Flights from Milan (MXP) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its serene lakeside scenery, classical gardens, and elegant teahouse culture. The city combines lush landscapes with a fast-developing urban skyline, giving you a gentle introduction to eastern China that balances nature, history, and modern life.

What to expect
You can explore tree-lined shores, historic bridges, and leafy islands, then step into lively districts filled with cafés and contemporary architecture. Neighbourhoods around the lake feel calm and walkable, while business and shopping areas showcase Hangzhou as a centre for technology and design.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short city break and a base for exploring nearby towns and countryside. High-speed rail and domestic flights link it easily with other major Chinese cities, making it a convenient starting point for a wider regional journey.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cruise around this iconic lake, discovering classic bridges, small islands, and landscaped shores framed by gentle hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up to the viewing platforms of this historic tower for sweeping views across West Lake and the city skyline.

Hefang Street

Wander this traditional-style pedestrian street lined with old façades, souvenir shops, and snacks from across the region.

Longjing tea fields

Visit the green terraced hills where famous local tea is grown, and walk between small villages and scenic viewpoints.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Explore waterways, boardwalks, and traditional houses in this protected wetland, a peaceful contrast to the busy city centre.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

See historic warehouses and riverfront paths along the southern end of the ancient canal, with museums explaining its trading past.

Qianjiang New Town

Discover Hangzhou’s modern side with striking architecture, riverside promenades, and evening light displays along the Qiantang River.

China National Tea Museum

Learn about tea varieties, cultivation, and culture in landscaped grounds overlooking nearby plantations and hills.

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 and taxis fill in the gaps, while shared bikes are ideal for circling West Lake at a gentle pace. Many central sights are comfortable to explore on foot.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hangzhou often centres on the water, from early-morning walks along the lakeshore to relaxed evenings in small teahouses. Older neighbourhoods preserve traditional courtyard homes and narrow lanes, while creative zones host galleries, studios, and small performance spaces that highlight the city’s artistic side.

Where to unwind
You can find quiet corners along lesser-known parts of West Lake and in the wooded hills that rise behind the city. Parks and riverside promenades offer shady paths, with the softest light in the early morning or late afternoon. Wetland and forest parks nearby provide extra space for unhurried walks and fresh air.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou’s food culture is known for delicate flavours and seasonal ingredients, often featuring freshwater fish and crisp vegetables. Around markets and older streets, you can sample local snacks, noodles, and small plates that highlight the city’s light, balanced cooking style.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and newer business districts gather many casual restaurants under one roof, from regional Chinese cuisines to international favourites. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can try several dishes in one meal, making these areas convenient if you are short on time between sightseeing or meetings.

Signature & scenic dining
Around West Lake and the surrounding hills, restaurants and teahouses offer views of calm water, gardens, or tea terraces. In modern riverside districts, elevated venues overlook the skyline and illuminated bridges, providing a memorable setting for a relaxed dinner or a special occasion meal.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou features large shopping centres that combine international labels, local brands, cinemas, and dining floors. These lifestyle hubs are popular meeting places, allowing you to browse fashion, electronics, and homeware, then pause for coffee or a meal without leaving the complex.

Markets & local crafts
Older commercial streets and smaller markets are good places to look for handmade items, textiles, and regional packaged snacks. Areas near the lake and in historic districts bring together traditional workshops and newer boutiques, giving you a mix of classic and contemporary Hangzhou design.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall façades light up, and many stores stay open into the evening. Pedestrian areas become livelier with window shoppers and families enjoying the cooler air. Well-connected metro lines and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel once you have finished exploring.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F). Flowers bloom around West Lake and the surrounding hills turn a fresh green. Occasional showers keep the air cool, and it is a pleasant time for walking and cycling.

Summer (xia) – June to September, peak season
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with typical temperatures of 24–33°C (75–91°F). Trees are in full leaf and evenings by the lake feel lively. This is a popular time for boat trips and outdoor performances, especially when cooling breezes come off the water.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn is often clear and comfortable, around 12–23°C (54–73°F), with colourful foliage in the hills. Winter is cooler, averaging 3–10°C (37–50°F), and the city feels calmer. Misty lake views and quieter pathways create a peaceful atmosphere for unhurried exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions