Flights from Malaysia to Hangzhou (HGH)

Discover Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?

Hangzhou blends classical lakeside scenery with a fast-growing tech scene, giving you both tranquillity and modern energy in one city. It is known for poetic landscapes, leafy hills, and elegant waterside promenades.

What to expect

You can expect misty mornings by West Lake, leafy boulevards, and a compact historic core set against sleek new districts. Neighbourhoods around the lake feel relaxed, while business and shopping areas pulse with a lively, urban pace.

Plan your trip

Hangzhou works well as a stand-alone city break or as a gateway to eastern China, with convenient rail links to Shanghai and nearby heritage towns. Plan enough time to explore both the lakefront and the surrounding tea-growing hills.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll, cycle, or cruise around West Lake to see stone bridges, small islands, and classic pavilions framed by willow trees and distant hills.

Lingyin Temple Scenic Area

Explore the forested cliffs, grotto carvings, and grand halls within this scenic valley, just a short drive from West Lake.

Longjing tea villages

Head into the hills to visit Longjing tea plantations, where terraced fields and narrow lanes offer calm views above the city.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored historic street lined with traditional shopfronts, snacks, and stalls selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Walk beside one of the world’s oldest canals, where old warehouses, small museums, and waterfront paths reveal Hangzhou’s trading past.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat or follow boardwalks through this wetland reserve, where canals, reeds, and waterways create a quiet, rural-feeling escape.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride the lift up this lakeside pagoda for sweeping views over West Lake, the city skyline, and the surrounding hills.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

The Hangzhou Metro and buses connect the airport, West Lake, and key districts efficiently, while taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy for point-to-point trips. For a scenic view, hire a bicycle or e-bike around the lake, then explore central streets on foot for the final stretch.

Local life & culture

Early mornings bring locals out for tai chi, music, and dance along West Lake’s promenades, before commuters head to offices in the new districts. In the evenings, families and friends stroll waterfront paths, while traditional theatres and modern performance venues light up the city.

Where to unwind

Find calm on lakeside benches at sunrise or sunset, or escape to tea houses in the Longjing hills for a slow afternoon. Parks and wetland reserves on the city’s edge feel especially peaceful in the early morning and late afternoon, when the light is soft and the air cooler.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties

Try local dishes such as West Lake-style fish and delicate snacks around Hefang Street and the neighbourhoods east of West Lake. Small eateries and food lanes serve dumplings, noodles, and sweet pastries late into the evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Shopping districts and malls near the lake and in the newer business areas offer casual restaurants serving regional Chinese dishes, hotpot, and international flavours. Many places encourage sharing, so you can sample several small plates in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining

For memorable meals, choose restaurants overlooking West Lake or perched in the surrounding hills, where large windows frame the water and city lights. Riverside and rooftop venues pair refined menus with panoramic views, especially atmospheric at sunset.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Modern malls near the city centre and financial districts bring together international brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These lifestyle hubs often connect directly to metro stations, making them easy stops between sightseeing and dinner.

Markets & local crafts

Historic streets such as Hefang Street and nearby lanes showcase silk, fans, tea, and calligraphy supplies from small shops and stalls. Venture into side streets to find independent boutiques and studios run by local designers and artisans.

Evening retail scene

After dark, shopping streets and canalside areas glow with lanterns and neon, and many stores stay open late. Night markets, snack lanes, and waterfront promenades are simple to reach by metro or taxi, so you can browse and explore at a relaxed pace.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) is mild, with temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F) and fresh greenery around West Lake. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and humid, averaging 24–33°C (75–91°F), with occasional showers. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) is comfortable and clear, about 13–24°C (55–75°F), ideal for walking and hill views. Winter (December to February, low season) is cool and crisp, typically 2–10°C (36–50°F), with quieter sights and a calm lakeside atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions