Hangzhou is a lakeside city of tree-lined causeways, misty hills, and elegant teahouses, blending classical Chinese scenery with a modern tech-driven edge. You feel close to nature yet still in a dynamic urban hub.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
You can stroll historic streets, cruise over West Lake, and explore new districts filled with galleries, cafés, and waterfront paths. The pace is gentle yet energetic, with green spaces woven into the city fabric.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a standalone city break or as a gateway to eastern China, with convenient links to Shanghai and other nearby cities. Allow time for both the lakeside sights and the surrounding tea hills.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Glide across the calm waters by boat or walk the famous Su Causeway to see pagodas, arched bridges, and willow trees reflected in the lake.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng
Wander through forested hillsides dotted with stone carvings before stepping into one of Hangzhou's most historic temple complexes, framed by incense and mountain views.
Longjing Tea Village
Head into the terraced hills where Longjing tea is grown, walking quiet lanes between tea fields and visiting traditional houses and teahouses for tastings.
Hefang Street
Explore this preserved pedestrian street lined with heritage shopfronts, snacks, and artisan stores in the heart of the old town.
Grand Canal and Gongchen Bridge
See one of the oldest sections of the Grand Canal, with restored warehouses, museums, and a graceful stone bridge lit up after dark.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Drift past reed beds and old dwellings by boat or stroll wooden boardwalks for a quiet escape into one of China's first urban wetland reserves.
Leifeng Pagoda
Ride the lift or climb up for sweeping views of West Lake, the city skyline, and the rolling hills that frame Hangzhou.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Hangzhou's metro and buses link major districts, West Lake, and the railway stations efficiently. For a slower perspective, rent a bicycle along the lakeside paths, then use taxis or ride-hailing for late-night journeys back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You see locals practising tai chi by the lake at dawn, playing cards in neighbourhood squares, and gathering in parks for music and dancing. Heritage districts, museums, and teahouses tell the story of the city's literary and merchant past.
Where to unwind
Spend quiet hours circling West Lake's shaded walkways, or relax among bamboo groves and pavilions in nearby parks. Early mornings and late afternoons are the calmest times before and after the day's crowds.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Try classic Hangzhou dishes such as beggar's chicken and West Lake fish in vinegar sauce, along with snacks from Hefang Street and the lanes around the lake.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can find relaxed eateries in shopping centres and newer districts, with a mix of regional Chinese cuisines and international flavours, making it easy to sample a variety of dishes in one outing.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table in restaurants overlooking West Lake or set in restored villas for memorable meals, where picture windows frame pavilions, pagodas, and water views as the sun sets.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central malls offer international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions, doubling as social spaces where you can shop, dine, and linger.
Markets & local crafts
Browse streets around Hefang Street and nearby alleys for silk, tea, fans, and small handicrafts that make easy-to-pack souvenirs from local makers.
Evening retail scene
After dark, lit shopfronts and pedestrian streets create an easy-going atmosphere for browsing and snacking, with public transport and taxis keeping these areas convenient to reach.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures of around 10–22°C (50–72°F), fresh greenery, and blooming flowers around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with average temperatures between 24–33°C (75–91°F) and occasional rain, ideal for lush scenery and evening walks. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) offers comfortable days of about 12–24°C (54–75°F) and clearer skies. Winter (December to February, low season) is cool, generally 2–10°C (36–50°F), with quieter sights and a softer, misty atmosphere around the lake.