Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its tranquil lakeside scenery, classical gardens, and waterways that inspired generations of poets and artists. Today, it blends graceful historic landscapes with a dynamic technology and design scene, creating a city that feels both serene and forward looking.

What to expect
You will find tree-lined streets, traditional houses, and teahouses around West Lake, contrasting with modern districts where wide boulevards, contemporary galleries, and stylish cafés shape daily life. The city is compact enough to explore at a relaxed pace, yet large enough to offer new discoveries each day.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a stand-alone city break or as part of a wider journey through eastern China. High-speed rail and regional links make it a convenient gateway to nearby canal towns and coastal cities, while its green spaces and lakeside paths invite you to slow down between excursions.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake to see classic bridges, pavilions, and tree-lined causeways framed by gentle hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride the lift to the top for panoramic views over West Lake, the old town, and the surrounding hills.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Walk forested paths past dramatic rock formations and centuries-old stone carvings set against steep green cliffs.

Hefang Street

Explore a restored historic street lined with traditional façades, snack stalls, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat ride or follow wooden boardwalks through tranquil waterways, reeds, and small villages within the wetlands.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Discover the southern end of the ancient canal on riverside walks, museum visits, or an evening cruise past old warehouses.

Tea plantations of Longjing

Head into the hills to walk among neat tea terraces, learn about harvesting, and enjoy scenic village viewpoints.

Qianjiang New Town

See Hangzhou’s modern side with striking riverside architecture, light displays, and wide promenades along the Qiantang River.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the fastest way to cover longer distances between the lake, business districts, and transport hubs. Around West Lake and in compact older neighbourhoods, walking or renting a shared bicycle lets you enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late evenings.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hangzhou stretches from early-morning walks by the lake to evenings spent in teahouses or along lively riverside promenades. Creative districts showcase design studios and galleries, while traditional residential lanes offer a glimpse of local routines and neighbourhood gatherings. You will notice a relaxed, outdoors-oriented lifestyle throughout the city.

Where to unwind
West Lake’s lakeside paths, shaded gardens, and small islands are ideal for unwinding at sunrise or around dusk, when the light softens over the water. In the surrounding hills, scenic viewpoints overlook tea fields and forested slopes, offering a calm escape from the city. Wetland parks and riverside promenades provide additional breathing space close to urban comforts.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, lightly seasoned dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients from its lakes, rivers, and fields. Around Hefang Street and neighbourhood markets, you can sample local snacks and classic specialities at casual eateries, from early-morning bites to late-evening suppers.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and new business districts feature many casual restaurants and cafés serving regional cuisines and international favourites. Food courts within malls offer a convenient way to try several small dishes in one sitting, so you can share plates and explore different flavours with your travel companions.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants and teahouses around West Lake with views of the water, gardens, or distant hills. In newer riverside areas, contemporary venues pair modern interiors with skyline or river vistas. Reserving a window table helps you enjoy both the food and the changing light outside.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou offers large malls that combine fashion, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and dining under one roof. These complexes are popular meeting spots, with bright, climate-controlled spaces that make browsing comfortable in any season. They are also convenient for picking up everyday essentials during your stay.

Markets & local crafts
For something more distinctive, explore shopping streets and smaller boutiques around Hefang Street, the Grand Canal area, and creative districts near the city centre. Here you will find local crafts, design-led souvenirs, and specialty shops that reflect Hangzhou’s artistic heritage and emerging creative scene.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and mixed-use districts stay lively, with shops, cafés, and snack stalls open into the evening. Window-shopping here pairs well with an after-dinner walk. Metro services and plentiful taxis make it easy to reach these areas at night and return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring blossom season (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F), fresh greenery, and flowers around West Lake and in the tea fields. Light layers and an umbrella help you enjoy lakeside walks, boat rides, and hillside viewpoints in comfort.

Summer lakeside season (June to September, peak season) is warm and often humid, with temperatures typically between 24–33°C (75–91°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls, boat cruises, and riverside activities. Indoor attractions and shaded gardens provide pleasant retreats during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn and winter calm (October to February, low season) sees cooler, crisper air with averages ranging from 5–18°C (41–64°F). Autumn foliage adds colour to parks and hillsides, while winter offers quieter paths and a peaceful atmosphere around the lake, ideal if you prefer fewer crowds and a gentler pace.

Frequently Asked Questions