Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its classic landscapes, with willow-lined shores, calm lakes, and green hills framing a modern, liveable city. You can expect a relaxed pace around West Lake balanced by lively commercial districts and a fast-growing technology scene.
What to expect
Most visits revolve around West Lake, the Grand Canal, and the tea fields that carpet the nearby hills. In the centre, broad avenues, contemporary malls, and riverside promenades give the city a spacious, walkable feel, while older streets offer narrower lanes, traditional architecture, and small shops.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a short city break or as part of a longer journey through eastern China. Its fast rail and road links make it a convenient base for exploring nearby cities, while the surrounding countryside offers easy day trips to tea villages, reservoirs, and scenic hills.