Flights from Guangzhou (CAN) to Hangzhou (HGH)

About Hangzhou

Discover Hangzhou

Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is known for its poetic West Lake scenery, leafy hills, and elegant waterfront promenades that blend city life with nature. You will find a relaxed pace, historic neighbourhoods, and modern districts that make it easy to enjoy both quiet moments and lively evenings.

What to expect
The city centres around West Lake, with tree-lined paths, boat piers, and viewpoints connected to busy shopping streets and business areas. Technology parks and new districts sit alongside classical gardens and museums, giving Hangzhou a balanced character that feels both forward-looking and rooted in tradition.

Plan your trip
Hangzhou works well as a short getaway or as part of a longer journey through eastern China, thanks to fast rail, expressways, and regional flights. From here you can explore nearby tea-growing hills, river towns, and other major cities, using Hangzhou as a comfortable base and transport gateway.

Top sights in Hangzhou

West Lake

Stroll, cycle, or cruise across this iconic lake, enjoying causeways, pavilions, and changing views in every season.

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb or take the lift to the top for panoramic views of West Lake, the city skyline, and distant hills.

Lingyin Scenic Area

Explore wooded paths, impressive rock carvings, and peaceful valleys in one of Hangzhou’s most scenic green areas.

Longjing Tea Fields

Walk among tea terraces in the hills above the city and learn how Hangzhou’s famous green tea is cultivated.

Hefang Street

Wander along this historic street lined with traditional façades, snack stalls, and shops selling local products.

Grand Canal Hangzhou section

Visit the revitalised canal-side district with museums, riverside paths, and night-time illuminations along the water.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Take a boat or follow boardwalks through waterways, reeds, and small villages in this urban wetland reserve.

Qianjiang New Town

See Hangzhou’s modern side with striking architecture, riverside promenades, and colourful light displays after dark.

Experience Hangzhou’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Hangzhou’s metro network is the fastest way to move between the lake, business districts, and railway stations. Buses and taxis connect smaller streets, while bike-sharing services are ideal for scenic rides along West Lake. For short distances, walking often offers the best views.

Local life & culture
You will notice a calm, unhurried rhythm around the lakefront, where residents exercise, meet friends, and enjoy the scenery before and after work. Creative districts and universities add a younger energy, with galleries, cafés, and small performance spaces contributing to a lively cultural calendar.

Where to unwind
Green spaces are easy to find, from the shaded paths around West Lake to hill trails and wetland parks on the city’s edge. Early morning and late afternoon are pleasant times to wander, sit by the water, or enjoy a quiet viewpoint as the city lights gradually come on.

A taste of Hangzhou

Street food & local specialties
Hangzhou is known for light, flavourful dishes that highlight fresh ingredients, with simple eateries and small restaurants around the West Lake area and older neighbourhoods. Night-time food streets are a good place to sample a few local snacks in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new business districts offer convenient places to dine, with local and international options side by side. You will find everything from fast, simple meals to relaxed cafés, and generous opening hours make it easy to fit meals around your sightseeing.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose restaurants overlooking West Lake, the Qiantang River, or hilltop viewpoints. Many venues focus on refined regional cooking in calm, thoughtfully designed spaces, allowing you to enjoy both the food and the surrounding cityscape.

Retail therapy in Hangzhou

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Hangzhou has several large malls that combine international brands, local designers, and entertainment options in one place. These centres often include cinemas and family-friendly facilities, making them comfortable spots to spend a few hours in any weather.

Markets & local crafts
Older streets near West Lake and the Grand Canal showcase smaller shops with local products, souvenirs, and everyday items. Areas such as Hefang Street and nearby lanes are ideal for browsing for gifts, tea, and handicrafts at a relaxed pace.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated waterfront promenades and shopping streets create an inviting atmosphere for an evening stroll. Many stores and food outlets stay open late, so you can combine shopping with a walk by the lake or river, easily reached by metro or bus.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Hangzhou is mild and fresh, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Trees and flowers around West Lake and the hills come into bloom, creating soft views and comfortable walking weather.

Summer (xia) – June to September, peak season
Summer brings warm, humid days with temperatures typically between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Longer daylight hours and lively evening scenes around the lake make this a popular time for boat rides, riverside walks, and open-air activities.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn is generally clear and cool at about 12–20°C (54–68°F), with crisp lake views and colourful foliage in the hills. Winter is colder, often around 3–10°C (37–50°F), but quieter streets and misty landscapes lend the city a calm, atmospheric charm.

Frequently Asked Questions