Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic scenery, centred on the tranquil waters of West Lake and the gentle hills that surround it. You will find a relaxed, leafy city where classical gardens, tea fields, and modern districts sit comfortably side by side.

What to expect
The heart of Hangzhou stretches from the waterfront promenades and islands of West Lake to busy commercial streets and contemporary high-rises. Neighbourhoods around the lake feel calm and walkable, while eastern districts bring a more urban pace with shopping centres, business hubs, and lively dining streets.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou is a rewarding stand-alone destination and also a convenient base for exploring the wider Zhejiang region and nearby cities. With high-speed rail links and extensive local transport, you can easily add nearby water towns or coastal areas to your itinerary while enjoying Hangzhou as your main hub.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this iconic lake to enjoy willow-lined paths, classical bridges, and island views that change beautifully with each season.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore forested hills, dramatic cliffs, and historic stone carvings set amid walking paths and viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.

Meijiawu Tea Village

Head into the hills to see terraced tea fields, learn about local tea traditions, and enjoy leafy views from simple teahouses.

Hefang Street

Wander this historic pedestrian street lined with restored facades, traditional snacks, and small shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Drift along quiet waterways by boat or follow boardwalks through reed beds and small villages in this expansive urban wetland reserve.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the canal-side districts to see historic warehouses, museums, and waterfront promenades along this famous waterway terminus.

Qinghefang Historic District

Discover narrow lanes, traditional courtyards, and long-established shops that showcase Hangzhou’s historic urban character.

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Walk shaded forest trails beside small streams and stone paths for a quiet escape into nature just outside the city centre.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro system is the most efficient way to travel between the railway stations, business districts, and residential areas. Around West Lake, walking, cycling, or using shared bikes lets you enjoy the scenery at a slower pace, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late-evening returns.

Local life & culture
Around the lakefront promenades you will see residents enjoying gentle exercises, music, and relaxed gatherings from early morning to late evening. Commercial streets blend traditional storefronts with modern cafés, and university areas add a youthful edge with bookshops, galleries, and small creative spaces.

Where to unwind
Parks around West Lake are ideal for early-morning walks, when the light is soft and the paths are quiet. Later in the day, head to tea-growing hills or urban wetland parks to find shaded trails and waterside spots, especially pleasant in the late afternoon and early evening.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Lakeside streets and older neighbourhoods offer classic Hangzhou flavours, from light, delicate dishes to freshly steamed snacks. You can sample regional noodles, dumplings, and seasonal bites from small eateries and simple stalls that focus on a handful of well-loved recipes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around major shopping streets and metro hubs, you will find food courts, cafés, and contemporary restaurants grouped together for easy choice. Menus often mix local favourites with dishes from across China and beyond, with portions that make it simple to share and try several plates at one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable evenings, look for restaurants with views of West Lake, the city skyline, or the surrounding hills. Many dining rooms feature wide windows or terraces, so you can enjoy the changing light at sunset or the reflections of night-time lights on the water while you dine.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s central districts feature modern malls where international labels sit alongside regional brands and lifestyle stores. These centres often combine shopping with cinemas, cafés, and family-friendly facilities, making them convenient places to spend a comfortable afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Historic streets and side alleys around Hefang Street and Qinghefang are good places to browse for local crafts, packaged tea, and design-led souvenirs. Smaller boutiques in creative districts showcase ceramics, textiles, and contemporary products inspired by Hangzhou’s landscape and heritage.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, shopping streets and lakefront areas light up with inviting storefronts and outdoor seating. Some pedestrian zones stay lively well into the night, combining shops, snack stalls, and entertainment, and you can reach many of them easily by metro or a short taxi ride.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring in Hangzhou (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring brings mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake and the surrounding hills. Flowers bloom along lakeside paths, and the weather is comfortable for long walks, boat rides, and excursions to nearby tea villages.

Summer in Hangzhou (June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and often humid, with typical temperatures between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Trees provide welcome shade around the lake, and longer daylight hours give you more time for boat trips, evening strolls, and visits to indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn and winter in Hangzhou (October to February, low season)
Autumn is crisp and clear, around 12–20°C (54–68°F), with colourful foliage in parks and hills, while winter can dip to 3–10°C (37–50°F) with occasional frosty mornings. These quieter months bring a calmer atmosphere at popular sights and a different, more tranquil side of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions