Hangzhou blends classical lakeside beauty with a fast-growing tech and creative scene. You discover historic temples, misty hills, and leafy boulevards alongside modern towers and lively neighbourhoods.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
You can expect a relaxed, green city built around West Lake, with scenic walking paths, tea fields, and waterfront promenades. Districts such as the lakeside area and the business zones feel spacious, organised, and easy to navigate.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a calm city break and a base for exploring eastern China, including nearby Shanghai and historic water towns. Modern rail links and highways make onward travel straightforward.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll or cycle around West Lake to see stone bridges, small islands, and pavilions framed by willow trees and distant hills.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Explore one of Hangzhou's best-known temple complexes and the nearby Feilai Peak area, dotted with ancient stone carvings set into the cliffs.
Longjing tea plantations
Head into the hills to walk through terraced Longjing tea fields, visit village tea houses, and enjoy sweeping views back towards the city.
Grand Canal Hangzhou
Visit the Grand Canal area to see historic warehouses and waterfront homes that tell the story of one of the world’s longest canals.
Hefang Street
Wander along Hefang Street, where restored buildings house shops, teahouses, and stalls selling traditional snacks and crafts.
Xixi Wetland National Park
Take a boat ride or follow wooden walkways through this protected wetland of waterways, small islands, and reed beds on the city’s edge.
Qiandao Lake day trip
Escape to Qiandao Lake, known for its forested islands and clear water, for boat cruises, walking trails, and fresh air.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro and extensive bus network connect the airport, railway stations, and major sights efficiently. For scenic views, take a shared bicycle or lakeside tourist cart around West Lake, then use taxis or ride-hailing apps for the final leg back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
Mornings often start with tai chi, dancing, or music in lakeside parks, while evenings bring people to waterfront promenades and squares. Traditional teahouses and small cultural venues sit alongside modern galleries and performance spaces, giving you many ways to experience local art and daily routines.
Where to unwind
You can find quiet corners along West Lake at sunrise or near dusk, when the light softens and paths feel calmer. Xixi Wetland, surrounding hills, and landscaped city parks offer shaded walking routes, while some hotels and spas provide pools and wellness facilities for a restful afternoon.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes and snacks in areas around Hefang Street and neighbourhood food lanes, where stalls and small eateries serve local noodles, buns, and lake-inspired specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer business areas host relaxed cafes, noodle bars, and contemporary restaurants serving regional and international flavours. Menus often feature shareable plates, so you can sample several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, choose a restaurant overlooking West Lake or set in the surrounding hills, where large windows and terraces frame the water and tree-lined shores, especially atmospheric at sunset.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou malls bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and family attractions, creating easy places to combine shopping, dining, and a relaxed evening indoors.
Markets & local crafts
Hefang Street and nearby alleys are known for smaller shops selling handicrafts, tea, and local products, while other traditional streets offer boutiques with regional textiles and souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls stay busy with walkers, diners, and shoppers. Public transport and taxis make these neighbourhoods simple to reach and return from at night.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), fresh greenery, and comfortable walking weather, though you may encounter some rain. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with temperatures often between 26–33°C (79–91°F), lively lakefront areas, and the main holiday crowds. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is cooler and clearer, typically 14–20°C (57–68°F), with pleasant conditions for exploring parks, hills, and tea fields.