Flights from Phuket (HKT) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its calm lakeside scenery, classical gardens, and long tradition of tea culture. The city offers a relaxed, scenic atmosphere where you can balance quiet walks by the water with easy access to modern districts and business hubs.

What to expect
You can expect leafy boulevards, waterfront promenades, and a mix of historic streets and contemporary architecture. Popular areas blend lakeside parks, museums, and cafés, while the wider city offers technology zones, exhibition centres, and residential neighbourhoods with an easy-going pace.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short getaway and a base for exploring the surrounding region. With convenient connections to nearby cities by rail and road, you can combine a stay here with wider journeys across eastern China while enjoying the city as your comfortable home base.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake, taking in causeways, pavilions, and ever-changing views across the water.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up for panoramic views over West Lake and the surrounding city skyline.

Hefang Street

Explore a lively pedestrian street lined with traditional façades, snack stalls, and souvenir shops.

Longjing tea villages

Visit hillside tea fields near Longjing to see how famous local tea is grown and enjoy green valley views.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat ride or walk wooden boardwalks through a landscape of waterways, reeds, and historic residences.

Hangzhou Grand Canal area

Discover quieter canalside paths, small museums, and warehouses converted into creative and dining spaces.

Qiantang Riverfront

Head to the riverside promenades for wide-open views, modern bridges, and an evening stroll among local residents.

Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Public buses and the metro network are the easiest way to move between lakeside sights, business districts, and residential areas. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used, while bicycles and shared bikes give you a scenic way to explore around West Lake.

Local life & culture
Life in Hangzhou often centres on the water, from lakeside paths to quiet canal-side streets. Locals enjoy slow walks, outdoor music, and gathering in neighbourhood squares, especially in the cooler hours. You will also notice a strong café and teahouse culture, with many people meeting friends over drinks.

Where to unwind
Parks and waterfront promenades offer plenty of space to sit, read, or simply enjoy the view. West Lake is especially peaceful in the early morning and at dusk, when the light is soft and the paths are less crowded. On warmer days, shaded gardens and wetland boardwalks provide a refreshing break from the city streets.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for light, delicate flavours and dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Around older neighbourhoods and popular streets, you will find snacks such as filled buns, small plates, and local noodles that are easy to try while you explore.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new business districts collect a wide choice of casual eateries, cafés, and bakeries. Menus often feature local dishes alongside wider Asian and international favourites, so you can mix and match smaller portions and share plates when dining with friends or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake or set within a garden-style complex. Some venues pair carefully presented regional cuisine with views of the water, bridges, or greenery, turning a simple dinner into a relaxed, scenic experience.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping malls across the city bring together international brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These complexes are comfortable places to combine shopping, dining, and a break from the weather, especially in the hottest or coolest months.

Markets & local crafts
In traditional streets and smaller shopping areas, you can browse for tea, textiles, and locally inspired crafts. Districts near the lake and historic lanes are good places to find gifts, from decorative items to everyday accessories that reflect regional design.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some pedestrian streets and riverfront areas stay lively with illuminated shopfronts and extended opening hours. Night-time strolls let you enjoy cooler temperatures while you browse, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F). Trees and flowers around West Lake and local parks start to bloom, creating soft colours and comfortable conditions for walking, cycling, and taking boat rides.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with averages of 24–33°C (75–91°F). This is a lively time with long daylight hours, ideal for evening walks by the water and enjoying shaded gardens. Light clothing and regular breaks in air-conditioned cafés help you stay comfortable.

Autumn and winter (qiu & dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn brings clear days and pleasant temperatures of about 15–25°C (59–77°F), while winter is cooler, around 3–10°C (37–50°F). The air feels crisp, the scenery takes on softer tones, and quieter paths and attractions make exploring calm and unhurried.

Frequently Asked Questions