Hangzhou has a rich and varied cultural life. Details of upcoming events are listed in the free monthly city magazine: More Hangzhou and InTouch Zhejiang, and the free Hangzhou Weekly newspaper (published each Monday).

The Hangzhou Theatre, 360 Tiyuchang Road (tel: (571) 8517 8435) provides a full calendar of theatre, dance and music. Zhejiang Concert Hall, 31 Shuguang Road (tel: (571) 8552 3177) offers regular classical concerts by Chinese and international musicians, while Dongpo Opera House, 7 Dongpo Road (tel: (571) 8708 4803) has nightly performances of historic regional and national operas. Red Star Theatre, 280 South Jianguo Road (tel: (571) 878 5135) is the place to see and experience Shaoxing opera, which heralds from the historic nearby canal-side town of Shaoxing.

Hanzghou UME International Cinema, 4/F, West Town Plaza, 551 West Wen'er Road (tel: (571) 8810 0999) shows international releases and Chinese blockbusters.