Hangzhou blends tranquil lakeside scenery with a modern Chinese cityscape. You find classical gardens, historic streets, and a thriving tech and design scene side by side.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Expect leafy boulevards, waterfront promenades, and compact historic quarters wrapped around West Lake. New business districts and creative parks add a contemporary energy to the city.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a stand alone city break or as a starting point for exploring eastern China, including nearby Shanghai and ancient water towns. Allow at least two to three days to enjoy the lake, temples, and tea fields.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll, cycle, or cruise across this famed UNESCO listed lake, admiring stone bridges, causeways, and pavilions framed by hills and willows.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Explore one of Hangzhou's most important temple complexes, set against forested hills dotted with centuries old grotto carvings and quiet walking trails.
Longjing Tea Plantations
Head into the rolling hills southwest of the city to wander through Longjing (Dragon Well) tea terraces and sample freshly roasted green tea at hillside villages.
Hefang Street
Walk this restored historic street lined with traditional façades, teahouses, and shops selling local snacks, teas, and handicrafts.
Grand Canal Hangzhou section
Visit the southern end of the ancient Grand Canal for riverside walks, museums, and a glimpse of the waterways that once linked Hangzhou to northern China.
Leifeng Pagoda
Climb or take the lift up this reconstructed lakeside pagoda for panoramic views over West Lake and its surrounding hills and city skyline.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Cruise or stroll through this watery landscape of ponds, reeds, and old villages, a peaceful escape on the edge of the city.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro and buses link the airport, railway stations, and main districts efficiently, with easy signage in English. For lakefront exploration, rent a bicycle or take a shared bike for scenic rides, then use taxis or ride hailing apps for the last stretch to hotels or tea fields.
Local life & culture
You see morning tai chi, dancing, and card games along West Lake's promenades, while evenings bring locals out to stroll, sip tea, and enjoy performances in parks. Creative districts and universities give the city a youthful, innovative edge alongside its literary and artistic heritage.
Where to unwind
Relax with quiet walks along Su Causeway at sunrise, or find a bench in one of the lakeside gardens as the light softens in late afternoon. On hot days, head to tea villages or Xixi National Wetland Park for cooler, greener surroundings and gentle boat rides.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes such as West Lake style fish, braised pork, and snacks like scallion pancakes in old quarters near Hefang Street and around the lake. Small eateries and food alleys let you try several regional flavours in a single walk.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new districts near the metro stations offer everything from noodle bars to contemporary Chinese fusion and international cafés. Menus often feature shareable plates, so you can sample multiple dishes with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a lakeside restaurant or teahouse with upper floor windows or terraces for atmospheric views over West Lake, especially at sunset. In the hills around Longjing, farm style restaurants pair home style cooking with vistas of tea fields and misty valleys.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls in central Hangzhou combine international fashion, local designers, cinemas, and family friendly entertainment. They are convenient stops for picking up clothing, electronics, and daily essentials in air conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Browse historic streets around Hefang Street and neighbouring lanes for silk, tea, paper fans, and traditional handicrafts. Smaller boutiques in creative districts showcase local labels, ceramics, and design led souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lakeside promenades fill with small stalls, snack vendors, and late opening boutiques. The metro and frequent buses make these evening areas easy to reach and return from.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 15–22°C (59–72°F), blooming trees, and comfortable walking conditions around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with temperatures often 26–33°C (79–91°F) and occasional showers, ideal for lush green landscapes and longer daylight. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) sees clear skies and temperatures of about 14–22°C (57–72°F), popular for lake views and tea field walks. Winter (December to February, low season) is cool at around 4–10°C (39–50°F), quieter with misty lake scenes and fewer crowds.