Hello from Germany !
I am in the planning stage for a short visit of -maybe- 5 or 6 days to Hangzhou when coming to Shanghai. So: every help from your side is very much appreciated !!!
First: I'll HAVE to go between October 2nd and 12th.I know this might be tricky. Furthermore I do not speak Chinese. Will there be a chance to obtain train tickets for me with this handicap ?
Second: I would like to find a decent place to stay VERY close to the lake. Any suggestions for hotels ???
Looking forward to China, again and hoping for your help !

Wuuu...they call Hangzhou is the heaven. So dude you will be in the heaven. No tears. As to you can't speak mandarin aspect,hmmm......guess you need to follow with some travel agency??! but it's okay,if you really can't express yourself just use your hand language.That's helpful.about train ticket, you can buy a handbook to learn to how to speak conversational talk instantly or bring a note book to draw a picture to show the booking office where you wanna go. If have no idea how Hangzhou looks like just google one.then you even no need to draw. enjoy~

1. it is not easy for you to obtain train tickets because there are so many kinds of tickets available, im sure you will be puzzled.

2. 1> Ramada Plaza Hangzhou Haihua Hotel
100m away from the lake
Standard Room : RMB 588/pp no breakfast

2> Quailty Business Hotel
1000m away from the lake
RMB 258/pp for standard room and involved breakfast

3> Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel
300m away from lake
RMB 1366/pp

3. if u need any other help, call me or text me, i will help u.
my mobile is in ur mailbox.