Flights from Shenzhen (SZX) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its classic landscapes, with willow-lined shores, calm lakes, and green hills framing a modern, liveable city. You can expect a relaxed pace around West Lake balanced by lively commercial districts and a fast-growing technology scene.

What to expect
Most visits revolve around West Lake, the Grand Canal, and the tea fields that carpet the nearby hills. In the centre, broad avenues, contemporary malls, and riverside promenades give the city a spacious, walkable feel, while older streets offer narrower lanes, traditional architecture, and small shops.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a short city break or as part of a longer journey through eastern China. Its fast rail and road links make it a convenient base for exploring nearby cities, while the surrounding countryside offers easy day trips to tea villages, reservoirs, and scenic hills.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake to see stone bridges, small islands, and classic pavilions set against gentle hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Ride the escalators up the hill and climb the pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake and the city skyline.

Hefang Street

Explore this atmospheric old street lined with traditional shopfronts, snack stalls, and local craft stores.

Dragon Well tea plantations

Walk through terraced tea fields in the Longjing area and learn how one of Hangzhou's most famous teas is grown and processed.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Cruise along narrow waterways and boardwalks in this large urban wetland, home to rich birdlife and quiet villages.

Grand Canal waterfront

Visit the historic canal area to see old warehouses, waterside promenades, and museums celebrating the city's trading past.

Qianjiang New Town

Head to the riverside district after dark for modern architecture, broad river views, and an illuminated skyline.

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Follow shaded footpaths through forested valleys and streams in a peaceful area on the edge of the city.

Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Buses and metro lines link key neighbourhoods, from West Lake to Qianjiang New Town and the main railway hubs. Around the lake and in older districts, walking and shared bicycles are often the most enjoyable way to move between sights and viewpoints.

Local life & culture
You will see residents practising morning exercise by the water, playing board games in small parks, and relaxing on benches under the trees in the evenings. Neighbourhoods near West Lake blend traditional houses and narrow lanes with modern cafés, creating a gentle, community-focused atmosphere.

Where to unwind
Parks and green belts line the lakeshore, offering shaded benches, wide paths, and small viewpoints over the water. Hills on the city edge provide short hikes with rewarding panoramas, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens and the city begins to glow.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic Hangzhou dishes such as freshwater fish, seasonal vegetables, and snacks in lanes around Hefang Street and neighbourhood eateries near West Lake. Small local restaurants are ideal for sampling homely, lightly seasoned dishes shared at the table.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and new business areas house an easy mix of cafés, bakeries, and mid-range restaurants serving both regional and international flavours. Menus often feature small plates and shared dishes, making it simple to taste a variety of flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable setting, choose lakefront venues with views across the water or hillside restaurants overlooking tea fields and distant towers. Riverside areas in Qianjiang New Town also offer contemporary dining with an illuminated skyline as your evening backdrop.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in the city centre and Qianjiang New Town feature international fashion brands, electronics, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions. These spaces are popular meeting points, with bright interiors and plentiful dining choices to break up a day of shopping.

Markets & local crafts
For local items, explore Hefang Street, Wushan Square, and nearby side streets, where you can find tea, silk-inspired goods, and small design shops. Creative districts showcase younger labels, art spaces, and independent boutiques in converted warehouses or low-rise buildings.

Evening retail scene
Many central malls and key streets stay lively well into the evening, with illuminated façades and relaxed crowds. Night-time strolls around West Lake and nearby commercial roads often combine window-shopping with snacks, and metro lines make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F). Trees and flowers around West Lake and the tea fields come into bloom, creating soft colours and comfortable walking conditions on most days.

Summer (xia) – June to September, peak season
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with averages of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls by the lake, and shaded parks or boat rides offer a pleasant way to stay cool while still enjoying the city.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn is generally clear and fresh, with 15–22°C (59–72°F), ideal for outdoor walks and hill views. Winter can be cold, around 4–10°C (39–50°F), but quieter sights and misty lake scenes give the city a calm, atmospheric character.

Frequently Asked Questions