Hangzhou is a lakeside city where classical gardens, misty hills, and elegant tea terraces meet a fast-growing tech and design scene. You experience both serene scenery and a modern urban skyline in one compact destination.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
You find leafy boulevards, historic temples, and waterfront promenades centred around West Lake, alongside sleek shopping streets and contemporary museums. The pace is relaxed for a major city, with pockets of nature never far away.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a stand-alone city break or as part of a wider journey through eastern China, with rail links to Shanghai and nearby cities. Allow at least two to three days to explore West Lake, tea villages, and the old streets.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll causeways, cruise between small islands, and take in classic bridges and pavilions framed by low green hills and seasonal blossoms.
Leifeng Pagoda
Climb or ride the lift up this rebuilt lakeside pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake, the city skyline, and the surrounding hills.
Lingyin Temple
Explore one of Hangzhou's most important temple complexes, set against forested cliffs dotted with ancient stone carvings and grottoes.
Longjing tea plantations
Walk through terraced fields in the Longjing area, learn about the region's famed green tea, and relax in teahouses overlooking the hills.
Hefang Street
Wander this historic pedestrian street lined with traditional facades, snack stalls, and small shops selling local crafts and snacks.
Grand Canal Hangzhou section
See a quieter side of the city along the historic canal, with waterside paths, old warehouses, and museums explaining its trading past.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Drift along narrow waterways by boat or follow boardwalks through reed beds, rustic villages, and small islets rich in birdlife.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro and buses are the fastest way to cover longer distances between lakeside areas, business districts, and rail stations. For scenic views, cycle or walk along West Lake's shores, then use taxis or ride-hailing for the last stretch back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
Early mornings and evenings see locals practising tai chi, dancing, or playing music by the lakefront paths. In old quarters such as Hefang Street and around tea villages, you notice a slower rhythm, traditional architecture, and a strong culture of tea drinking and lakefront socialising.
Where to unwind
Find quiet corners along Su Causeway or beneath willow trees by the water at sunrise or dusk, when the light is soft and the air is cooler. For deeper relaxation, seek out hot spring resorts or spa hotels in the hills west of the lake, where forested views add to the calm.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes such as braised pork, freshwater fish, and delicate river shrimps in areas around Hefang Street and the lakefront. Small alleys and markets serve snacks like dumplings and pancakes ideal for casual grazing.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Lakeside malls and newer districts host casual eateries where you can mix regional Chinese cuisines with international flavours. Many places offer smaller plates, so you can sample several dishes to share over a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with terraces overlooking West Lake or hilltop views, pairing local cuisine with the dusk skyline. Some hotels and teahouses offer refined set menus that showcase seasonal ingredients and views in equal measure.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres near the lake and central business districts bring together international fashion labels, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These air-conditioned hubs are an easy place to combine shopping, dining, and a short break from the weather.
Markets & local crafts
Explore streets around Hefang Street, Wushan Square, and nearby lanes for silk, tea, fans, and handicrafts. Small boutiques and studios here often stock locally made pieces and design-forward interpretations of traditional goods.
Evening retail scene
After dark, historic streets and commercial districts light up with signs, snack stalls, and late-opening shops, creating a lively yet walkable atmosphere. Metro lines and plentiful taxis make these evening areas straightforward to reach and return from.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), fresh greenery, and comfortable walking weather. Summer peak season (June to September) is hot and humid, with averages of 26–33°C (79–91°F) and busy lakefront areas. Autumn shoulder season (October to early November) offers clearer skies, foliage colours, and pleasant temperatures of about 15–23°C (59–73°F). Winter low season (December to February) is cool and often dry, with typical temperatures of 3–10°C (37–50°F), quieter streets, and fewer crowds.