Flights from Rome (FCO) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic scenery, where tranquil lakes, green hills, and leafy boulevards create a calm backdrop to a fast-growing modern city. You can wander from historic waterfronts to gleaming districts in minutes, experiencing both timeless charm and contemporary energy.

What to expect
The heart of Hangzhou centres on West Lake, surrounded by tree-lined paths, gardens, and elegant bridges. Beyond the waterfront, you will find lively shopping streets, modern museums, and tech-driven districts. Neighbourhoods feel spacious and green, with wide avenues, well-planned parks, and an easygoing pace for such a large city.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to eastern China. Its rail and road links connect you quickly to nearby cities, while the airport provides convenient access to the wider region. Whether you stay a few days or longer, it is easy to build Hangzhou into a broader itinerary.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll along the causeways and waterfront paths of West Lake, taking in pavilions, gardens, and classic bridges reflected in the water.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride the lift up this landmark pagoda for panoramic views over West Lake and the surrounding hills.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore dramatic limestone peaks, forested trails, and historic structures set against a lush, mountain backdrop.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Walk or cycle along the banks of the ancient canal, where historic warehouses and waterfront streets have been sensitively restored.

Hefang Street

Wander this lively historic street lined with traditional façades, local snack stalls, and shops selling regional products.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Glide along quiet waterways by boat or follow wooden boardwalks through one of China’s best-known urban wetland parks.

Qiantang River waterfront

Head to the modern riverside promenade for skyline views, evening walks, and seasonal light displays along the water.

Tea villages around Longjing

Visit tea-growing hills on the city’s edge, where terraced slopes and small villages offer a peaceful escape from the centre.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro system is the most efficient way to cover longer distances between the lake, business districts, and residential areas. Buses and taxis fill in the gaps, while shared bikes are ideal for riding along the lakefront. For short hops, walking is comfortable on the city’s wide pavements.

Local life & culture
Around West Lake, you will see residents enjoying tai chi, dancing, or simply catching up along the water’s edge. Creative districts and university areas bring a younger feel, with galleries and small studios tucked into side streets. As evening falls, promenades and plazas become social spaces where families and friends gather.

Where to unwind
For quiet moments, the paths and gardens hugging West Lake offer shaded benches and gentle views at almost every turn. The wooded hills nearby provide leafy walking trails and viewpoints over the city. In warmer months, early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant times to enjoy the parks and waterfront.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for light, refined flavours, with many dishes built around fresh lake fish and seasonal vegetables. Around Hefang Street and smaller side lanes, you will find street stalls serving local snacks that are easy to try as you explore.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In shopping malls and newer districts, casual restaurants and cafés offer everything from regional Chinese cuisine to international favourites. Menus often feature smaller plates, making it easy to share and sample different flavours with your travel companions.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake or set within a traditional courtyard building. Many venues make the most of their setting with large windows, terraces, or garden views, turning lunch or dinner into a relaxed, scenic experience.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping malls in Hangzhou bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family attractions under one roof. They are convenient places to combine shopping, dining, and a short break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and markets around Hefang Street and the Grand Canal area are ideal for browsing local crafts and design pieces. You can discover everything from decorative items to everyday lifestyle products created by regional makers.

Evening retail scene
After dark, commercial streets and mall façades light up, creating a lively atmosphere for an evening stroll. Many shops and cafés stay open into the night, so you can pick up last-minute finds after a day of sightseeing. Public transport and taxis make these districts easy to reach.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou brings mild weather, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake. Occasional showers keep the landscape lush, and it is a pleasant time for walking and cycling before summer heat arrives.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm and often humid, with typical temperatures from 26–33°C (79–91°F). It is a vibrant period, with long daylight hours for lake cruises and evening strolls. Brief showers or storms can appear, but they are usually followed by clear, bright skies.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is comfortably cool at about 15–25°C (59–77°F), with crisp air and colourful foliage around the hills, while winter can dip to 5–10°C (41–50°F). Cooler months are calmer, making it easier to enjoy major sights at a relaxed pace and explore museums and teahouses.

Frequently Asked Questions