Hangzhou 杭州
About Hangzhou 杭州
Highlights
- ✓ West Lake — UNESCO World Heritage Site
- ✓ Broken Bridge — the most romantic spot in Hangzhou
- ✓ Leifeng Pagoda — 1,000-year-old tower with lake views
- ✓ Longjing Tea Village — birthplace of Dragon Well tea
- ✓ Xitang Ancient Water Town — canals and stone bridges
- ✓ Lingyin Temple — the wealthiest temple in China
- ✓ Su Causeway — 2,800m tree-lined promenade
Trip Essentials
Photo Gallery
West Lake in Hangzhou, China
Local cuisine
Local people
Adventure
Hangzhou 杭州 Itinerary
Suggested Travel Plan
Suggested Itinerary
West Lake Morning Walk
Start at the Broken Bridge and walk the Su Causeway. The morning mist over the lake is magical. The willows are still fresh green in spring.
Lingyin Temple
The wealthiest and most ancient temple in China, founded in 326 AD. The Feilai Peak grottoes have 340+ Buddhist carvings.
Lunch at a Lakeside Restaurant
Try West Lake fish in vinegar sauce, Longjing shrimp, and dongpo pork. The best version is at Louwailou, a 100+ year old restaurant on the lake.
Leifeng Pagoda
Climb the 1,000-year-old pagoda for panoramic views of West Lake and the city. The interior has a museum of the pagoda's history.
Boat Ride on West Lake
A traditional wooden boat cruise around the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The view of the lake from the water is the best.
Sunset at the Su Causeway
The 2,800m causeway is at its most beautiful at sunset. The willows turn golden, and the lake glows pink.
Dinner in the Old Town
A local Hangzhou restaurant. Try the local specialties: West Lake fish, Longjing shrimp, and dongpo pork.
Location
Practical Information
✈️ Getting There
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is 27km from the city. High-speed trains from Shanghai (1h), Beijing (4h), and Guangzhou (7h) arrive at Hangzhou East Station. The city has a modern subway system that connects to the airport and all major attractions.
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay near West Lake (Hefang Street / Nan Shan area) for the best walking access to the lake ($50-150/night). The Qianjiang New Town area is modern and quiet, good for business travelers. The Xixi Wetland area is peaceful and green, ideal for a longer stay.
💡 Travel Tips
Hangzhou is best visited in spring (March - May) when the willows are fresh green and the lotus flowers bloom. The city can be crowded during Chinese public holidays. Wear comfortable shoes — the West Lake loop is 15km. Bring a light rain jacket — spring is the rainy season. The Longjing tea is best tasted in April when the first flush is picked.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is 27km from the city. High-speed trains from Shanghai (1h), Beijing (4h), and Guangzhou (7h) arrive at Hangzhou East Station. The city has a modern subway system that connects to the airport and all major attractions.
Stay near West Lake (Hefang Street / Nan Shan area) for the best walking access to the lake ($50-150/night). The Qianjiang New Town area is modern and quiet, good for business travelers. The Xixi Wetland area is peaceful and green, ideal for a longer stay.
Hangzhou is best visited in spring (March - May) when the willows are fresh green and the lotus flowers bloom. The city can be crowded during Chinese public holidays. Wear comfortable shoes — the West Lake loop is 15km. Bring a light rain jacket — spring is the rainy season. The Longjing tea is best tasted in April when the first flush is picked.
Travel Tips
West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The lake is surrounded by 1,000-year-old gardens, temples, and poetry. The Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda are the highlights. The best time to visit is early morning or at sunset, when the mist and light create the poetic atmosphere the ancient poets described.
Longjing tea is a must-try
Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China's top ten famous teas. Visit the Longjing Village in the foothills of the city. In April, the tea fields are at their most beautiful, and you can watch the first flush being hand-picked. The tea is best enjoyed in a small garden teahouse by West Lake.
Hangzhou is moderately priced
A full day of sightseeing, meals, and transport costs around $40-50. West Lake is free to enter (some attractions have small fees). The boat ride is $5. Lingyin Temple is $15. Meals range from $3 for street food to $20 for a proper restaurant.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.
West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The lake is surrounded by 1,000-year-old gardens, temples, and poetry. The Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda are the highlights. The best time to visit is early morning or at sunset, when the mist and light create the poetic atmosphere the ancient poets described.
Longjing tea is a must-try
Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China's top ten famous teas. Visit the Longjing Village in the foothills of the city. In April, the tea fields are at their most beautiful, and you can watch the first flush being hand-picked. The tea is best enjoyed in a small garden teahouse by West Lake.
Hangzhou is moderately priced
A full day of sightseeing, meals, and transport costs around $40-50. West Lake is free to enter (some attractions have small fees). The boat ride is $5. Lingyin Temple is $15. Meals range from $3 for street food to $20 for a proper restaurant.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.