San Jose to Hangzhou (SJC–HGH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

US passport holders can enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days under a temporary policy running through December 31, 2026. This covers tourism, business visits, and transit. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

For stays beyond 30 days, a standard visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate is required before departure. Separate 144-hour and 72-hour visa-free transit programs exist at select airports for travelers continuing to a third country.

Metro Line 7 connects the airport to the city. Transfer to Line 1 or Line 2 for most central destinations including the West Lake area; total journey 60–80 minutes (¥7–10). Operating hours: 6am to 11pm.Taxis to the city centre cost ¥70–110 (metered). DiDi ride-hailing is cheaper and convenient. Airport shuttle coaches (¥20–30) run fixed routes to major hotels. Car rental is available at the terminal. Hangzhou is a 45-minute high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao if connecting overland.

Humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and extremely humid (30–38°C) with heavy monsoon rainfall June through September. Thunderstorms and the Meiyu (plum rain) season in June cause regular delays. Typhoons from the South China Sea occasionally affect the region in August–September.

Winters are cold but rarely severe (0–8°C) with occasional frost and light snow. Spring (April–May) is rainy and foggy, which can reduce runway visibility. October and November are the most pleasant and reliable for travel.