Flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its tranquil lake landscapes, leafy hillsides, and elegant canals that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. You will find a calm, scenic city that balances classical charm with a confident, modern skyline.

What to expect
At the heart of Hangzhou is West Lake, surrounded by willow-lined promenades, historic pavilions, and landscaped gardens. Beyond the waterfront, you can explore tea-growing villages, tree-shaded streets, and fast-developing districts filled with contemporary architecture and cultural venues.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a short stay focused on the lake and as a base for exploring Zhejiang province. High-speed rail and road connections link the city with Shanghai and nearby destinations, making it an easy gateway for a wider journey through eastern China.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll, cycle, or take a boat across this iconic freshwater lake framed by causeways, pagodas, and wooded hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride the lift up this hilltop pagoda for panoramic views over West Lake and the city skyline.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Wander through forested paths, dramatic rock formations, and historic stone carvings in this lush valley setting.

Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea Village

Visit terraced tea fields, learn about traditional tea production, and enjoy a peaceful countryside atmosphere close to the city.

Grand Canal Hangzhou

Walk along restored canal-side streets, bridges, and warehouses that tell the story of one of the world’s longest canals.

Hefang Street

Explore a lively historic street lined with old-style shopfronts, traditional snacks, and handicraft boutiques.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat ride through quiet waterways, reed beds, and small islands in this extensive urban wetland reserve.

Qianjiang New Town

See Hangzhou’s modern side with striking riverside architecture, cultural centres, and an illuminated skyline after dark.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the quickest way to move between key districts, including the railway stations and central lake area. Buses and taxis cover most neighbourhoods, while shared bikes are ideal for lakefront paths. For short hops, walking is often the most enjoyable way to explore.

Local life & culture
Along the West Lake promenade you will see residents meeting friends, practising gentle exercise, and enjoying the changing seasons. Historic streets such as Hefang Street offer a glimpse of older urban life, while creative parks in converted industrial areas host galleries, studios, and small performance spaces.

Where to unwind
The paths and gardens around West Lake are especially peaceful early in the morning or towards sunset. For more greenery, Xixi National Wetland Park and the tea hills around Longjing provide quiet escapes with walking trails and viewpoints. Riverside parks along the Qiantang River are ideal for an evening breeze.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks and classic Hangzhou dishes in streets around Hefang Street and near West Lake. Look for traditional eateries serving lake fish, seasonal vegetables, and light, delicately seasoned specialities that reflect the region’s focus on freshness and subtle flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new districts around Qianjiang New Town and Wulin Square offer convenient places to eat, from quick bites to family restaurants. Menus often combine local cuisine with wider regional and international options, with portions sized so you can share several dishes at the table.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake or elevated venues in riverside towers at Qianjiang New Town. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terraces let you pair refined cooking with views of water, bridges, and city lights, making dinner part of the sightseeing experience.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou has modern shopping malls around Wulin Square and by the Qiantang River, where you will find international brands, local labels, and lifestyle stores. Many complexes also feature cinemas, cafes, and family entertainment, so you can combine errands with relaxed downtime.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and traditional goods, explore Hefang Street, nearby side alleys, and canal-side districts. These areas showcase local crafts, tea, textiles, and design-focused boutiques, giving you a chance to pick up distinctive items that reflect Hangzhou’s heritage and creative culture.

Evening retail scene
After dark, lakefront streets, riverside promenades, and busy shopping areas remain lively, with illuminated facades and extended opening hours in some malls. Night-time strolls combine window-shopping with people-watching, and reliable public transport and taxis make it simple to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou is mild, with average temperatures around 13–21°C (55–70°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake and the tea hills. Light showers are common, but the soft light and blossoming trees make this a gentle, photogenic time to explore the city.

Summer lakeside (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically 25–33°C (77–91°F), with humid days and occasional downpours. It is a lively time to visit, with long evenings for lake cruises and riverside walks, and lush vegetation around the hills and wetlands creating a vibrant, tropical feel.

Autumn colours and winter calm (October to February, low season)
Autumn is pleasantly cool at around 12–22°C (54–72°F), with clear days and colourful foliage along the lake. Winter is colder, averaging 3–10°C (37–50°F), and the quieter paths, misty views, and crisp air around West Lake and the tea fields offer a calm, reflective atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions