Tours
Hangzhou rewards visitors with an extraordinary range of experiences — from serene West Lake cruises and ancient temple visits to tea-plantation walks and water-town day trips. Licensed guided tours are the easiest way to cover the highlights in limited time.
Explore the Feilai Peak grottos, Lingyin Temple, West Lake by boat, and Longwu Tea Village for a hands-on tea-picking experience, with an evening of Zhang Yimou's Impression West Lake water show, a visit to Yangguan Ancient Town for the Qiantang tidal bore, and a stay at the Grand Hyatt.
Facts
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB) |
| Country Code | +86 |
| Nearest Airport | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) |
| Best Time to Visit | March–May and September–November |
| UNESCO Status | West Lake Cultural Landscape — UNESCO World Heritage Site (2011) |
| Famous For | West Lake, Longjing Tea, silk weaving, Grand Canal, Alibaba HQ |
Attractions
Hangzhou blends natural lakeside beauty with deep layers of cultural history. From a UNESCO-listed lake and thousand-year-old temples to serene wetlands and ancient canal heritage, the city offers sights that rival anywhere in China — many of them free or easily walkable from the waterfront.
West Lake (西湖)
The undisputed symbol of Hangzhou, West Lake was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its "idealized fusion between human and nature." Stroll the Su Causeway lined with peach trees and willows, take a rowing boat to the three mid-lake islets, and seek out the famous Ten Scenes — each named for a different season or time of day. Admission is free.
Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)
One of China's largest and most revered Buddhist temples, Lingyin dates back nearly 1,700 years. Inside the Grand Hall stands a magnificent 24-metre gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. The adjacent Peak Flown From Afar (飞来峰) is carved with hundreds of Buddhist grottoes and rock sculptures spanning the Five Dynasties to the Yuan period. Allow at least two hours.
Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)
Standing on the southern shore of West Lake, the reconstructed Leifeng Pagoda is famous for its association with the Legend of the White Snake — one of China's best-loved folk tales. Glass-floored exhibits on each level display Tang and Song Dynasty relics, and the top platform offers a sweeping panoramic view of the entire lake. Sunset from here is legendary.
Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园)
One of China's first national wetland parks, Xixi covers 11.5 km² of crisscrossing waterways, reed-covered islets, and traditional farmsteads just a short metro ride from the city centre. Explore by punt boat through narrow channels alive with herons and kingfishers. Spring plum blossoms and autumn reed flowers are the most picturesque seasons to visit.
Qinghefang Ancient Street (清河坊历史街区)
This restored Song Dynasty street in the heart of Hangzhou is the best place to browse traditional crafts, sample street snacks, and soak up classical architecture without leaving the city. Look for Zhang Xiaoquan scissors, hand-painted silk fans, osmanthus-flavoured sweets, and century-old herbal medicine shops. Liveliest in the evenings when the lanterns are lit.
Top 10 Things to Do
Rent a traditional rowing boat or join a guided cruise to explore West Lake's mid-lake islands and the Ten Scenes. Early morning mist and sunset reflections are equally magical — a UNESCO-listed experience unlike any other in China.
Arrive at the golden hour to watch the sun descend behind the hills while the pagoda casts its reflection across West Lake. The glass-floor exhibits inside reveal Tang-Dynasty foundations and artefacts excavated from the original structure.
Explore the ancient Lingyin Temple complex and the adjacent Peak Flown From Afar with its 470 cliff-carved Buddhist figures. Arrive before 9 am to beat tour groups and experience the incense-filled courtyards at their most atmospheric.
The 2.8-km Su Causeway is lined with peach trees and weeping willows that burst into colour in March and April. Walking or cycling its length at dawn — with mist hanging over the lake — is one of the most serene experiences in all of China.
Head to Meijiawu Tea Plantation village in the hills west of West Lake to sit with a local farmer, watch the pan-roasting of fresh leaves, and sip the first-flush Dragon Well tea of the season. The best experience runs from late March through April.
Board a flat-bottomed punt to glide through Xixi Wetland's maze of reed channels and melon-field islets. The park looks spectacular in autumn when the reeds turn gold, and again in spring during the plum blossom season at Hongmei Flower Park.
Each year around the Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month), the Qiantang River produces one of the world's largest tidal bores — a wall of water up to 9 metres high. The best viewing spots are Yanguan County and Haining, reachable by bus.
Browse century-old herbal medicine shops, calligraphy studios, silk-fan makers, and street food stalls along this restored Southern Song-era pedestrian street. Try the osmanthus rice cakes and Wushan crispy glutinous rice — classic snacks sold here for generations.
