Hangzhou blends classical lakeside scenery with a fast-growing tech and design scene. You experience historic temples, calm tea fields, and modern waterfront districts in one compact city.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Expect leafy boulevards, a scenic lake at the heart of the city, and lively commercial streets filled with cafés and boutiques. Older quarters sit beside sleek new districts, linked by an efficient metro system.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a stand-alone city break and a base for exploring eastern China, with easy links to Shanghai and nearby water towns. Plan at least a few days to enjoy the lake, hills, and urban neighbourhoods.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll, cycle, or cruise around this UNESCO-listed lake, framed by pagodas, causeways, and willow trees that change character with every season.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng Grottos
Walk through forested hills to admire ancient stone carvings and imposing halls set in a sheltered valley on the citys edge.
Longjing Tea Village
Head into the hills to see terraced tea fields, learn how local tea is produced, and relax in simple teahouses overlooking the plantations.
Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street
Explore restored streets lined with traditional façades, snack stalls, and shops selling local crafts and regional specialties.
Grand Canal Hangzhou section
Visit the canal-side districts for museums, warehouses turned into creative spaces, and evening walks along the water.
Xixi Wetland National Park
Take a gentle boat ride or follow boardwalks through a landscape of waterways, reed beds, and small villages just outside the city centre.
Qianjiang New Town and light show
In the evening, head to the riverside business district to see striking modern architecture and illuminated riverfront promenades.
Experience Hangzhous everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the metro and buses for most journeys between the lake, business districts, and railway stations, then switch to taxis or ride-hailing for late-night returns. Cycling around West Lake offers a slower perspective, while walking is ideal for exploring old streets and parks.
Local life & culture
Early mornings bring residents to the lakeside for tai chi, dance, and social walks, while evenings focus on tea houses, theatres, and riverside strolls. Creative districts and university areas add a youthful energy with galleries, design shops, and small performance venues.
Where to unwind
Find quiet spots along the lesser-known banks of West Lake, or escape to tea hills and wetland parks for fresh air and soft light at sunset. Many hotels offer spas and pools, giving you an easy way to recharge after days spent walking and sightseeing.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Seek out classic Hangzhou dishes such as freshwater fish, seasonal river prawns, and delicate pastries in streets near the lake and in the old town. Night-time snack lanes serve skewers, buns, and noodles ideal for casual tastings.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new business districts gather cafés, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants offering regional Chinese flavours alongside international options. Many places serve smaller sharing plates so you can sample several dishes in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table in restaurants overlooking West Lake or in hillside villas among the tea terraces for memorable meals with views. Riverfront venues in modern districts add skyline backdrops and illuminated bridges to your evening dining.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in central and riverside districts bring together international fashion brands, sportswear, beauty labels, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions. They are comfortable venues for browsing, dining, and meeting friends in any weather.
Markets & local crafts
Browse traditional streets and smaller alleys near West Lake and Hefang Street for silk items, fans, tea, and creative souvenirs from local designers. These neighbourhoods are ideal for picking up gifts with a strong sense of place.
Evening retail scene
After dark, pedestrian shopping streets and canal-side areas light up with signs, snack stalls, and late-opening boutiques. Metro and taxis make these districts easy to reach, even if you are staying closer to the lake or the railway station.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), fresh greenery, and comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer (June to September) is the peak season, when temperatures often reach 28–33°C (82–91°F) with higher humidity and occasional showers. Autumn (October to November) is a shoulder season, bringing clear skies, lower rainfall, and pleasant temperatures of about 14–23°C (57–73°F), ideal for walks around West Lake and the tea hills. Winter (December to February) is the low season, with cooler days around 5–10°C (41–50°F) and a quieter atmosphere at major sights.