I feel this place is quite ok, as a northern Chinese citizen, for the following reasons:

1. Not far from Shanghai. Can take a high speed train to Shanghai when social events come up or take an international flight.
2. Not far from other mega cities. Instead of Beijing or Shenzhen, Hangzhou is in the middle so flights won’t take too long to get to those cities if you need to pay a visit.
3. Lower expense, especially in renting.
4. International people have an ok existence and you’ll be able to find some friends if you prefer such communities.
5. The government services are efficient. Police are usually friendly, except for immigration bureau.
6. The weather is acceptable. Winter can be humid but at least there is a change in seasons.

I hate Hangzhou for the local food… I really dislike it.

Edit: the air quality is poor compared to Europe for sure…

I feel this place is quite ok, as a northern Chinese citizen, for the following reasons:

1. Not far from Shanghai. Can take a high speed train to Shanghai when social events come up or take an international flight.
2. Not far from other mega cities. Instead of Beijing or Shenzhen, Hangzhou is in the middle so flights won’t take too long to get to those cities if you need to pay a visit.
3. Lower expense, especially in renting.
4. International people have an ok existence and you’ll be able to find some friends if you prefer such communities.
5. The government services are efficient. Police are usually friendly, except for immigration bureau.
6. The weather is acceptable. Winter can be humid but at least there is a change in seasons.

I hate Hangzhou for the local food… I really dislike it.

Used to use VPN of my Spotify country and it works

If you meet the following criteria, you are entitled to 144 h visa free policy to China. Assuming you fly to Chengdu directly.

• Carry a valid international travel document.
• For travelers entering through most ports under the transit visa-free policy, the visa-free stay period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry. If the port is marked with “*”, the visa-free stay period is calculated from the day of entry. [53]
• Hold a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country (region) departing within 144 hours from entry.
• Enter and exit from the same port and must not leave the specified activity area.

You can stay in these cities: Chengdu City, Leshan City, Deyang City, Suining City, Meishan City, Ya’an City, Ziyang City, Neijiang City, Zigong City, Luzhou City, Yibin City.

For foreigners entering the country through the 72-hour (or 144-hour) visa-free transit policy and needing to extend their stay or travel to areas beyond the specified activity range, they must apply for a visa through the local immigration authorities.

Source

Tinder works great in most big cities in China, but you do need a reliable solution during your stay. Can DM me for assistance on that if you plan to come.