Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic landscapes, where a historic city wraps around the calm waters of West Lake and green tea fields rise into surrounding hills. You will find a relaxed pace, leafy streets, and a blend of traditional architecture and modern urban life.

What to expect
The city centres on West Lake, with causeways, pavilions, and gardens linked by walking and cycling paths. Beyond the waterfront, you will discover busy shopping avenues, creative districts, and a thriving tech scene that gives Hangzhou a confident, forward-looking character.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a stand-alone city break and a gateway to eastern China. High-speed rail and regional links make it easy to combine with nearby cities, while its parks, tea villages, and lake scenery offer a gentle counterbalance to busier urban centres.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake, with its causeways, islands, and pavilions framed by willow trees and distant hills.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift up this rebuilt historic pagoda for wide views over West Lake and the surrounding city skyline.

Lingyin scenic area

Explore a lush valley of cliffs, grottoes, and historic halls set amid dense forest and shaded walking paths.

Dragon Well tea fields

Walk through terraced Longjing tea plantations on the city outskirts and learn about the region’s famous green tea heritage.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored historic street lined with traditional-style shopfronts, local snacks, and handicraft boutiques.

Grand Canal waterfront

Visit sections of the ancient canal, where museums and converted warehouses tell the story of Hangzhou’s trading past.

Xixi Wetland

Take a boat through tranquil waterways and reed-filled wetlands, spotting birdlife and traditional waterside houses.

Qianjiang New Town

See the modern side of Hangzhou with striking riverfront architecture, evening light shows, and riverside promenades.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the quickest way to cover longer distances, linking the lake, business districts, and transport hubs. Buses and shared bikes help you move smoothly along the lakeside and through neighbourhood streets, while walking is ideal for enjoying the paths around West Lake itself.

Local life & culture
Around West Lake, you will see residents jogging, painting, and practising music along the shorefront paths from early morning. Creative districts and university areas introduce galleries, small studios, and performance spaces, giving you a sense of the city’s younger, innovative side alongside its historic scenery.

Where to unwind
The lakeside parks provide shaded benches, gentle walking routes, and quiet viewpoints that feel calm even close to the city centre. In the tea-growing hills, small paths between terraces create peaceful spaces to pause and enjoy the landscape, especially in the early morning or towards sunset.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou cuisine is known for light, seasonal flavours, often built around lake fish, river prawns, and fresh vegetables. Around Hefang Street and neighbourhood lanes near West Lake, you can try local snacks and simple eateries serving regional favourites in a relaxed, open-fronted setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts and major shopping centres, you will find modern food courts and mid-range restaurants offering everything from regional Chinese dishes to international flavours. Many venues serve small plates and shared dishes, so you can sample several specialities in one sitting with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants with terraces overlooking West Lake or elevated dining rooms with skyline views of Qianjiang New Town. A table by the window or on an outdoor deck lets you pair refined Hangzhou-style dishes with sunsets, evening lights, and reflections on the water.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Qianjiang New Town and other downtown districts bring together international labels, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These air-conditioned malls are convenient places to combine shopping with dining and a short break from outdoor sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
For local character, head to Hefang Street and surrounding alleys, where small shops sell handicrafts, souvenirs, and locally inspired designs. Other creative neighbourhoods feature independent boutiques and design stores, giving you a chance to find unique gifts and homeware.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy commercial streets and waterfront areas light up with illuminated facades, window displays, and late-opening shops. Night-time strolls combine browsing, people-watching, and refreshments, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel after an evening out.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Hangzhou brings mild temperatures of around 15–22°C (59–72°F), fresh greenery, and flowers around West Lake and in the tea fields. It is a popular season for gentle walks and outdoor photography, with comfortable conditions for exploring both the city and the hills.

Summer lakeside days (June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with typical temperatures between 25–33°C (77–91°F), and longer daylight hours for boat trips and evening strolls. Occasional showers refresh the air, and shaded paths, parks, and indoor attractions help you adapt easily to the heat.

Autumn colours and crisp air (October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter bring cooler, crisper weather, with temperatures from about 5–18°C (41–64°F) depending on the month. Clear days can offer beautiful lake reflections and quieter viewpoints, while extra layers make it easy to enjoy city walks and hot drinks overlooking the water.

Frequently Asked Questions