An hour from Hangzhou by bus, Wuzhen is a perfectly preserved Ming-Qing water town with stone bridges, canal-side inns, and silk dyeing workshops. The West Scenic Area allows overnight stays for a magical lantern-lit evening after day-trippers leave.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, this open-air night performance uses West Lake itself as the stage, with hundreds of performers, laser projections, and water effects set against the dark mountain backdrop. Book tickets in advance — it sells out weeks ahead in peak season.
Transportation
Hangzhou is exceptionally well connected. High-speed rail links put Shanghai just 45 minutes away, and an expanding metro network of 12+ lines makes getting around the city fast and inexpensive. For most attractions, public transit is sufficient.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) lies about 27 km southeast of the city centre and handles domestic and international routes including Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and Bangkok. Airport metro Line 1 (Airport Express) connects to downtown in around 40 minutes.
Hangzhou East Railway Station is one of eastern China's largest high-speed hubs, with bullet trains to Shanghai (45 min), Nanjing (90 min), Beijing (4.5 hrs), Guangzhou (4.5 hrs), and Ningbo (40 min). Tickets book out quickly on holidays — reserve 30 days in advance via 12306.cn.
Long-distance coaches connect Hangzhou to Suzhou, Nanjing, Huangshan, Wuzhen, and other cities. The main hub is Hangzhou East Bus Station adjacent to Hangzhou East Railway Station. Coaches are affordable and run frequently on popular intercity routes.
Scenic public ferry services operate on West Lake between key piers, including Hubin, Yue Lake, and Santanyinyue Island. Grand Canal cruise boats also depart from Wulin Square pier for leisurely northbound journeys toward Suzhou — a wonderful way to trace the ancient waterway.
Hangzhou has 12+ metro lines covering all major tourist areas. The city is also China's birthplace of public bicycle sharing — thousands of bikes are available at docking stations throughout town. DiDi ride-hailing and regular taxis fill the gap for door-to-door travel.
Foreign visitors need a Chinese driving licence or IDP endorsed for China to rent a car independently. Shenzhou Zūchē (神州租车) and eHi (一嗨租车) are the main self-drive rental platforms. A private driver or tour car is often more practical for day trips to Wuzhen or Qiandao Lake.
Weather
Hangzhou sits in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, producing four distinct seasons with abundant rainfall. Spring (March–May) brings warm temperatures and blooming flowers; summer (June–September) is hot and humid with a Plum Rain season in late June and typhoon risk in August–September; autumn is crisp and clear; winter is cool and occasionally snowy.
Monthly Climate at a Glance
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2 | 8 | 73 | Cool & dry |
| Feb | 3 | 10 | 82 | Cool, foggy |
| Mar | 7 | 15 | 111 | Warm, spring rains |
| Apr | 13 | 21 | 117 | Pleasant, wet |
| May | 18 | 26 | 132 | Warm & humid |
| Jun | 22 | 29 | 165 | Plum Rain season |
| Jul | 26 | 34 | 145 | Hot & sunny |
| Aug | 26 | 33 | 138 | Hot, typhoon risk |
| Sep | 21 | 28 | 108 | Cooling, pleasant |
| Oct | 15 | 22 | 67 | Ideal, clear skies |
| Nov | 8 | 16 | 63 | Mild & dry |
| Dec | 3 | 10 | 48 | Cool, low rain |
Live Weather
Travel Tips
Most nationalities need a Chinese tourist visa (L-class) obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy. Hangzhou's Xiaoshan Airport qualifies for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible passport holders transiting via Shanghai or Hangzhou — confirm your eligibility before travel. Visa-on-arrival is not available for most nationalities.
WeChat Pay and Alipay now accept international credit and debit cards linked directly to your account — set them up before arrival via the apps using your foreign card. Most shops, restaurants, and transport now prefer QR-code payments. Cash (RMB) is still accepted as a fallback but increasingly rare.
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many Western news sites. Install a reputable VPN on your phone and laptop before entering China — VPN apps cannot be downloaded from within the country. VPN use is technically restricted but widely used by foreign visitors.
Local SIM cards from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom are available at Xiaoshan Airport arrivals hall and major phone stores — bring your unlocked phone and passport. Several international eSIM providers (Airalo, Nomad) also offer China-compatible data plans that can be set up before departure.
Mandarin is the official language; English is limited outside major hotels, the West Lake scenic area, and tourist-facing restaurants. Download Google Translate's offline Chinese pack or install the Pleco dictionary app before travelling. Locals speak Wu (Hangzhou dialect) among themselves — very different from Mandarin.
Hangzhou is extremely popular during China's Golden Weeks (1–7 May and 1–7 October) when domestic tourist numbers are overwhelming — expect sold-out hotels and long queues at West Lake. Spring (March–April) and mid-autumn (October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Book accommodation 6–8 weeks ahead.
