Flights from Medan (KNO) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its serene lakeside scenery, classical gardens, and a gentle pace that contrasts with China’s megacities. You can expect willow-lined shores, traditional teahouses, and leafy hills framing a liveable and welcoming city.

What to expect
Most visits revolve around West Lake, an area of promenades, causeways, and islands that feels peaceful yet close to the modern city. Beyond the waterfront, you will find tree-covered tea plantations, contemporary districts, and museums that share the region’s long history of craftsmanship and trade.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou is an easy introduction to eastern China and a good base for exploring the wider Zhejiang region. With fast rail links to nearby cities, you can combine lakeside walks with wider journeys, then return each evening to a calm and comfortable urban retreat.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this UNESCO-listed lake, crossing historic bridges and taking in classic views of pagodas and tree-lined shores.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift to upper levels of this landmark tower for sweeping views over West Lake and the surrounding cityscape.

Longjing tea fields

Visit the hillside plantations near Longjing village to see neatly terraced tea bushes and learn about the area’s famous green tea heritage.

Hefang Street

Walk this historic street to browse traditional snacks, handicraft shops, and preserved architecture from an earlier trading era.

China National Tea Museum

Explore exhibitions set among greenery that explain the history, cultivation, and culture of tea across different regions of China.

Xixi Wetland Park

Take a boat or follow boardwalks through this scenic urban wetland with waterways, reed beds, and traditional-style buildings.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

See the southern end of the ancient waterway, where renovated warehouses and quayside paths bring canal history to life.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances between the lake, business districts, and transport hubs. Around West Lake, walking and cycling are ideal for enjoying the scenery, while taxis and ride-hailing apps help with late-evening returns to your hotel.

Local life & culture
Life here moves at a measured pace, with many residents spending their free time along the lakeside promenades and in neighbourhood parks. Older streets showcase traditional courtyard architecture, while newer quarters feature galleries and cultural venues that blend the city’s history with a more contemporary creative scene.

Where to unwind
The lakeshore paths are at their calmest in the early morning and early evening, when the light softens and reflections dance on the water. Beyond the centre, hillside tea villages and wetland parks offer easy walks and fresh air, giving you simple ways to reset between days of sightseeing.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for light, delicate flavours that highlight fresh river fish, seasonal vegetables, and local tea. Around Hefang Street and neighbourhood markets, you can sample small bites and regional dishes that pair well with leisurely walks along nearby historic lanes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In commercial districts and shopping malls, you will find convenient restaurants serving a mix of Hangzhou classics and wider Chinese favourites. Many venues offer compact portions or set menus, making it easy to try several dishes in one meal and share different flavours at your table.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants near the lakefront or tucked among the tea fields, where large windows frame water or hillside views. An evening table overlooking West Lake is especially atmospheric, combining calm scenery with carefully prepared local cuisine.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s main shopping centres combine international brands, local labels, and plenty of dining, making them comfortable places to spend an afternoon. These lifestyle hubs often include cinemas and family-friendly facilities, so everyone can find something to enjoy between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Historic streets such as Hefang Street and nearby lanes feature small shops selling tea, snacks, and regional handicrafts. In other older neighbourhoods, you can browse boutiques that highlight local designers and makers, picking up thoughtful souvenirs with a strong sense of place.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets glow with illuminated signs and a steady flow of people enjoying cooler temperatures. Some districts offer later opening hours, so you can combine an evening walk with browsing and a relaxed meal, using the metro or taxis to return to your accommodation with ease.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake and the tea fields. Occasional showers keep the landscape lush, and the season is well suited to relaxed walks and gentle sightseeing.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with temperatures often around 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is a lively period, with longer daylight hours and plenty of activity on the lakeside promenades, making it ideal if you enjoy vibrant city atmospheres and late-evening strolls.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is comfortably cool, around 18–24°C (64–75°F), with clear days that highlight the colours around the lake. Winter is colder, often 4–10°C (39–50°F), but the quieter paths, misty mornings, and calmer attractions offer a peaceful, reflective side to the city.

Frequently Asked Questions