Chinese New Year, Jan-Feb, China's largest national celebration is celebrated with fervour across the city
China Cartoon and Animation Festival, Apr, annual event showcasing the best in China's cartoon industry (website: www.ccif.com.cn/eng)
Dragon Well Tea Festival, Apr-May, a popular celebration of the harvest and sale of the new season's Longjing tea crop
West Lake Lotus Festival, Jul-Aug, the blossoming of China's favourite aquatic flower heralds a carpet of colour across the lake and a month-long festival of music, dance and floral exhibitions
Qiantang Tide Watching Festival, mid-Sept, for around 20 days in September the unique spectacle of the Qiangtan River's rapturous tidal flows galvanises the city
China National Day, 1 Oct, the culmination of the mid-Autumn Festival, brings Hangzhouvians onto the street to celebrate the founding of the People's Republic of China
West Lake International Fireworks Show, mid-Oct, the famous lake is lit up night after night in a spectacular fireworks display
West Lake Expo, Nov, Hangzhou's headline tourism and business exhibition features events, displays and processions across the city
Hangzhou China Gourmet Food Festival, Nov, Hangzhouvians are rightly proud of their varied local fare, one of China's tastiest and most diverse cuisines