Flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its elegant West Lake scenery, leafy hills, and classical gardens that have inspired artists for centuries. You will find a calm yet vibrant city, where traditional tea culture and waterways sit alongside modern districts and creative spaces.

What to expect
The city is built around West Lake, with pedestrian-friendly promenades, scenic viewpoints, and heritage streets radiating out from the water. Further east, you will discover busy business areas, cultural museums, and technology parks that show Hangzhou’s contemporary energy.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a standalone city break and a base for exploring the wider Zhejiang region. With efficient high-speed rail links and a well-connected airport, it is easy to add nearby cities and countryside escapes to your itinerary.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this UNESCO-listed lake, known for its causeways, bridges, and classic garden landscapes.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up to this lakeside pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake, islands, and the surrounding city skyline.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore forested paths, impressive stone carvings, and tranquil spots tucked into steep limestone hills.

Dragon Well tea terraces

Head to the Longjing tea fields to walk among green terraces and learn about one of China’s most famous teas.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the historic canal area to see old warehouses, waterfront lanes, and small museums along the waterway.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored historic street lined with traditional façades, local snacks, and craft shops.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat through quiet waterways and reed beds in this protected wetland on the edge of the city.

Qianjiang New Town

Walk along the modern riverside district, with striking architecture, light displays, and a growing arts scene.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Hangzhou using the metro network for most journeys between the lake, business districts, and transport hubs. Public buses and taxis help you reach scenic spots, while shared bikes along West Lake paths give you a relaxed way to cover shorter distances.

Local life & culture
Around the older neighbourhoods near West Lake, you will notice morning exercise, lakeside walks, and a slower pace along narrow streets. In newer districts, you will find galleries, cultural centres, and performance venues that show a more modern side of the city’s creative life.

Where to unwind
The lakeside parks, tree-lined causeways, and hill trails around West Lake offer calm spaces to pause during a busy day of sightseeing. Further out, wetlands and tea villages provide fresh air and greenery, especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for refined local dishes, from lake fish specialities to seasonal vegetable plates. Around Hefang Street and the older quarters near West Lake, you can sample snacks, small plates, and classic flavours in simple eateries and food stalls.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts and shopping centres, you will find a mix of casual restaurants serving regional Chinese cuisines and international favourites. Many places offer smaller sharing plates, so you can try different dishes in one meal, which is ideal when travelling with family or friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with views over West Lake, the Qiantang River, or tea hills on the city fringe. Dining with a window seat or terrace table lets you enjoy the changing light over the water or greenery as part of the experience.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s central districts feature modern malls that combine international fashion, local brands, cinemas, and dining under one roof. These lifestyle centres are convenient places to shop, meet friends, and take a break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For something more local, explore streets and smaller commercial areas around Hefang Street, Wulin Square, and sections of the Grand Canal. Here you can browse tea shops, craft boutiques, and stores selling regional products and design items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, lakefront promenades, riverside zones, and busy commercial streets light up with shopfronts and dining terraces. Many malls and retail streets stay active into the evening, and reliable public transport makes it easy 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 temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake and the tea terraces. Occasional showers keep the landscape lush, and this season is ideal for comfortable walks and boat rides.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is a lively period with long daylight hours, vibrant evenings by the lake, and plenty of time to enjoy shaded parks and indoor attractions when the sun is strongest.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is pleasantly cool at 18–24°C (64–75°F), with clear skies and colourful foliage around the hills, while winter is chillier at 5–10°C (41–50°F). These quieter months are great for slower sightseeing, uncrowded viewpoints, and cosy city walks.

Frequently Asked Questions