Hangzhou is a lakeside city where classical Chinese scenery meets a fast-growing tech hub. You will find peaceful temples, gardens, and waterways alongside lively neighbourhoods and modern architecture.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
The city centres on West Lake, with leafy promenades and historic sights ringing the water, while new districts showcase wide boulevards, creative spaces, and riverfront walks. Expect a relaxed yet energetic pace, with efficient transport and well-planned urban areas.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a stand-alone city break and a base for exploring eastern China, including nearby Shanghai and ancient water towns. Allow a few days to enjoy the lakeside sights, then add extra time for regional day trips.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll or cruise around West Lake to see causeways, stone bridges, and pavilions that inspired poets, artists, and garden designers for centuries.
Leifeng Pagoda
Climb or take a lift up this reconstructed pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake, the city skyline, and the surrounding hills.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Wander through courtyards and halls at Lingyin, then follow paths past ancient cliff carvings and forested slopes at nearby Feilai Peak.
Grand Canal waterfront
Explore historic stretches of the Grand Canal, where warehouses and wharves now host museums, riverside walks, and lively dining streets.
Tea terraces of Longjing
Head into the hills above the city to see neat rows of Dragon Well tea bushes, village lanes, and misty valley views.
Qinghefang Historic Street
Walk this restored old street lined with traditional façades, teahouses, and shops selling local snacks and crafts.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Take a boat or follow boardwalks through reed beds, quiet waterways, and village-style clusters inside this urban wetland reserve.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro network is the quickest way to cover longer distances, linking major stations, business districts, and the lakeside. For a different perspective, rent a bicycle or use bike-share paths around West Lake, then rely on buses or short taxi rides for the final stretch to your hotel or restaurant.
Local life & culture
Early mornings see locals practising exercise and music along the lakeshore, while evenings bring families and friends out to plazas and riverfront promenades. Traditional neighbourhoods mix teahouses and small workshops with contemporary galleries and performance spaces that showcase the city's creative side.
Where to unwind
Find quiet corners in lakeside parks or landscaped gardens around West Lake, especially at sunrise or near sunset, when the light is soft and the paths are calmer. Beyond the centre, hillside tea villages and wetland parks offer fresh air, gentle walking trails, and shady pavilions for a slower-paced break.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes such as lake fish, braised meats, and seasonal vegetables in streets near West Lake and Qinghefang, where small eateries and snack stalls sit side by side. Morning markets and side streets offer quick bites you can sample as you explore.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and newer business districts gather cafés, noodle shops, and pan-Asian restaurants under one roof, making it easy to try different flavours in a single visit. Smaller portions and shared plates mean you can sample several dishes with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
For elevated meals, choose restaurants with lake views, rooftop terraces, or riverfront settings that showcase Hangzhou's night lights. Many upscale venues pair regional cooking with thoughtful interior design for a memorable evening out.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central shopping centres combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and relaxed dining, creating all-day lifestyle hubs. You will find fashion, electronics, and homeware alongside leisure spaces and family-friendly facilities.
Markets & local crafts
Streets around Qinghefang and older canal-side districts are ideal for browsing local textiles, stationery, and tea-related gifts. Smaller boutiques and studios showcase regional crafts, from paper goods to ceramics and calligraphy supplies.
Evening retail scene
After dark, lakeside promenades and busy commercial streets glow with illuminated shopfronts and relaxed crowds. Night-time markets and late-opening malls stay accessible thanks to frequent metro services and plentiful taxis.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) is mild and often clear, with average temperatures around 12–22°C (54–72°F) as flowers bloom around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, typically 24–33°C (75–91°F), with lush greenery and occasional showers. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) brings comfortable days of about 13–23°C (55–73°F) and calmer crowds, while winter (December to February, low season) is cool and crisp, averaging 3–10°C (37–50°F), with a quieter, misty atmosphere over the lake.