Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic lake scenery, leafy hills, and refined urban energy, blending classical Chinese gardens with a modern skyline. You can expect calm waterfront promenades, historic streets, and a creative cafe culture that makes the city feel both relaxed and contemporary.
What to expect
Most visits revolve around West Lake and its ring of parks, pavilions, and walking paths, with the dense city centre just a short ride away. Tech districts, design-forward shopping malls, and redeveloped canalside neighbourhoods add a modern edge, offering a mix of leisurely sightseeing and vibrant city life.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou is an appealing base for exploring eastern China, with fast rail links to Shanghai and nearby historic water towns. You can combine lakeside days with easy side trips before flying on to other Asian destinations, making Hangzhou a convenient gateway as well as a rewarding stop in its own right.