Exchange currency at Bank of China branches or major state bank counters for the best rates; airport exchange desks charge higher fees. ATMs (UnionPay network) are plentiful downtown and accept international Visa/Mastercard. Keep small-denomination RMB notes for street food stalls and rural tea vendors who may not accept digital payment.
Hangzhou is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Do not drink tap water — bottled water is cheap and widely available. Summer humidity can be intense, so stay hydrated and carry sunscreen. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency number: 120 for ambulance, 110 for police.
Dining
Hangzhou cuisine (杭帮菜) is one of the great regional styles of Chinese cooking — light, fresh, and subtly sweet, emphasising the natural flavours of lake fish, river shrimp, bamboo shoots, and seasonal vegetables. The city prizes presentation and technique equally, and its best-known dishes have been perfected over a thousand years of Southern Song imperial refinement.
Local Specialities
West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼)
The signature dish of Hangzhou: fresh grass carp poached briefly then draped in a silky sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce made with aged Zhenjiang vinegar and sugar. Delicate, light, and unlike any other vinegared fish dish in China. Taste it at Lou Wai Lou restaurant.
Braised Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
Created by Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, this dish slow-braises thick squares of pork belly in rice wine, soy sauce, and brown sugar until silky and falling apart. Served in small clay pots with a rich mahogany glaze. Rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.
Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁)
Freshwater river shrimps wok-fried with first-flush Dragon Well tea leaves — plump white shrimp with a faint floral aroma of the season's finest green tea. An elegant Hangzhou original that pairs local produce beautifully. Best eaten in April–May during the tea harvest.
Beggar's Chicken (叫化童子鸡)
A whole young chicken stuffed with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and aromatics, wrapped in lotus leaves and a clay shell, then slow-baked for hours. Cracking the hardened clay at the table releases a cloud of fragrant steam. Order 24 hours ahead at traditional Hangzhou restaurants.
Recommended Restaurants
Founded in 1848 on the banks of West Lake, Lou Wai Lou is Hangzhou's most historic restaurant. Famous for West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Dongpo Pork, and Longjing Shrimps — all prepared to time-honoured recipes. Reservations essential at weekends.
A century-old institution specialising in traditional Hangzhou snacks and dim sum — osmanthus rice cakes, pork dumplings, and shrimp wontons. The Hefang Street location is the most atmospheric for a mid-morning snack stop.
A modern, locally beloved chain offering elevated home-style Zhejiang cooking in a lively atmosphere. Must-orders include fried rice with river shrimp, steamed egg custard, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables. Easy to find near West Lake and Wulin Square.
Shopping
Yan'an Road is Hangzhou's "Number One Commercial Street" — a 3-km north-south artery lined with department stores, fashion boutiques, hotels, and the Wulin Square commercial hub. Open daily from around 10:00 to 22:00. Most international and domestic brands have flagships here.
Silk City (中国丝绸城, Xinhua Road) is the largest silk wholesale and retail market in China, with over 600 vendors selling silk fabric by the metre, ready-made garments, scarves, and ties. Bargaining is expected — start at 40–50% of the asking price. Best visited on weekday mornings.
Top souvenirs include Longjing Dragon Well tea (best quality from Meijiawu or Shifeng Mountain), Hangzhou pure silk (scarves, ties, bedding), Zhang Xiaoquan scissors (a 350-year-old brand), hand-painted silk fans, and osmanthus-infused products such as osmanthus wine and candy.
Hangzhou Tower (杭州大厦) at Wulin Square is the city's premier luxury mall with Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. Mixc Mall (万象城, Jianggan District) and IN77 (in77商业街区) near West Lake offer popular domestic and international fashion labels across multiple floors.
Nightlife
Hangzhou's nightlife is calmer and more refined than Shanghai's — think West Lake music fountains, lantern-lit teahouses, and lakeview jazz bars rather than mega-clubs. The scene centres on Nanshan Road, Shuguang Road, and the West Lake shoreline, and most venues wind down by 02:00.
The grand lakeside music fountain at Hubin combines jets, neon lighting, and choreographed music to transform the West Lake waterfront into a night spectacle. Free to watch from the promenade — combine with a lantern-lit stroll along the Broken Bridge.
The most celebrated teahouse on the West Lake shore, serving authentic Longjing tea with lake views from its terrace tables. An ideal evening wind-down spot — sip, watch the moonrise over the water, and let the city's famous atmosphere wash over you.
Tucked inside a European-style villa on Liuying Road by the West Lake shore, Le Jazz is Hangzhou's most atmospheric bar — live jazz, craft cocktails, and a carefully chosen wine list. Book a window seat in advance for lake glimpses between sets.
Videos
Discover Hangzhou through travel films covering West Lake scenery, Longjing tea culture, water-town escapes, and the city's vibrant food scene.
Map
Explore Hangzhou's city centre, West Lake scenic area, temple districts, and transport hubs on the interactive map below.
