Flights from London (LON) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its tranquil West Lake, lush tea fields, and graceful boulevards that blend history with modern life. You will find a city that feels relaxed yet vibrant, with water, greenery, and contemporary towers all within easy reach.

What to expect
At the heart of Hangzhou is West Lake, surrounded by causeways, pavilions, and walking paths that reveal new views at every turn. Beyond the lakeside, business districts, creative parks, and leafy neighbourhoods offer cafés, galleries, and boutiques that make the city feel both dynamic and liveable.

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 connections make it a convenient base for exploring nearby cities and scenic countryside, while the compact core makes short stays simple to plan.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this iconic lake to enjoy classic bridges, willow-lined paths, and views that change beautifully with the seasons.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up to this historic pagoda for sweeping panoramas over West Lake, the city skyline, and the surrounding hills.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Wander through a forested valley of cliffs, grottoes, and historic structures set against a backdrop of steep, green hills.

Longjing tea plantations

Visit the tea-growing villages in the hills outside the city to walk among terraced fields and learn about the famed local green tea.

Hefang Street

Explore this traditional pedestrian street lined with restored façades, local snack stalls, and shops selling regional products and crafts.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Take a walk or a short cruise along this historic waterway to see old warehouses, riverside promenades, and lively residential districts.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Escape to a tranquil landscape of waterways, reed beds, and boardwalks where you can enjoy boat rides and quiet walking trails.

Qiangjiang New Town

Head to the riverside business district to see contemporary architecture, open plazas, and colourful night-time light shows along the waterfront.

Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou has an efficient metro network that links West Lake, major railway stations, and newer business districts. Buses and licensed taxis fill in the gaps, while shared bikes are a scenic way to follow lakeside paths. Many central attractions are close enough to combine on a walking route.

Local life & culture
Life in Hangzhou often revolves around the water, from gentle walks by West Lake to socialising in teahouses and lakeside cafés. Creative districts and university areas add a youthful energy, with design studios, bookshops, and small galleries giving a glimpse into the city’s contemporary culture.

Where to unwind
You can slow the pace along the shaded causeways of West Lake, pausing at small gardens and viewpoints as the light softens in the late afternoon. In the hills, walking trails and tea terraces provide fresh air and wide views. Wetland parks around the city offer peaceful boat rides and quiet corners for reflection.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou cuisine is known for its light, delicate flavours, often highlighting seasonal vegetables and freshwater fish. Around Hefang Street and neighbourhood markets, you will find snack stalls serving local bites and simple eateries specialising in traditional Hangzhou dishes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In commercial districts and shopping malls, you can choose from noodle shops, dumpling houses, and contemporary cafés, many with menus that span regional Chinese and international flavours. Portions are often ideal for sharing, so you can sample several dishes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, consider restaurants with views over West Lake or riverfront venues in newer districts. Elevated hotel dining rooms and lakeside terraces combine refined cooking with city or water vistas, especially atmospheric in the evening when the shoreline lights are reflected in the water.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s modern shopping malls cluster around key metro hubs and business districts, offering international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. These complexes are convenient places to combine shopping, dining, and a short break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful browsing, explore Hefang Street, Wushan area lanes, and creative parks dotted around former industrial zones. Here you can look for design-led souvenirs, handicrafts, and lifestyle goods created by local makers and small independent brands.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated streets and waterfront promenades create a lively backdrop for shopping and dining. Some pedestrian areas stay active into the evening, with open-fronted boutiques and snack stalls adding to the atmosphere. Well-connected metro lines and clearly signed taxi stands make these districts easy to reach and return from at night.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake and the tea fields. Light rain showers are common, but the soft light and blossoming trees create gentle conditions for walking, boating, and exploring the city on foot.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures often between 26–33°C (79–91°F). This is a lively time when lakeside trees are in full leaf and evenings feel energetic along the water and in riverside districts. Longer daylight hours give you more time to enjoy outdoor activities and night-time views.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn brings comfortable days of around 15–25°C (59–77°F), with clear skies and colourful foliage, especially appealing around the lake and hills. Winter is cooler, averaging 5–10°C (41–50°F), quieter, and atmospheric, with misty mornings and a calm pace that suits museum visits, teahouses, and leisurely walks.

Frequently Asked Questions