Flights from Delhi (DEL) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its elegant lakeside scenery, classical gardens, and tree-lined streets that blend tradition with a modern, creative spirit. You can expect a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, where historic landmarks sit beside contemporary cafés, galleries, and technology hubs.

What to expect
The city centres around the famous West Lake area, with its promenades, pavilions, and carefully framed viewpoints. Beyond the waterfront, you will find leafy tea-growing hills, compact historic districts, and wide boulevards lined with shops and offices, creating a calm but cosmopolitan setting for your stay.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as both a stand-alone city break and a base for exploring the wider Zhejiang region. Its efficient rail and road connections make it easy to combine with nearby cities, while the city’s compact core and scenic surroundings invite you to slow down and enjoy the landscape.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll or cycle around this iconic lake to enjoy classic bridges, islets, and tree-lined paths with views that change beautifully through the seasons.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or ride up to this landmark tower on the lake’s southern shore for sweeping views across West Lake and the surrounding hills.

Lingyin scenic area

Explore wooded paths, dramatic limestone formations, and historic structures in one of Hangzhou’s most atmospheric scenic zones.

Longjing tea fields

Walk among terraced plantations in the Longjing area, where you can see tea bushes on gentle hillsides and learn about traditional tea culture.

Hefang Street

Wander this restored historic street lined with old-style façades, traditional snacks, and small shops selling local products and souvenirs.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the canal-side promenades and museums to discover the history of one of the world’s longest man-made waterways and its role in trade.

Xixi Wetland Park

Take a boat ride or follow wooden walkways through this peaceful wetland reserve of waterways, reed beds, and traditional-style houses.

Qianjiang New Town

See Hangzhou’s modern side with bold riverfront architecture, illuminated skyscrapers, and evening light displays along the Qiantang River.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro lines and buses link key areas such as West Lake, the railway stations, and newer business districts efficiently. For a slower pace, cycling paths around the lake offer a scenic way to move between viewpoints, while short taxi rides or app-based cars are useful for last-mile journeys.

Local life & culture
In the morning, lakeside parks fill with residents walking, stretching, and socialising by the water. Compact neighbourhoods near Hefang Street and the Grand Canal reveal traditional architecture beside small studios and cafés, giving a sense of a city that respects its heritage while embracing contemporary design and lifestyle.

Where to unwind
West Lake’s causeways and gardens are ideal for gentle walks at sunrise or near sunset, when the light softens and the water is calm. For quieter moments, the tea hills around Longjing and the waterways of Xixi Wetland Park provide green escapes, with pavilions and benches where you can simply sit and enjoy the scenery.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for delicate, mildly seasoned dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Around Hefang Street and small lanes near West Lake, you will find stalls and modest eateries serving local favourites, snacks, and warm drinks that are easy to enjoy between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city’s central districts, shopping centres and office towers house a wide choice of casual restaurants and cafés. From local flavours to pan-Asian and international cuisine, menus often feature smaller plates and sharing dishes, making it convenient to sample a variety of tastes with family or friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants with views over West Lake, the Grand Canal, or the hillside tea fields. Elevated terraces, glass-fronted dining rooms, and hotel restaurants along the waterfront create a special setting, especially in the evening when the city lights reflect on the water.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Hangzhou’s modern malls cluster around central boulevards and newer districts near the Qiantang River. They combine international fashion brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions, giving you a comfortable space to shop, dine, and relax in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and crafts, explore streets around Hefang Street, the Grand Canal area, and neighbourhoods near West Lake. Here you can look for items inspired by traditional patterns, contemporary design pieces, and locally made souvenirs in compact shops and studios.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and riverfront promenades light up with illuminated façades and busy cafés. Some areas host evening markets where stalls sell accessories, clothing, and small gifts, creating a lively atmosphere that is easy to reach using the metro or short taxi rides.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring in Hangzhou (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F), fresh greenery, and blossoms around West Lake. It is an inviting time for walking and boat rides, with comfortable temperatures and a gentle atmosphere across the city.

Summer by the lake (June to August, peak season) is warm and often humid, with temperatures commonly between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for evening strolls, lake cruises, and enjoying illuminated skylines and waterfront light shows after sunset.

Autumn and winter charm (September to February, low season) sees cooler air, with about 10–20°C (50–68°F) in autumn, dropping lower in mid-winter. Clear autumn days highlight colourful foliage, while quieter winter months offer a calmer experience and misty, atmospheric views over the lake and hills.

Frequently Asked Questions