Hangzhou is a serene blend of lakeside scenery, classical gardens, and a modern Chinese city. You find calm landscapes, historic temples, and creative districts side by side.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Expect misty views over West Lake, tree-lined promenades, and elegant tea fields on nearby hills. The city centre feels lively yet relaxed, with broad avenues and intimate old streets.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a standalone city break and a base for exploring eastern China. High-speed rail and domestic flights connect you easily to Shanghai, Suzhou, and beyond.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll or cycle around this UNESCO-listed lake, crossing stone bridges and causeways with views of classic pavilions and distant hills.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Explore one of Hangzhou's most famous temple complexes and walk among ancient rock carvings set into the forested hillside.
Longjing tea plantations
Head into the hills above the city to wander through terraced tea fields and learn how the region's famous green tea is grown and processed.
Hefang Street
Wander this restored historic street lined with traditional shopfronts, teahouses, and local snack stalls in the old town area.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Glide along quiet waterways by boat or explore on foot, discovering wooden walkways, birdlife, and village-style architecture among the reeds.
Grand Canal waterfront
Visit the banks of the ancient Grand Canal, where museums and converted warehouses reveal Hangzhou's trading history on the water.
Impression West Lake show
In the evening, watch a large-scale outdoor performance set on the lake itself, with music, lighting, and dancers moving across the water.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro and buses are the most efficient way to cover longer distances, especially between the lake, city centre, and railway stations. For a slower view, rent a bicycle or use shared bikes around West Lake, then rely on taxis or ride-hailing for late-night journeys.
Local life & culture
By early morning, locals gather by the lake for tai chi, dancing, and music, giving the promenades a gentle energy. Neighbourhoods near universities and creative parks feel youthful and artistic, with design studios, galleries, and small performance spaces tucked into side streets.
Where to unwind
You can find quiet corners along West Lake's lesser-known paths, particularly at sunrise or just before dusk. For deeper relaxation, seek out teahouses overlooking the water or hilltop viewpoints above the tea fields, where the air feels cooler in the late afternoon and early evening.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Try local favourites such as sweet pastries, dumplings, and noodle dishes along Hefang Street and in the old town lanes. Lakeside neighbourhoods close to West Lake also serve classic Hangzhou dishes that highlight fresh river produce and seasonal vegetables.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Large shopping centres and new business districts offer everything from fast local bites to pan-Asian and Western options. Menus often feature smaller sharing plates, making it easy for you to sample several flavours in one relaxed meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with terraces facing West Lake or elevated views back towards the city skyline. Many places pair refined regional cuisine with thoughtful interiors, so you can enjoy both the setting and the food in one experience.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls in the city centre cluster around major metro stops, bringing together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions. They are popular spots to escape the heat or rain while you browse and dine in one place.
Markets & local crafts
Historic streets near West Lake and Hefang Street are good for silk, tea, fans, and other traditional crafts. Smaller alleys in older districts often hide independent boutiques, studios, and calligraphy or brush shops with a more local feel.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy shopping streets light up with colourful signs, snack stalls, and late-opening boutiques. Night markets and lakeside promenades are easy to reach by metro or taxi, letting you combine an evening walk with relaxed browsing.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 13–23°C (55–73°F), with fresh greenery and blooming flowers around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, typically 24–33°C (75–91°F), with lively evenings by the water. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is cooler at about 12–22°C (54–72°F), with clearer skies and changing foliage in parks and hills. Winter (December to February, low season) is cool and damp, generally 3–10°C (37–50°F), with quieter attractions and a calmer city atmosphere.