Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its serene lakeside scenery, graceful bridges, and tree-lined promenades that have inspired artists and writers for centuries. You will find a city that blends classic waterfront views with modern urban energy, making it ideal for both first-time visitors and returning travellers.

What to expect
At the heart of Hangzhou is West Lake, fringed by historic causeways, elegant teahouses, and landscaped gardens that invite slow exploration. Beyond the water, you will encounter busy shopping streets, contemporary museums, and smart business districts that show the city’s role as a key hub in eastern China.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a stand-alone city break or as part of a longer journey through the Yangtze River Delta. High-speed rail and regional links make it a convenient base for exploring nearby cities and countryside, while its compact core means many highlights are within easy reach of central hotels.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this iconic lake, taking in willow-lined shores, arched bridges, and misty views that change with each season.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift to the viewing platforms of this reconstructed pagoda for sweeping panoramas over West Lake and the city skyline.

Hefang Street

Wander this preserved historic street, where traditional façades house shops selling local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

Longjing Tea Plantations

Head into the hills to see orderly tea terraces, learn about tea production, and enjoy a quiet escape from the city’s bustle.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Explore wooden boardwalks and boat routes through a landscape of waterways, reed beds, and traditional-style dwellings on the edge of the city.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the historic canal area to discover old warehouses, museums, and riverfront walks along one of the world’s longest man-made waterways.

Hubin and Lakeside promenades

Enjoy landscaped promenades near the lake, where open plazas, light displays, and public art create a lively evening atmosphere.

Qinghefang and Wushan Square area

Combine a visit to Qinghefang’s old streets with nearby viewpoints and squares for a mix of heritage, city views, and local life.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the most efficient way to move between transport hubs, business districts, and major sights. Buses and taxis help you reach lakeside promenades and hillside viewpoints, while walking or cycling is ideal for short distances along West Lake and in compact historic areas.

Local life & culture
Around the lake and in neighbourhoods such as Hefang Street, you can watch daily life unfold in parks, along promenades, and in quiet backstreets. Contemporary art venues, theatres, and cultural centres showcase Hangzhou’s creative side, while university districts add a youthful energy to cafés and public spaces.

Where to unwind
For a calm start or end to the day, head to West Lake’s quieter paths in the early morning or evening, when the light is soft and the air cooler. Xixi National Wetland Park offers a more natural retreat, while landscaped city parks and waterfront walkways provide easy places to pause between sightseeing.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, subtly seasoned dishes, and you will find many local snacks and specialities around Hefang Street and neighbourhood markets. Lakeside areas also feature casual eateries where you can sample regional flavours after a walk by the water.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In central Hangzhou, shopping centres and mixed-use complexes house a wide range of casual restaurants and cafés, from local kitchens to pan-Asian and international concepts. Many venues offer smaller plates or sharing dishes, so you can try a variety of flavours in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, look for restaurants with views over West Lake or hilltop vantage points that showcase the city lights. Some refined venues highlight seasonal produce and tea-inspired creations, allowing you to pair carefully prepared dishes with an atmospheric setting.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou offers contemporary malls where you will find international fashion brands, lifestyle stores, and entertainment under one roof. These multi-level complexes often combine shopping with cinemas, casual dining, and indoor play areas, making them convenient places to spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful browsing, explore streets such as Hefang and nearby lanes, where smaller boutiques, craft shops, and speciality stores showcase regional products. Other neighbourhoods around the old town and lakefront reveal local designers, tea-related items, and souvenirs in a walkable setting.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, illuminated façades, open-fronted shops, and busy food stalls bring extra energy to central retail streets. Certain districts take on a festive feel, with late-opening stores and lively pedestrian zones, and you can usually reach these areas easily using the metro or short taxi rides.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring blossom season (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou is mild and fresh, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Trees and flowers around West Lake and city parks begin to bloom, creating colourful lakeside walks and comfortable conditions for sightseeing and boat trips.

Summer lakeside season (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with average temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours mean more time on the water and in shaded gardens, and evenings by the lake can feel lively with illuminated views and outdoor activities.

Autumn and winter calm (September to February, low season)
Autumn is pleasantly cool, with 18–25°C (64–77°F) and clear days ideal for walking in the hills, while winter is colder at around 5–10°C (41–50°F). These months often feel quieter, offering peaceful views of bare trees, mist over the lake, and a more reflective city atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions