Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its calm lakeside scenery, leafy hills, and historic streets that blend with a modern tech-driven city. You can expect a relaxed pace around West Lake balanced by vibrant districts filled with cafés, galleries, and contemporary architecture.

What to expect
The city centres on the shores of West Lake, where promenades, gardens, and scenic viewpoints shape everyday life. Beyond the waterfront, you will find bustling commercial areas, tea-growing hills, and waterways that link Hangzhou to the wider Yangtze River Delta, giving the city both charm and energy.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a standalone escape or as part of a wider journey through eastern China. Fast rail and road links make it a useful base for exploring nearby cities, while its calm green spaces and well-developed infrastructure provide a gentle introduction to the region.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake to enjoy causeways, pavilions, and classic views of Hangzhou’s gentle hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride the lift to the upper platforms of this lakeside pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake and the city skyline.

Lingyin scenic area

Wander forested paths, dramatic cliffs, and historic stone carvings in one of Hangzhou’s most atmospheric green areas.

Dragon Well tea fields

Head into the nearby hills to walk among neatly terraced tea bushes and sample freshly brewed local green tea.

Grand Canal waterfront

Explore sections of the ancient canal lined with warehouses, bridges, and converted riverside promenades.

Hefang Street

Browse traditional shopfronts along this restored street, where you can find snacks, handicrafts, and nostalgic architecture.

Xixi Wetland Park

Take a boat or follow boardwalks through this protected wetland of waterways, reeds, and small islands on the edge of the city.

Qianjiang New Town

Visit this modern riverside district for striking contemporary buildings, night-time light shows, and broad open plazas.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the fastest way to cover longer distances between the lakefront, business districts, and transport hubs. Buses and taxis fill the gaps, while shared bicycles are ideal for moving along West Lake’s paths. Walking remains the best way to explore compact historic streets.

Local life & culture
Around West Lake you will see residents enjoying slow walks, photography, and quiet moments by the water, especially in the early morning and evening. In neighbourhoods such as Hefang Street and the Grand Canal area, restored buildings house studios, teahouses, and small museums that showcase the city’s creative side.

Where to unwind
Parks around the lake, Xixi Wetland Park, and the tea hills outside the centre all offer an easy escape into greenery. Sunrise and late afternoon are particularly pleasant for lakeside walks, while evening brings cooler air and reflections of the city lights on the water.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou cuisine is known for light, delicate flavours that highlight fresh river fish, seasonal vegetables, and local tea. Around Hefang Street and small lanes near West Lake, you will find snack stalls and simple eateries serving comforting noodles, dumplings, and classic local dishes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and new commercial areas offer many casual restaurants where you can try regional Chinese dishes alongside international flavours. Food courts and mid-range venues often present menus designed for sharing, so you can sample several plates with friends or family in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, choose a restaurant with views of West Lake or the Qiantang River, where large windows frame the changing light through the day. Refined dining rooms in hotels and lakefront venues focus on carefully prepared Hangzhou dishes, ideal for special occasions or relaxed, unhurried evenings.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou has modern shopping malls that bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof. These complexes are popular meeting places, offering air-conditioned comfort and easy access to services and entertainment in the same location.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and local finds, head to areas around Hefang Street, the Grand Canal, and older commercial streets near the lake. Here you can look for tea, textiles, and craft items from independent makers, as well as everyday boutiques that reflect current urban trends.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated streets around major malls and pedestrian zones stay lively with late-opening stores and cafés. Some older quarters set up a more relaxed night-time scene with stalls and small shops. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas in the evening and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou is mild and fresh, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Flowers around West Lake and in the parks begin to open, creating soft colours and pleasant walking conditions, while light layers are usually enough for most days.

Summer greenery (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with typical temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). Trees and hills around the city are at their greenest, and longer daylight hours give you more time to enjoy boat rides, evening walks by the water, and indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn colours and winter calm (September to February, low season)
From autumn into winter, temperatures gradually range from 20–26°C (68–79°F) in September and October to around 5–10°C (41–50°F) in the coldest months. Cooler air, changing leaves, and quieter sights create a calm atmosphere, ideal for relaxed strolls and extended teahouse visits.

Frequently Asked Questions