Get Around Hangzhou by Bus

Hangzhou has an extensive bus networks, and bus schedules, routes, and on-board announcements are all in Chinese. Hangzhou taxis are pretty expensive in China, and using the public bus system will save you money.

There are a number of bus types:

• Routes without a letter prefix generally have no air conditioning (though there are some exceptions, like route 900), and should therefor be avoided May-September. They are heated during the winter. These generally cost ¥1-2.

• Routes with a "K" prefix are air-conditioned May-September, and heated December-February. These cost ¥2-3, except when both the AC and heat are off, during which time the fare is halved.

• Routes with a "Y" prefix are designated tourist buses, and will take you to or from a tourist destination for ¥3-5. Use Google Maps to check whether your bus drives to your desired direction.

• Routes with a "B" prefix are part of the new Bus Rapid Transit system. These are articulated buses that stop at dedicated BRT stations, which allow you to transfer to other "B" routes without paying an additional fare. The fare of ¥4 is paid on entering the station. These buses are roomier than the usual municipal buses, but are not much more rapid.

• Night routes (which have blue signs and are numbered K2xx) are ¥2.5. Most start running at 9PM and end around 6AM.

For those arriving in Hangzhou by train, note that bus K7 goes from the Hangzhou Rail Station to the West Lake for ¥1.

Fares can be paid in cash (coins or bills, no change given), by using a dedicated bus card, or by tapping the same card used to rent bikes (see below). The fare will be displayed in Western numerals on the bus stop and on the farebox. Some buses just have metal boxes besides the driver where you throw in the money. It seems that nobody really checks how many coins you throw in there, they just trust that you know the fare.

You are expected to board via the front doors and leave through the rear (with the exception of the B routes). Buses have very little empty space even when they are not full (which is not common) so do not plan on bringing baby strollers or other cumbersome items. Be prepared at all times for fast turns and/or deceleration. The suspension usually is not up to modern standards, and the drivers are aggressive.

from wikitravel