Hangzhou blends serene lakeside scenery with a fast-growing tech and business scene. You find classical gardens, leafy hills, and historic streets set beside modern towers and wide boulevards.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
The city centres on West Lake, with promenades, causeways, and temples surrounded by teahouses and neighbourhoods. Further out, new districts offer contemporary architecture, exhibition centres, and major transport links.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou is an easy base for exploring eastern China, with fast rail and road links to Shanghai and nearby cities. Plan time for both the lakeside highlights and the newer districts where many hotels and offices sit.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake, crossing stone bridges and tree-lined causeways while enjoying views of pagodas and distant hills.
Leifeng Pagoda
Climb or take the lift to the top of this historic pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake and the surrounding city skyline.
Lingyin Temple Scenic Area
Explore one of Hangzhou s most famous temple complexes, set among forested hills and dramatic stone grotto carvings.
Hefang Street
Walk this restored old street for traditional facades, tea shops, and stalls selling local snacks and regional handicrafts.
Longjing tea village
Visit the tea fields in the hills above the city to see tea bushes on terraced slopes and stop at a local teahouse for a tasting.
Grand Canal area
Discover museums and preserved warehouses along the historic canal, then take a short boat ride to see Hangzhou from the water.
Xixi Wetland Park
Cruise through waterways and boardwalks in this protected wetland, a calm escape with traditional houses and small islands.
Experience Hangzhou s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Hangzhou s metro and buses for most journeys across the city, especially between West Lake, business districts, and the railway stations. For scenic views, choose a lakeside bike or electric scooter ride, and rely on metered taxis or ride-hailing for the last stretch to your hotel or meeting.
Local life & culture
Early mornings bring locals out to exercise, practise tai chi, or play music by West Lake s promenades. In older streets and parks you see card games, calligraphy, and social dancing, while creative districts showcase galleries, design studios, and performance spaces.
Where to unwind
Unwind with a quiet walk at West Lake around sunrise or near sunset, when the light over the water is soft and the paths are less busy. For more greenery, head to the surrounding tea hills or wetlands, where shaded paths and waterways offer a slower pace.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes such as braised dishes, freshwater fish, and light broths in streets around Hefang Street and the lakeside lanes. Smaller eateries and stalls serve steamed buns, pancakes, and seasonal snacks well into the evening.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around new business districts and major malls you find relaxed restaurants serving regional Chinese cuisines alongside Japanese, Korean, and Western options. Menus often feature shareable plates, so you can sample several flavours in one meal when dining with family, colleagues, or friends.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special setting, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake or perched in the nearby hills, where large windows frame the water and city lights. Hotel restaurants and refined teahouses pair carefully prepared courses with views that feel particularly atmospheric at dusk.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou is home to large malls that combine international fashion brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These lifestyle centres are popular meeting points, with cafes and restaurants spread across several floors.
Markets & local crafts
Hefang Street and nearby lanes are good for tea, silk items, paper fans, and small handicrafts, while other older neighbourhoods feature independent boutiques. Venture into side streets to find studios selling calligraphy, ceramics, and design pieces.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy shopping streets and some markets stay open with bright lights, snack stalls, and a relaxed atmosphere. Metro lines and frequent buses make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel later in the evening.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with blooming trees and comfortable walking conditions by West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, around 24–33°C (75–91°F), with occasional heavy showers and lively evening activity outdoors. Autumn and winter (October to February, low season) range from cool to cold, roughly 3–18°C (37–64°F), offering clearer skies, fewer crowds, and atmospheric misty views over the lake and hills.