Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its tranquil lakeside scenery, leafy hills, and waterways that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. You will find a city where classical landscapes and modern urban life blend in a calm, inviting way.

What to expect
Most visits revolve around West Lake, with its causeways, gardens, and teahouses, as well as the surrounding hillsides dotted with tea terraces and viewpoints. The city centre offers wide boulevards, contemporary architecture, and a growing technology scene that gives Hangzhou a dynamic yet relaxed atmosphere.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou is an easy city to explore in a few days, but it also works as a base for discovering nearby water towns and scenic countryside. With efficient rail links and a busy airport, it sits on a well-connected corridor that makes it a natural gateway to the wider Yangtze River Delta region.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this famous lake to enjoy classic bridges, pavilions, and willow-lined shores framed by gentle hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift up this lakeside pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake and the city skyline beyond.

Lingyin scenic area

Explore forested paths, cliffs, and ancient stone carvings in a lush valley just outside the urban centre.

Longjing tea plantations

Walk through terraced tea fields in the hills above the lake and learn about the region’s renowned green tea heritage.

Grand Canal district

Visit historic canal-side warehouses and lanes that showcase Hangzhou’s long-standing role in trade and river transport.

Qianjiang New Town riverside

Take an evening walk along the Qiantang River promenade, with modern architecture and colourful night-time illuminations.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored old street lined with traditional façades, snack stalls, and shops selling regional products.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network and buses are the most efficient way to move between the lake, city centre, and newer districts. Around West Lake, walking and cycling give you a slower, scenic perspective, while short taxi or ride-hailing trips work well for late-night returns.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hangzhou often revolves around time spent by the water, in lakeside parks, or over a long cup of tea. Neighbourhoods close to the lake feel relaxed and leafy, while newer districts by the river showcase a fast-growing city with art spaces, performance venues, and busy public squares.

Where to unwind
You can unwind along West Lake’s shaded paths, in hilltop viewpoints overlooking tea fields, or beside the broad Qiantang River. Early mornings are calm and misty around the lake, while late afternoons and evenings are ideal for a quiet walk or boat ride as the city lights begin to glow.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
You will find classic local flavours in small eateries and food streets around the historic core and near West Lake. Look for outlets serving traditional Hangzhou-style dishes, as well as casual stalls where you can sample snacks while exploring the old streets.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer districts offer convenient clusters of cafés, bakeries, and family-friendly restaurants with a wide mix of regional and international cuisines. Portions are usually sized for sharing, so you can try several dishes in one meal and tailor your choices to different tastes in your group.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants with views towards West Lake, the surrounding hills, or the Qiantang River skyline. Lakeside and riverside venues are especially atmospheric in the evening, when reflections on the water and city lights turn dinner into a relaxed, scenic experience.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping malls across the city bring together international fashion brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and family attractions under one roof. They are popular meeting spots, offering air-conditioned comfort, wide dining choices, and plenty of indoor activities in all seasons.

Markets & local crafts
For local character, explore compact streets and smaller centres near the historic core and around West Lake, where you can look for crafts, souvenirs, and regionally inspired products. Districts such as Hefang Street and nearby lanes are good areas to browse for gifts with a sense of place.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and riverfront areas come alive with illuminated façades, cafés, and late-opening stores. Night-time walks around the lake and in central districts pair well with browsing boutiques or stopping for a drink, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild and fresh, with temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F). Blossoms and new leaves create soft colours around West Lake and the tea fields. It is a popular time for gentle walks and countryside visits, with a pleasant mix of sunshine and light showers.

Summer (xia) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures between 24–32°C (75–90°F). Longer daylight hours and lush greenery make boat rides, evening strolls, and riverfront outings especially appealing. Occasional rain brings brief downpours, but also clear skies and vivid views after the clouds pass.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn starts comfortably cool at 15–23°C (59–73°F), then winter gradually settles in with 4–10°C (39–50°F). You can enjoy calmer paths around West Lake, subtle seasonal colours in the hills, and a slower city rhythm. Cooler air often brings crisp, clear days that are ideal for photography.

Frequently Asked Questions