Hangzhou to London (HGH–LHR) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Chinese passport holders need a Standard Visitor visa to enter the UK. Apply online through gov.uk and book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in China. The 6-month visa costs GBP 115. Longer options: 2-year visa is GBP 400, 5-year is GBP 771, 10-year is GBP 963. Processing takes 3 weeks as standard. Priority service (5 business days) costs an extra GBP 500. Super Priority (next business day) costs GBP 1,000 where available.

You will need a completed online form, passport valid for the duration of your stay, financial documents (6 months of bank statements), proof of accommodation, return flight booking, and evidence of ties to China. Employment letters and payslips are expected for employed applicants. Unlike Schengen, the UK does not require travel insurance as part of the application.

The UK is not part of the Schengen area. A Schengen visa does not allow entry to the UK and vice versa. You need separate applications if visiting both.

Hangzhou Metro Line 7 serves the airport, connecting to central Hangzhou (West Lake area via transfer) in 60–80 minutes (¥7–10). The airport metro station opened in 2021. Trains operate from around 6am to 11pm.The airport is 30km southeast of central Hangzhou. Taxis cost ¥70–110 and take 40–60 minutes via the expressway. Airport shuttle buses (¥20–30) serve major hotels and the city centre. Ride-hailing (DiDi) is widely used.

Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes to Paddington (15 min, £25). Piccadilly line is slower (50–60 min) but £5.50 with Oyster. National Express coaches serve all terminals from Victoria (60–90 min, £6–10). Black cabs cost £50–90 to central London depending on traffic and time of day.

Mild maritime climate. Summers average 18–23°C with long daylight hours. Winters are 2–7°C, rarely below freezing. Rain is frequent year-round but rarely heavy. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of season. Fog can disrupt flights November through February.