Hangzhou is a serene lakeside city, known for poetic scenery, classical gardens, and elegant teahouses. You will find a calm yet modern city that blends history with a rapidly growing tech and creative scene.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Expect misty hills, leafy promenades, and a compact city centre anchored by West Lake. Old streets, museums, and new waterfront districts sit side by side, with efficient transport making it easy to explore.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short city break and a base for exploring nearby Zhejiang province and Shanghai. Plan time for West Lake, the tea fields, and day trips to water towns or mountain temples.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll, cycle, or cruise around this UNESCO-listed lake, framed by willow trees, stone bridges, and pavilions that glow softly at sunrise and sunset.
Leifeng Pagoda
Climb or ride the lift up this reconstructed pagoda on West Lake's southern shore for panoramic city and lake views, especially atmospheric at dusk.
Lingyin Scenic Area
Walk forested paths around Lingyin area to see dramatic rock carvings, ancient grottoes, and quiet courtyards nestled between green hills.
Tea terraces of Longjing
Head into the hills above the city to wander tea villages and terraced slopes, where you can watch tea processing and taste fresh brews at source.
Qinghefang Historic Street
Explore this restored old street lined with traditional façades, small museums, and shops selling local snacks, tea, and crafts.
Grand Canal waterfront
Visit the Hangzhou section of the ancient Grand Canal to walk riverside promenades, visit museums, and see preserved warehouses and lanes.
Xixi Wetland Park
Take a boat or boardwalk walk through this wetland reserve of waterways, reed beds, and small villages on the edge of the city.
Song Dynasty Town
Immerse yourself in a themed cultural park with recreated streetscapes, river scenes, and large-scale performances inspired by Hangzhou's past.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro and buses connect the airport, railway stations, and main sights with clear signage and stored-value cards for easy payment. For lakefront and old-town areas, walking or cycling shared bikes offers a relaxed pace, while metered taxis and ride-hailing apps help with late-night or last-mile journeys.
Local life & culture
You will see residents practising tai chi by the lake, playing cards in neighbourhood squares, and gathering in parks for music and dance. Older alleys, teahouses, and lakeside promenades reveal a slower rhythm, while tech and business districts showcase the city’s modern, entrepreneurial side.
Where to unwind
Head to the quieter stretches of West Lake or nearby tea villages in the early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds. Parks, wetland reserves, and scenic hill paths around the city offer shaded walks and viewpoints, ideal for a calm break between sightseeing.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Seek out neighbourhood eateries and food streets for dishes such as West Lake-style fish, braised pork, and freshwater snacks, often enjoyed with local Longjing tea. Traditional markets and side alleys near the older quarters are good places to discover everyday Hangzhou flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and new business districts host a wide mix of Chinese regional cuisines and international restaurants, with many spots offering smaller plates so you can sample different dishes. These areas are convenient for quick meals between sights or relaxed dinners with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at a lakeside restaurant or a high-floor venue in the city centre for views over West Lake or the skyline while you dine. Some hotels and teahouses pair refined Hangzhou dishes with tranquil garden or water views for a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in central Hangzhou bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. They are popular meeting points, with plenty of cafés and casual dining alongside fashion, electronics, and lifestyle stores.
Markets & local crafts
Historic streets and nearby lanes are ideal for picking up silk, tea, paper goods, and small handicrafts. Areas around Qinghefang and canal-side neighbourhoods feature independent boutiques and stalls specialising in Hangzhou-themed souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated streets and late-opening malls give the city a relaxed, festive feel, with many shops, cafés, and snack stalls staying open into the night. The metro and buses run frequently in the evening, making it easy to explore different districts without a car.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blossoming trees around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with typical highs of 27–34°C (81–93°F) and occasional showers, ideal for lush green scenery. Autumn (October to November, shoulder to low season) is cooler and clearer, around 13–20°C (55–68°F), with colourful foliage and comfortable walking conditions; winter (December to February, low season) is chilly but manageable, averaging 4–9°C (39–48°F), with quieter crowds.