Qianjiang New City (钱江新城), often called Uptown or the CBD, is Hangzhou's modern face: glass towers along the Qiantang River, the Hangzhou Grand Theatre, the Citizen Center and the light shows on the waterfront in the evening.
Who it suits
- Professionals working in the offices of the CBD.
- Couples and singles who want restaurants, bars and malls on their doorstep.
- Short-term residents: this is where many of Hangzhou's serviced apartments are. See short-term rentals in Hangzhou.
Daily life
- Shopping and dining: large malls such as Raffles City and MixC, international supermarkets and plenty of restaurants.
- Riverside: parks and promenades along the Qiantang River.
- Metro: Citizen Center station is served by Lines 2 and 4, with other lines nearby, so West Lake and the railway stations are easy to reach.
Homes and rents
| Home | Approx. monthly rent |
|---|---|
| 1BR apartment | ¥6,000–10,000 |
| 2BR apartment | ¥10,000–20,000 |
| Serviced apartment, 1–2BR | ¥12,000–25,000 |
Approximate figures for autumn 2026. High floors with river views cost the most.
Things to know
- It is the priciest area in Hangzhou; for more space for the money, look across the river in Binjiang.
- Buildings are tall: check the lifts at rush hour and the noise from main roads.
- Weekday evenings are lively near the malls and quieter in purely residential streets.
Compare all districts in the best areas to live in Hangzhou and plan your budget with our cost of living guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Qianjiang New City?
Qianjiang New City is Hangzhou's central business district on the north bank of the Qiantang River, with offices, malls, serviced apartments and the Hangzhou Grand Theatre.
How much is rent in Qianjiang New City?
A furnished two-bedroom apartment costs roughly ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 a month. It is the most expensive area to rent in Hangzhou.
Which metro station serves Qianjiang New City?
Citizen Center station on Lines 2 and 4 is in the heart of the CBD, and other lines stop nearby.