Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its serene West Lake, leafy hills, and elegant teahouses, blending natural beauty with a modern city skyline. You will find a calm, lakeside atmosphere paired with lively shopping streets, creative districts, and a growing technology scene.

What to expect
The city is centred around West Lake, with promenades, gardens, and islands connected by graceful bridges. Beyond the lakeside, busy neighbourhoods such as Wulin and Qianjiang New Town showcase contemporary architecture, cultural venues, and riverfront walks that reveal Hangzhou as both historic and forward-looking.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a relaxing city break or as a base for exploring the wider Zhejiang region. Convenient rail links connect you to nearby cities, while the compact core around West Lake and the Grand Canal makes it easy to combine sightseeing, dining, and shopping in a single day.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll along promenades, take a boat ride, and enjoy classic views of pavilions, willow trees, and mountains reflected in the water.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift to the viewing platforms of this landmark tower for sweeping panoramas over West Lake and the city skyline.

Lingyin Temple Scenic Area

Explore a lush valley of dramatic rock carvings, historic halls, and wooded walking paths surrounded by low green hills.

Grand Canal Hangzhou

Walk or cycle beside the ancient canal, passing stone bridges, warehouses turned into galleries, and lively waterside cafés.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored historic street lined with traditional façades, snack shops, and boutiques selling local crafts and teas.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Glide along quiet waterways by boat or follow boardwalks through reed beds, small villages, and peaceful waterways on the city’s edge.

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Enjoy a scenic walk through bamboo groves and along bubbling streams, ideal for a cool escape on warm days.

Qianjiang New Town Riverfront

Head to the modern riverside district for striking night-time lighting, waterfront promenades, and a contemporary view of Hangzhou.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro and extensive bus network make it simple to move between West Lake, the Grand Canal, and newer districts. For shorter hops and lakeside views, shared bicycles and pedestrian-friendly promenades work well, with taxis and ride-hailing apps useful for late-evening returns.

Local life & culture
You will see residents starting the day with gentle exercise by the lake and leisurely walks along tree-lined paths. Creative spaces in former industrial areas now host galleries and design studios, while traditional tea culture remains visible in hillside plantations and quiet neighbourhood teahouses.

Where to unwind
For a calm break, spend time in the gardens around West Lake or seek out shaded pavilions overlooking the water. The tea fields of Longjing and nearby hills offer refreshing walks and fresh air, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are softer.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, seasonal dishes and lakeside specialities, which you can sample in streets around Hefang Street and neighbourhood eateries near West Lake. Morning markets and small snack stalls offer quick bites that showcase local flavours and simple, comforting recipes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and central malls group together a wide choice of restaurants, from local eateries to Asian and international options. Menus often feature smaller plates and shared dishes, so you can try a variety of flavours in one meal, ideal for groups and families.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose restaurants with terrace seating by West Lake or rooftop venues in Qianjiang New Town. These settings pair refined interpretations of local cuisine with views of the water or illuminated cityscape, creating a relaxed atmosphere for a special evening.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou offers modern malls with international brands, lifestyle stores, and cinemas, particularly around Wulin Square and Qianjiang New Town. These centres are popular meeting points, combining shopping with dining, entertainment, and indoor spaces to relax between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
For local products and smaller boutiques, explore streets near Hefang Street and the Grand Canal, where you will find tea shops, handicrafts, and design studios. Creative districts in converted warehouses highlight local designers and artisans, offering distinctive souvenirs and gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and riverfront areas glow with colourful lights, creating a lively backdrop for browsing and evening walks. Night-time markets and late-opening malls offer snacks and last-minute purchases, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring blossom season (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F), fresh greenery, and flowers around West Lake. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and boat rides, with light layers usually sufficient for changing temperatures.

Summer lake season (June to September, peak season) is warm and often humid, with temperatures commonly between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls by the water and relaxed river cruises, and many venues extend opening times to match the lively atmosphere.

Autumn and winter calm (October to February, low season) sees cooler air from about 8–18°C (46–64°F), sometimes dipping lower in mid-winter. Clear autumn days are ideal for crisp lake views, while quieter winter months offer a peaceful city experience and uncrowded parks.

Frequently Asked Questions