Hangzhou blends classical lakeside scenery with a modern, creative city spirit. You find calm temples, historic streets, and a thriving tech scene sitting side by side.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Expect misty mornings over West Lake, leafy boulevards, and stylish districts filled with design, art, and cafés. The city feels relaxed yet dynamic, with good transport and well-kept public spaces.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a standalone city break or as part of a wider journey through eastern China. It also serves as a convenient gateway to nearby water towns and major cities by high-speed rail.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll or cycle around this UNESCO-listed lake, where pagodas, willow trees, and classic bridges frame gentle views that change with every season.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Explore one of Hangzhou’s most famous temple complexes and wander past ancient stone carvings set into the forested limestone cliffs nearby.
Hefang Street and the Old Town
Walk this restored historic street to browse traditional shops, teahouses, and preserved architecture that evokes Hangzhou’s merchant past.
Longjing tea plantations
Head into the hills outside the city to see terraced tea fields, learn about Longjing green tea, and enjoy peaceful valley views.
Grand Canal and Gongchen Bridge
Visit this historic section of the Grand Canal, where riverside warehouses and museums tell stories of centuries of trade and craftsmanship.
China National Tea Museum
Discover the history of Chinese tea culture through curated exhibits, gardens, and tasting rooms set in a tranquil hillside setting.
Xixi Wetland National Park
Take a boat ride through reed-fringed waterways and small islets, experiencing a quieter, rural side of Hangzhou’s landscape.
Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Hangzhou’s metro and buses to move quickly between the lake, business districts, and railway stations. For a slower look at the city, rent a bicycle or take a lakeside boat, then rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps for late-night or last-mile journeys.
Local life & culture
You see morning tai chi at the lake, families relaxing in neighbourhood parks, and students filling the city’s creative quarters. Museums, theatres, and teahouses offer a calm way to connect with Hangzhou’s literary and artistic traditions.
Where to unwind
Find quiet corners along the West Lake causeways at sunrise or sunset, or escape to tea villages in the surrounding hills for fresh air and gentle walks. In the evenings, lakeside promenades and riverside parks are ideal for a relaxed stroll.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes such as sweet-and-sour style river fish, rich stews, and delicate snacks in areas around Hefang Street and local neighbourhood eateries. Morning markets are good for warm pastries and quick bites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new creative districts host relaxed restaurants, cafés, and tea houses serving both regional Chinese flavours and international favourites. Smaller portions and shared plates make it easy to sample a variety of tastes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake, a rooftop with skyline views, or a refined teahouse set in a traditional courtyard. Lakeside and hillside venues feel especially atmospheric at dusk, when the city lights gently reflect on the water.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls across central Hangzhou bring together international brands, Chinese designers, cinemas, and family entertainment, creating easy one-stop destinations for shopping and dining.
Markets & local crafts
Browse streets near Hefang area and canal-side neighbourhoods for silk, paper goods, tea, and handicrafts from local makers, alongside small boutiques highlighting contemporary Hangzhou design.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and riverside areas glow with lanterns and illuminated shopfronts, with many stores staying open late. The metro and plentiful taxis make reaching these districts straightforward from most parts of the city.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 13–22°C (55–72°F), with flowers in bloom around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is hot and humid, typically 24–33°C (75–91°F), ideal for lush green scenery but expect occasional rain. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is comfortable at about 13–22°C (55–72°F), with clearer skies and colourful foliage, while winter (December to February, low season) is cool at 3–10°C (37–50°F), quieter for sightseeing.