Flights from Penang (PEN) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic lakeside scenery, leafy hills, and elegant skyline, offering a calm yet cosmopolitan escape in eastern China. You can explore classical gardens and waterfront promenades while still enjoying the comforts of a modern, well-connected city.

What to expect
The city centres on the famed West Lake area, where tree-lined paths, historic bridges, and refined teahouses sit close to contemporary museums and cultural venues. Away from the waterfront, you will find lively business districts, creative zones, and residential neighbourhoods that show Hangzhou’s fast-growing tech and innovation scene.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short city break and a base for exploring surrounding hills and tea-growing villages. With high-speed rail and regional links, it also serves as a convenient gateway to other destinations in the Yangtze River Delta, making it easy to add to a wider itinerary.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this iconic lake, known for its peaceful causeways, ornamental bridges, and classic waterfront views.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up this reconstructed historic tower for sweeping panoramas over West Lake and the surrounding city.

Longjing Tea Village

Visit terraced tea fields on the outskirts of the city to learn about local tea culture and enjoy views of green hillsides.

Hefang Street

Walk this traditional-style pedestrian street lined with old façades, snack stalls, and shops selling regional souvenirs.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Explore wooden boardwalks and tranquil waterways in this protected wetland, with boat rides and birdlife to spot along the way.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

See part of the historic canal system with riverside promenades, museums, and evening illuminations along the water.

Qinghefang Historic District

Discover preserved streetscapes, small museums, and traditional houses that reflect Hangzhou’s historic trading past.

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

Enjoy landscaped gardens, seasonal flowers, and shaded walking paths just a short distance from West Lake.

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 licensed taxis fill in the gaps, while cycling paths and public bike-share schemes offer a scenic way to follow the lakeside or canal.

Local life & culture
Around West Lake and in neighbourhoods like Hefang Street, you can see how historic streets blend with modern cafés, galleries, and small cultural venues. Creative zones housed in former industrial buildings showcase design studios and exhibition spaces, giving you a sense of the city’s contemporary energy.

Where to unwind
Parks around West Lake, Xixi National Wetland Park, and quiet hill paths near tea villages provide easy escapes into nature. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for walks, lakeside photo stops, or a slow visit to a teahouse with views of the water and greenery.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, lightly seasoned dishes that highlight local river fish, fresh vegetables, and regional snacks. Around Hefang Street and smaller side alleys, you will find stalls and small eateries serving quick bites that are easy to sample as you explore.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and newer commercial districts feature plenty of casual restaurants and cafés offering both local flavours and international choices. Menus often focus on sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can try a variety of dishes with friends or family during one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake, the Grand Canal, or a hillside tea plantation just outside the centre. Many venues combine refined interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows or terraces, allowing you to enjoy the city’s natural scenery while you dine.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls close to the city centre host international fashion brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and dining floors under one roof. These air-conditioned hubs are popular places to meet friends, browse new collections, and take a break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For local crafts and independent labels, explore streets around Hefang Street, Qinghefang Historic District, and creative industrial areas. Here you can discover calligraphy supplies, textiles, design pieces, and small studios that showcase work by local makers.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some pedestrian zones light up with colourful signage and extended opening hours. Night-time strolls through these districts pair easily with a relaxed dinner, and you can reach most popular areas quickly using the metro or taxis.

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. Light showers are possible, but the soft colours and comfortable temperatures make this a pleasant time for walking and photography.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot days, typically 26–33°C (79–91°F), with higher humidity and occasional showers. This is a lively period, with long daylight hours to enjoy boat trips, evening strolls by the lake, and shaded garden visits when you plan your outings for mornings and evenings.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is usually clear and crisp, around 18–25°C (64–77°F), with colourful foliage around the hills, while winter can dip to 3–10°C (37–50°F). Cooler months mean quieter attractions, misty lake views, and a calm atmosphere that suits slower-paced city and countryside walks.

Frequently Asked Questions