Flights from Barcelona (BCN) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its tranquil lakeside scenery, leafy hills, and elegant urban districts along the banks of the Qiantang River. You will find a calm, polished city where classic vistas sit alongside dynamic tech zones and modern cultural venues.

What to expect
At the heart of Hangzhou is the famed West Lake, ringed by promenades, gardens, and tree-lined causeways, with the city unfolding around it. Beyond the waterfront, you will encounter stylish shopping streets, contemporary museums, and business areas that give the city a confident, forward-looking feel.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short city break and a base for exploring Zhejiang province, with high-speed rail links to nearby cities. From here, you can combine lakeside walks and tea-growing hills with visits to nearby coastal towns and inland mountain landscapes.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll along the causeways, take a boat ride, and enjoy classic views of pagodas, bridges, and willow-lined shores.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride the lift to the viewing platforms for sweeping panoramas over West Lake and the surrounding city skyline.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore forested paths, dramatic rock formations, and historic stone carvings set against a lush hillside backdrop.

Longjing Tea Fields

Wander through terraced tea plantations in the hills above the city and learn about the region's celebrated green tea.

Hefang Street

Walk this restored historic street lined with traditional-style shopfronts, snacks, and local crafts in the old quarter.

Qiantang River Embankment

Enjoy wide riverside promenades, open views, and an evening atmosphere as the lights come up along the water.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat through calm waterways and reed beds in this large urban wetland reserve on the city's edge.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Discover the canal-side paths, bridges, and converted warehouses along this historic waterway that links to northern China.

Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou's metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances between the lakefront, business districts, and railway stations. Buses and taxis help you reach residential neighbourhoods, while shared bikes are ideal for short rides along the lake. For the last kilometre, walking often gives the best sense of place.

Local life & culture
Life in Hangzhou often centres on the water, from morning walks by West Lake to relaxed evenings along canal-side streets. Creative districts blend studios and cafés in converted industrial spaces, while newer neighbourhoods feature modern towers and landscaped parks. You will notice a calm pace, with plenty of corners to sit and watch local routines.

Where to unwind
You can find quiet moments in lakeside gardens, on shaded paths in the surrounding hills, or in the broad riverside parks along the Qiantang River. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for walking or cycling. In warmer months, tree-lined avenues and waterfront promenades offer breezy spots to pause and enjoy the views.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicately prepared dishes that highlight freshwater fish, seasonal vegetables, and tea-infused flavours. Around the old town and streets near West Lake, you will find small eateries and snack stalls serving local favourites and regional specialities in relaxed settings.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In popular commercial districts and large shopping malls, you can choose from local restaurants, pan-Asian eateries, and international chains in one place. Food courts and casual venues make it easy to try different flavours in a single meal, with smaller portions that invite you to sample a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants with views over West Lake, hilltop venues, or riverfront dining rooms that showcase the city lights after dark. Many hotels offer refined dining with picture windows framing the water or skyline, turning lunch or dinner into a relaxed way to take in Hangzhou's scenery.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou has several large shopping malls where you will find international fashion labels, technology stores, and lifestyle brands alongside cinemas and family attractions. These complexes often sit close to metro stations, becoming convenient meeting spots for browsing, eating, and spending an afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Historic streets and smaller commercial lanes are the places to look for traditional crafts, tea, and contemporary local designers. Areas around Hefang Street, Wulin Square, and parts of the Grand Canal corridor bring together boutiques, specialty shops, and small studios with a distinctly local character.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, brightly lit shopping streets and open-air plazas create a lively evening atmosphere, with many stores and cafés staying open late. Night-time strolls through these districts combine window shopping with people-watching. Well-connected metro and bus routes make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring in Hangzhou (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blossoming trees around West Lake, ideal for relaxed walks and boat rides. Light layers work well as temperatures can shift between cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons.

Summer by the lake (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F) and lush green hillsides. Occasional showers refresh the air, and long daylight hours give you more time to enjoy evening strolls by the water and riverside parks.

Autumn and winter (October to February, low season) range from crisp days around 10–18°C (50–64°F) in October and November to cooler conditions near 5–10°C (41–50°F) in mid-winter. Clear days offer calm views of the lake and hills, and the city feels quieter, making sightseeing feel unhurried and spacious.

Frequently Asked Questions