Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic scenery, where lakeside views, green hills, and historic streets sit alongside a fast-growing modern city. You can expect calm walks by the water, leafy parks, and a relaxed pace that contrasts with the energy of nearby major urban centres.

What to expect
At the heart of Hangzhou is West Lake, surrounded by causeways, gardens, and viewpoints that shape most visits. Beyond the waterfront, you will find tea-growing hills, riverside paths, and newly developed districts with high-tech offices, galleries, and stylish cafés that showcase the citys contemporary side.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou is an ideal first stop for exploring eastern China, with high-speed rail and road links to many nearby cities. You can base yourself near West Lake for sightseeing, then use the city as a comfortable gateway to surrounding tea villages, scenic reservoirs, and coastal or inland destinations.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake, taking in its bridges, islands, and tree-lined paths at a gentle pace.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift to the upper levels of this hilltop structure for wide views over West Lake and the city skyline.

Longjing Tea plantations

Visit the terraced hills where renowned local tea is grown, and walk through quiet lanes between the neatly kept fields.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored historic street lined with traditional façades, snack stalls, and small speciality shops.

Grand Canal waterfront

Explore sections of the ancient canal, with riverside promenades, museums, and converted warehouses along the banks.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat or follow boardwalks through tranquil waterways and reed beds on the edge of the city.

Qiangjiang New Town

See Hangzhous modern side with striking architecture, riverside parks, and night-time light displays along the Qiantang River.

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Enjoy a peaceful walk through wooded valleys and streams, ideal for a half-day escape into nature.

Experience Hangzhous everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou has an efficient metro network that links West Lake, the railway stations, and newer districts, making longer journeys simple. Buses and taxis complement the metro, while shared bikes are a relaxing way to follow lakeside and riverside paths. For short hops, walking is often the most scenic choice.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Hangzhou moves at a steady pace, with residents gathering in parks for exercise, music, and socialising. Around West Lake and in older neighbourhoods, you will notice a strong café and teahouse culture, alongside small studios and galleries that highlight local crafts and contemporary design.

Where to unwind
Parks and waterfront promenades offer quiet corners throughout the day, especially around West Lake and along the Qiantang River. In the nearby hills, shaded walking trails and tea villages provide cooler air and restful views. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant for gentle walks and photography.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, mildly seasoned dishes that emphasise freshness and seasonal ingredients. Around Hefang Street, lakeside lanes, and smaller neighbourhood markets, you will find stalls and simple eateries serving classic local flavours and quick snacks to enjoy between walks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new business districts house a wide choice of casual restaurants, from noodle shops to contemporary eateries offering regional and international menus. Many venues serve smaller plates or shareable dishes, making it easy to sample a range of flavours in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake, the tea hills, or the riverside skyline, where views add to the atmosphere. Some venues make the most of upper floors, terraces, or gardens, combining refined presentations with calming surroundings for a leisurely lunch or evening meal.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou offers modern shopping centres with international fashion, lifestyle brands, and cinemas, often combined with large dining floors. These malls act as social hubs, where you can combine browsing, a relaxed meal, and a film or family activity in a single visit.

Markets & local crafts
For local products, explore pedestrian streets and smaller shopping areas near West Lake, Hefang Street, and the Grand Canal. Here you can find textiles, tea, paper goods, and design-led souvenirs from independent makers and regional labels in compact, walkable districts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy streets and shopping areas light up with illuminated shopfronts and lively food corners. Some pedestrian zones stay active into the evening, offering a comfortable atmosphere for a post-dinner stroll. Metro services and clearly signed bus routes help you return to your hotel easily at the end of the night.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake and the tea hills. Light rain is common, which creates a soft atmosphere on the water and makes it a comfortable season for walking and cycling.

Summer lakeside season (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically 24–33°C (75–91°F), with long daylight hours. It is an inviting time for evening boat rides, illuminated lakeside walks, and enjoying shaded parks, especially if you plan your outdoor activities for mornings and later in the day.

Autumn colours and clear days (September to November, shoulder season)
Autumn usually sees comfortable temperatures of about 15–25°C (59–77°F), with drier, clearer days and soft golden light. It is an appealing period for exploring the hills, tea villages, and waterfront paths, with pleasant conditions for both city sightseeing and gentle hikes.

Cool, quiet winter (December to February, low season)
Winters are cool, with averages around 4–10°C (39–50°F), and a calm atmosphere around the lake and in parks. This season is well suited to slower days focused on museums, teahouses, and short scenic walks, with fewer crowds at many popular viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions