Hangzhou is a historic lakeside city where classical gardens, tea fields, and temples sit alongside a modern skyline. You can enjoy calm waterways, leafy hills, and refined city living in one trip.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Centred on the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Hangzhou blends traditional neighbourhoods, tree-lined promenades, and high-tech districts. Expect scenic walks, efficient transport, and a relaxed yet sophisticated pace of life.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou is an ideal base for exploring eastern China, with fast rail links to Shanghai and nearby water towns. Plan at least a few days to explore the lake, tea villages, and surrounding hills.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll or cycle around West Lake to see willow-fringed shores, causeways, and classic pavilions reflected in calm waters.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Explore ancient grotto carvings at Feilai Peak, then wander through the atmospheric halls and courtyards of Lingyin Temple nestled in forested hills.
Longjing Tea Village
Head into the hills above the city to walk among tea terraces at Longjing, visiting village lanes and teahouses overlooking the fields.
Southern Song Imperial Street
Walk this historic pedestrian street lined with traditional-style shopfronts, lanterns, and heritage buildings in the heart of the old city.
Grand Canal Hangzhou section
Visit the canal-side district to see old warehouses, stone bridges, and museums that tell the story of the ancient waterway.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Take a boat through tranquil waterways, reeds, and small islands in this urban wetland reserve on the citys edge.
Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies
Follow shaded forest trails and stone paths along streams and small cascades for a refreshing escape close to the city.
Experience Hangzhous everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou has an extensive metro and bus network for moving quickly between key districts and West Lake. For a slower perspective, hire a bicycle or join a lake cruise, then use taxis or ride-hailing services for the last leg back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
Morning tai chi around West Lake, mahjong in neighbourhood parks, and evening strolls on the causeways reveal Hangzhous gentle routine. Arts venues and tea houses showcase local opera, traditional crafts, and the citys long literary heritage.
Where to unwind
Find quiet corners at West Lake at sunrise or near dusk, when the light softens and crowds thin. For greener escapes, head to Xixi National Wetland Park or the tea-covered hills around Longjing in the late afternoon for cooler walks and wide views.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Seek out Hangzhou favourites such as braised dishes, lake fish, and delicate pastries in streets around West Lake and the old town. Small shops and food stalls in side alleys serve snacks that pair well with local tea.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and new business districts offer everything from noodle bars to contemporary restaurants, making it easy to try different regional Chinese cuisines in one area. Modest portions and shared plates mean you can sample a variety of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a lakeside restaurant with views of West Lake or hilltop venues overlooking tea fields. Many refined dining rooms highlight seasonal produce and offer wide windows so you can enjoy the scenery with each course.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou has large malls that combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and restaurants under one roof. These lifestyle centres double as social spaces where you can shop, dine, and relax between sightseeing stops.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for silk, tea, and handicrafts in older commercial streets and small markets near the lake and historic quarters. Neighbourhood lanes often host boutiques selling locally designed clothing, ceramics, and souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets light up with bright displays and lively crowds, while some pedestrian areas host small night-time stalls. The metro and taxis run until late, making it easy to reach these districts and return to your accommodation.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), blooming flowers around West Lake, and comfortable walking weather. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with temperatures of about 25–33°C (77–91°F) and occasional rain showers, ideal for lush green landscapes. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is cool and clear, around 13–22°C (55–72°F), with pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and views of changing foliage; winter (December to February, low season) is cold and often dry, averaging 4–10°C (39–50°F), with quieter attractions and a calmer atmosphere.