Flights from Bengaluru (BLR) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its tranquil West Lake scenery, classical gardens, and leafy hillsides that have inspired poets for centuries. Today, it blends this calm, traditional charm with the energy of a major modern city on the edge of the Yangtze River Delta.

What to expect
You can wander lakeside causeways, explore restored historic quarters, and then step into sleek districts filled with cafés and contemporary architecture. Wide boulevards, well-planned parks, and a growing creative scene give the city a relaxed yet forward-looking feel.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a stand-alone city break or as part of a wider itinerary including nearby Shanghai and other cities in eastern China. With its efficient rail links and expanding urban metro, it is an easy gateway to explore both the region and the surrounding countryside.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this UNESCO-listed lake, dotted with pagodas, arched bridges, and tree-lined causeways.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift for panoramic views over West Lake, the city skyline, and the surrounding hills.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore forested hills, dramatic rock formations, and impressive stone carvings in one of Hangzhou’s lush green zones.

Hefang Street

Walk this restored historic street for traditional façades, snacks, and shops selling local products and souvenirs.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Glide along calm waterways by boat and follow boardwalks through a landscape of ponds, reeds, and small villages.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Discover waterside alleys, warehouses, and museums along the southern end of the ancient canal network.

Tea Plantations of Longjing

Visit terraced tea fields on the city’s outskirts to see how the region’s famous green tea is grown and processed.

Qianjiang New Town

Admire bold modern architecture, riverfront promenades, and an impressive night-time light display along the Qiantang River.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the quickest way to cover longer distances across the city, linking key railway stations, business districts, and popular sights. For a more leisurely view, hire a bicycle near West Lake or follow riverside promenades on foot, using taxis or ride-hailing for your last stretch.

Local life & culture
Around the lakefront, you will see residents meeting in shaded parks, practising music, or simply enjoying the views at a gentle pace. Creative districts and university areas add youthful energy, with galleries, small studios, and performance spaces giving a sense of the city’s modern character alongside its long literary history.

Where to unwind
Green areas such as the hills west of the lake and the wetlands offer quiet retreats from the urban core. Early morning and late afternoon are especially pleasant, when paths are cooler and the light softens over the water. Many parks have benches and viewpoints where you can pause and take in the scenery.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
You will find local snacks and regional dishes in busy lanes near Hefang Street and around West Lake’s side streets. Small eateries showcase classic Hangzhou cooking, often highlighting fresh river fish, seasonal vegetables, and delicate, lightly seasoned flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new districts provide convenient places to try a mix of local, wider Chinese, and international cuisines. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can sample several smaller plates at one meal, making it easy to experience different tastes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with dining rooms overlooking West Lake, the Qiantang River, or tree-covered hills. Elevated venues and hotel restaurants often pair refined versions of local dishes with expansive views, creating a relaxed setting for a special lunch or dinner.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s modern shopping centres bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and casual dining under one roof. These bright, climate-controlled spaces double as social hubs, giving you an easy environment to shop, meet friends, or take a break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For more local character, explore streets around Hefang Street, Wushan Square, and smaller neighbourhood alleys. Here you can browse for regional handicrafts, tea, paper goods, and design pieces that reflect Hangzhou’s artistic heritage and contemporary style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets and riverside districts glow with illuminated signs and lively storefronts. Many malls and pedestrian areas stay open into the evening, letting you combine dinner and browsing, with the metro and taxis making it simple to return to your hotel at the end of the night.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring warmth (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery around the lake and hills. It is a popular time for walking and boat trips, with blossoms and clear views adding an extra charm to outdoor sightseeing.

Summer vibrancy (June to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Long daylight hours and a lively atmosphere make it easy to enjoy evening strolls by the water and riverside events, as long as you plan for breaks in cooler indoor spaces.

Autumn colours (September to November, shoulder season)
Autumn often offers pleasantly cool days of about 15–23°C (59–73°F), with comfortable air and gentle breezes over West Lake. Trees around the hillsides shift to soft gold and russet tones, creating scenic conditions for photography and unhurried walks.

Winter calm (December to February, low season)
Winters are generally cold but not extreme, with temperatures around 3–10°C (37–50°F). The city feels quieter, paths are less crowded, and on crisp days the views across the lake and towards the hills have a clear, peaceful quality that many visitors enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions