Hangzhou is a lakeside city where classical gardens, tea-covered hills, and calm water create a gentle, poetic setting. You will find a modern Chinese city woven around centuries of history.
Discover Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou
Why visit Hangzhou?
What to expect
Expect leafy boulevards, scenic waterfront promenades, and lively neighbourhoods that stay active from early morning tai chi by the lake to evening strolls under lanterns. Tech districts and old streets sit surprisingly close together.
Hangzhou works well as both a relaxing first stop in China and a base for exploring nearby cities in the Yangtze River Delta. High-speed rail and regional links make day trips and onward journeys simple to arrange.
Top sights in Hangzhou
West Lake
Stroll, cycle, or cruise past arched bridges, small islands, and classical pavilions on Hangzhou's most iconic lake.
Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Walk through wooded hills dotted with stone carvings before exploring one of Hangzhou's most historic temple complexes.
Longjing tea plantations
Climb into the terraced hillsides where famous dragon well tea is grown and enjoy views back towards the city.
Hefang Street
Wander a preserved old street lined with traditional façades, tea houses, and shops selling local snacks and crafts.
Grand Canal Hangzhou section
Follow the ancient waterway by boat or on foot to see warehouses, stone bridges, and revitalised canal-side neighbourhoods.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Take a slow boat or boardwalk walk through reed-filled wetlands, creeks, and small islands on the city's edge.
Qiantang Riverfront
Head to the riverfront promenade for skyline views and, in season, a chance to see the famous tidal bore from designated spots.
Experience Hangzhou's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Hangzhou's metro and buses for most journeys, then switch to taxis or ride-hailing for the last stretch to your hotel or the lakeside. Cycling paths and public bike schemes around West Lake offer a relaxed, scenic way to move between viewpoints.
Local life & culture
You will see residents practising morning exercises by the water, playing cards in parks, and gathering in lakeside squares for music and dance. Old neighbourhoods and tea villages reveal slower routines alongside the pace of new business districts.
Where to unwind
Find calm in lakeside parks, tea gardens in the hills, and the shaded paths around Xixi National Wetland Park. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to enjoy the outdoors, especially in the warmer months.
A taste of Hangzhou
Street food & local specialties
Look for classic Hangzhou dishes such as lake fish, seasonal river prawns, and delicate pastries in the streets around Hefang Street and local wet markets. Small noodle shops and snack stalls are ideal for trying several flavours in one visit.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping areas and new business districts are packed with casual restaurants serving regional Chinese dishes and international favourites. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can sample a variety of plates with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose restaurants overlooking West Lake, the Grand Canal, or hillside tea fields. As evening falls, the combination of water reflections and city lights makes these settings especially atmospheric.
Retail therapy in Hangzhou
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou offers large malls where international labels sit beside local brands, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions. These complexes are popular meeting spots, often linked directly to metro stations for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Explore streets near Hefang Street, Qinghefang area, and canal-side neighbourhoods for silk, tea, paper fans, and small handicrafts. Independent boutiques mix traditional motifs with more modern designs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets, food lanes, and riverside promenades stay lively with late-opening stores and stalls. Well-connected bus and metro routes make it simple to return to your hotel after an evening browse.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) is mild, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and flowering trees around West Lake. Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, about 25–33°C (77–91°F), with occasional showers and lively evening lakefront walks. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is cooler and clearer, roughly 13–22°C (55–72°F), ideal for hiking in tea hills and park visits. Winter (December to February, low season) is cold but generally dry, around 3–10°C (37–50°F), bringing quieter sights and crisp lake views.