Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its classical lakeside scenery, leafy hills, and historic streets that blend tradition with a fast-evolving city. You will find serene waterfront views, tea plantations on nearby slopes, and a modern downtown that feels both dynamic and relaxed.

What to expect
The heart of Hangzhou centres on West Lake, surrounded by promenades, pavilions, and gardens that invite slow walks and cycling. Beyond the waterfront, new districts feature high-rise skylines, shopping complexes, and a growing tech scene, giving you a mix of heritage neighbourhoods and contemporary city life.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a standalone city break and a base for exploring the wider Zhejiang region. High-speed rail and road links connect you to nearby water towns and coastal areas, while the city’s compact core makes it easy to experience lakeside landmarks in just a few days.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake, with causeways, gardens, and viewpoints that showcase Hangzhou’s classic waterside scenery.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up to this hilltop pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake and the surrounding city skyline.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore a wooded valley of cliffs, grottoes, and historic structures set among tranquil forest paths.

Longjing Tea Plantations

Walk through terraced tea fields on the hills above the city and learn about the origins of famous local green tea.

Hefang Street

Wander a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional facades, snack stalls, and shops selling local products.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the canal-side promenades and museums along this ancient waterway, where old warehouses and bridges frame the riverscape.

Xixi Wetland Park

Take a gentle boat ride or follow boardwalks through a network of waterways, reeds, and small islands rich in birdlife.

Qianjiang New Town

Admire contemporary architecture and evening light displays along the Qiantang River in Hangzhou’s modern business district.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Hangzhou using the metro for most cross-city journeys and buses or taxis for shorter hops. Bicycles and shared bikes are popular along West Lake and in scenic areas, while walking is often the best way to explore historic streets and lakeside paths.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hangzhou often revolves around time by the water, from morning strolls along the lake to quiet moments in neighbourhood parks. Traditional tea culture sits alongside a growing creative scene, with galleries, bookshops, and design spaces appearing in converted industrial buildings and older districts.

Where to unwind
For a break from the city grid, you can head to West Lake’s quieter corners at sunrise or dusk, or escape to the tea hills that ring the western suburbs. Wetland parks, riverside promenades, and tree-lined boulevards provide calm spaces for gentle walks and jogging, especially in the early morning and evening.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou cuisine is known for its light, seasonal flavours, often highlighting river fish, vegetables, and local tea. Around Hefang Street and lakeside neighbourhoods, you will find street-side stalls and small eateries serving regional classics alongside simple snacks and pastries.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In downtown malls and new commercial districts, casual restaurants offer everything from noodles and dumplings to pan-Asian and international options. Many venues serve smaller sharing plates, making it easy for you to sample a variety of dishes in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, lakeside restaurants and hotels offer dining rooms with views over West Lake or the surrounding hills. In the city’s newer business districts, elevated venues and rooftop spaces pair contemporary menus with river panoramas, giving you a refined backdrop for special occasions or relaxed evening gatherings.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central districts of Hangzhou feature large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining floors. These complexes are popular meeting places where you can combine browsing, a meal, and entertainment in a single visit.

Markets & local crafts
For more local character, side streets near Hefang Street and other older quarters showcase handicrafts, tea, and regional products. Creative clusters and revitalised industrial areas also host boutiques and studios where you can discover contemporary designs made in Hangzhou.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and riverside promenades provide a lively atmosphere for window-shopping and relaxed strolling. Some commercial blocks stay busy into the evening, with shops, cafes, and snack stands open late, and you can reach many of these districts easily by metro or bus.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring blossom season (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with temperatures around 12–22°C (54–72°F). Trees and flowers bloom around West Lake and in parks, creating soft colours and comfortable conditions for walking, cycling, and boat trips on the water.

Summer lakeside season (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, often humid days, with average temperatures of 24–32°C (75–90°F). Longer daylight hours mean more time to enjoy evening strolls by the lake, riverside light displays, and cooler breezes on boat rides and hilltop viewpoints.

Autumn and winter calm (October to February, low season)
Autumn is pleasantly cool, often 10–22°C (50–72°F), with clearer skies and colourful foliage in parks and tea fields. Winter is colder, around 2–10°C (36–50°F), but the quieter atmosphere and misty lake views offer a peaceful backdrop for sightseeing and city walks.

Frequently Asked Questions