge pricing at peak) | Scarce in rain/peak hours |
| Route transparency | GPS tracked, route shown | Driver’s choice |
| Scam risk | Very low (tracked + rated) | Moderate (especially at tourist spots) |
| Luggage space | Varies by car type | Standard sedan trunk |
| Receipt | Digital in app | Paper receipt from meter |
When to choose a street taxi: When you are already at a taxi queue (airport, train station) and the line is short. When Didi shows surge pricing above 1.5x. When you need a paper receipt for business expenses.
When to choose Didi: Almost every other situation. Didi is safer, cheaper, and eliminates language barriers.
Night and Scenic Area Tips
Nighttime Taxi Tips
After 23:00, the 30% night surcharge applies. Taxis become scarcer after midnight, especially outside the city center. If you are leaving a bar or restaurant late, use Didi rather than waiting on the street — street taxis are rare and drivers may refuse short rides. Always sit in the back seat at night and note the license plate number.
Scenic Area Challenges
Getting a taxi FROM popular attractions can be frustrating, especially on weekends and holidays:
- West Lake (Hubin area): Taxis cannot stop along Hubin Road during peak hours. Walk to Yan’an Road or Jiefang Road to hail one, or use Didi.
- Lingyin Temple: The road to Lingyin is narrow and often gridlocked. Taxis may refuse to go there during peak hours. Take bus 7 or the West Lake scenic shuttle instead.
- Xixi Wetland: Taxis wait at the main entrance, but the queue can be 30+ minutes on weekends. Didi pickup works from the parking area.
- Songcheng: After the evening show ends (around 21:30), hundreds of visitors compete for a handful of taxis. Pre-book a Didi 15 minutes before the show ends.
Complaints and Rights
If you have a problem with a taxi, you have the right to file a complaint. Keep the paper receipt from the meter — it contains the taxi number, time, distance, and fare, which are essential for any complaint.
Complaint channels:
- Hangzhou Taxi Complaint Hotline: 0571-12328 (24 hours, Chinese only)
- Hangzhou 12345 Citizen Hotline: 0571-12345 (can handle English complaints through translation service)
- Didi app: File a complaint directly in the ride history section. Didi typically responds within 24 hours and may refund overcharges.
- Hotel concierge: Most 4-star and above hotels will help you file a complaint. This is often the easiest option for non-Chinese speakers.
Your rights as a passenger: Drivers must use the meter. Drivers cannot refuse a ride within the city limits. Drivers cannot charge more than the metered fare. You can request any route you prefer. You are entitled to a paper receipt.
FAQ
Should I tip taxi drivers?
No. Tipping is not expected or customary in China. If you round up the fare (e.g., pay ¥30 for a ¥28 meter), the driver will appreciate it, but it is entirely optional.
How much from the airport to the city center?
¥100–130 to West Lake area, ¥90–110 to Hangzhou East Station. The metered fare depends on exact destination and traffic. Avoid flat-rate offers from drivers — the meter is always cheaper.
Can I pay with a foreign credit card?
No. Taxis only accept cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. If you have not set up mobile payments, carry small bills. Some taxis now accept UnionPay QuickPass (闪付) with a Chinese bank card.
What if the driver gets lost?
Show them the address in Chinese on your phone. Baidu Maps and Amap both have a “navigate” feature that gives turn-by-turn-by-turn directions you can show the driver. If using Didi, the driver follows the in-app GPS automatically.