I am currently teaching english in a university in Hangzhou and I would recommend this place to anyone coming to China. I found Beijing to be such a hassle, people walking all over each other but this place is the total opposite. A big city where people on the street are actually really friendly and helpful, but then thats the general tone of the place. I think having the west lake in the middle of the city just calms everyone down because this is nothing like most other big Chinese cities. I highly reccomend Hangzhou to everyone. Lots of history, lots of culture and a really relaxed attitude in general make this a city you really have to take the time to see in my book.

Oh, but as with everywhere in China. Watch out for the traffic!