Flights from Siem Reap (SAI) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou blends scenic lakeside beauty with a modern cityscape, creating a calm yet dynamic atmosphere. You can wander historic causeways in the morning, then explore contemporary districts and cafés by afternoon.

What to expect
The city is centred around the tranquil West Lake, ringed by leafy hills, gardens, and walking paths. Away from the water, you will find busy shopping streets, tea villages, and tech-driven neighbourhoods that show Hangzhou’s fast-growing, creative side.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a stand-alone city break or as part of a wider journey through eastern China. Its rail and road links make it a convenient gateway to nearby cities and countryside, while its compact core allows you to see key sights even on a short visit.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this famous lake to enjoy classic bridges, pavilions, and ever-changing views of water and hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift up this multi-tiered landmark for panoramic views over West Lake and the surrounding city.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Walk forested paths among dramatic rock formations and historic carvings in a peaceful valley setting.

Hefang Street

Explore a traditional-style street lined with snack stalls, craft shops, and restored historic buildings.

Longjing Tea Villages

Visit hillside tea plantations, learn about local tea cultivation, and relax with a fresh cup overlooking the fields.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Take a gentle cruise or canal-side walk to see warehouses, bridges, and neighbourhood life along this historic waterway.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Glide along narrow waterways by boat or follow raised walkways through a landscape of reeds, ponds, and heritage houses.

Qianjiang New Town

Admire modern riverside architecture, light displays, and open plazas in Hangzhou’s contemporary business district.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the quickest way to travel between key districts and West Lake. Buses and taxis fill the gaps, while bike-share services let you follow scenic lakeside and riverside paths. For short distances, walking is often the most pleasant option in central areas.

Local life & culture
Mornings often begin with gentle exercise in lakeside parks, where residents practise dance, stretching, or tai chi. Neighbourhood streets are lined with small shops and tea houses, and older quarters retain low-rise lanes that contrast with the sleek towers of newer business zones.

Where to unwind
The paths around West Lake and the shaded gardens nearby offer easy places to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Further out, the tea hills and wetlands provide a quieter escape with fresh air and softer light. Sunset by the water or on a riverside promenade is especially relaxing.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, lightly seasoned dishes that highlight fresh ingredients from lake and land. Around Hefang Street and the old town, you will find snacks, noodles, and classic local plates served from small shops and informal eateries.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and newer districts like Qianjiang New Town offer a wide mix of casual restaurants, ranging from local kitchens to wider Asian and international flavours. Menus often feature smaller plates and shared dishes, so you can sample several tastes in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
Lakeside restaurants around West Lake combine regional cooking with views of the water and surrounding hills. In the city centre, some hotels and high-rise venues offer refined dining rooms with skyline vistas, creating a memorable backdrop for a relaxed evening meal.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou has several large malls where you can find international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. These lifestyle centres are popular as places to meet, dine, and spend an afternoon between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and traditional goods, head to areas around Hefang Street, Wushan Square, and nearby side lanes. Here you can browse tea, silk, handicrafts, and souvenirs in compact streets that are easy to explore on foot.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets and riverfront areas glow with neon signs and illuminated façades. Nighttime brings more street activity, snacks, and relaxed browsing. Metro lines and buses make it straightforward to reach these districts and return to your hotel in the evening.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring is mild, with average temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F), and fresh greenery appearing around West Lake and the tea hills. Light showers are common, but the softer light and blossoms create an inviting setting for walking and outdoor photography.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm and often humid, with average temperatures of 24–32°C (75–90°F). Long daylight hours and lively evenings by the lake make this a popular time for boat rides and night walks, especially when the city’s trees and parks are in full leaf.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn brings clear skies and comfortable temperatures of about 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for exploring tea villages and canals. Winter is cooler, around 4–10°C (39–50°F), with a quieter atmosphere that suits crowd-free sightseeing and peaceful lakeside strolls.

Frequently Asked Questions