Flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou blends scenic lakeside beauty with the energy of a modern Chinese city. You can expect tranquil moments by the water, leafy hills on the horizon, and lively commercial streets just a short ride away. It is a place where classic views and contemporary life sit side by side.

What to expect
Most visits begin around West Lake, with its causeways, islands, and wide promenades that are ideal for relaxed strolls. Beyond the shoreline, you will find a growing skyline, tech districts, and busy shopping streets that reveal Hangzhou’s role as a major hub in eastern China. Neighbourhoods range from quiet, tree-lined areas to vibrant downtown blocks.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short city break and a base for exploring surrounding Zhejiang Province. Fast rail links connect you to nearby cities and further afield across China, while local transport makes it easy to move between lakeside, hilltop, and urban districts. With its mix of scenery and city convenience, it offers a balanced introduction to the region.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll along broad causeways, take a gentle boat ride, and enjoy classic views of willow trees, pagodas, and distant hills mirrored in the water.

Leifeng Pagoda

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

Hefang Street

Wander this restored old street lined with traditional façades, where shops and teahouses offer local snacks, crafts, and everyday souvenirs.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Explore wooden boardwalks and waterways in this protected wetland area, joining a boat ride or walking quiet paths through reeds and ponds.

Longjing tea village

Head into the hills above the city to see terraced tea fields, learn about the region’s famous green tea, and pause in simple village teahouses.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the leafy canal banks and small museums near the southern end of the historic Grand Canal for a glimpse into waterway life past and present.

Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre

Admire the futuristic architecture of this riverside complex, then walk along the Qiantang River promenades that glow with lights after dark.

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Follow shaded walking paths alongside streams and stone bridges in this lush valley area, especially atmospheric on misty or overcast days.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances between the lake, business districts, and railway stations. Buses fill in the gaps and serve scenic hill routes that the metro does not reach. For the last stretch, short taxi rides or app-based cars are easy to arrange.

Local life & culture
Life in Hangzhou often revolves around time by the water, whether that is a morning walk by West Lake or an evening outing along the canal. Neighbourhood parks and lakeside paths are lively with families, students, and office workers. Compact side streets reveal quieter corners where traditional architecture sits alongside modern apartment blocks.

Where to unwind
When you want a slower pace, head to the lakeside parks, forested hill trails, or the calmer edges of Xixi National Wetland Park. Mornings bring gentle light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography or reading on a bench. At sunset, riverside promenades offer open views and a relaxing end to the day.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for its lake-influenced cuisine, with dishes that often feature freshwater fish and seasonal vegetables. Around Hefang Street and smaller side lanes near West Lake, you will find stalls and simple eateries serving local snacks, warm soups, and comforting noodle bowls.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city’s malls and newer business districts, you will find convenient dining options that cover Chinese regional styles and international flavours. Food courts and multi-restaurant plazas make it easy to try different dishes in smaller portions, so you can sample a variety of tastes in one outing.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more memorable setting, choose restaurants with views over West Lake, the Grand Canal, or the Qiantang River. Higher-floor venues and lakeside terraces combine city lights or calm water views with carefully prepared menus, turning an ordinary meal into a relaxed, scenic experience.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s central districts feature modern shopping malls where international brands sit alongside Chinese labels, cinemas, and casual dining. These complexes are designed as all-day social spaces, with bright atriums, play areas, and easy metro access, making them convenient stops between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
If you are interested in smaller shops, explore streets around Hefang Street, Wushan Square, and parts of the lakeside area. Here you will find outlets for tea, silk, handmade accessories, and local design pieces that make thoughtful mementoes of your trip.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall façades light up, with extended opening hours and a relaxed evening atmosphere. Lakeside and canal-side areas often host illuminated storefronts and outdoor kiosks, which are easy to combine with a night walk. Metro lines and taxis help you return to your hotel comfortably at the end of the day.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (Chun) – March to May, shoulder season, sees mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Trees and flowers bloom around West Lake, and comfortable weather makes walking paths and hill trails especially pleasant, with moderate visitor numbers.

Summer (Xia) – June to September, peak season, is warm and humid, with averages of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours and lively evenings around the lake and rivers create a vibrant atmosphere, and indoor attractions provide easy relief from the heat.

Autumn and winter (Qiu/Dong) – October to February, low season, bring cooler conditions, from 5–18°C (41–64°F). Clear autumn days are ideal for crisp lake views and photography, while winter offers quieter sights and a calmer city pace for those who enjoy fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions