Hangzhou Travel Guide

Hangzhou Travel Guide

Hangzhou (杭州), the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, is one of the country’s most historically and culturally significant cities. Known for its stunning natural beauty, ancient temples, traditional gardens, and especially the iconic West Lake (西湖), Hangzhou has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for centuries. As Marco Polo once said, Hangzhou is "the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world."

Why Visit Hangzhou?

• West Lake's poetic scenery

• Rich cultural heritage and tea culture

• Classical Chinese gardens and temples

• Silk and traditional crafts

• Proximity to Shanghai (only 1 hour by high-speed train)

Top Attractions

1. West Lake (西湖)

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Best explored by walking or cycling along its banks, or taking a boat ride

• Highlights include:

  • Broken Bridge (断桥)

  • Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)

  • Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月)

  • Su Causeway (苏堤)

2. Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)

• One of China’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples

• Nestled in a forested valley with impressive rock carvings

• Don’t miss the Feilai Feng grottoes

3. Longjing Tea Plantations (龙井茶)

• The birthplace of China’s most famous green tea

• Visit the Meijiawu or Longjing Village to see tea picking and enjoy fresh brews

4. Hefang Street (河坊街)

• A lively pedestrian street with Ming- and Qing-style architecture

• Ideal for shopping local crafts, snacks, and traditional medicines

5. China National Silk Museum

• Learn about the history of silk and watch live demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques

6. Xixi Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园)

• A peaceful and scenic escape with boardwalks, canals, and wildlife

• Great for boat rides and bird watching

7. Qinghefang Ancient Street

• Preserved historic street reflecting Hangzhou's traditional commerce and culture

Best Experiences

• Biking around West Lake

• Tea tasting in Longjing

• Nighttime musical fountain shows at West Lake

• Silk shopping and tailoring

• Dining on Hangzhou cuisine (try Dongpo Pork!)

Local Cuisine to Try

• Dongpo Pork (东坡肉): Braised pork belly named after the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo

• Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡): Chicken baked in clay, a local specialty

• West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼): Sweet and sour fish made from local black carp

• Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁): Light and flavorful shrimp dish made with Longjing tea leaves

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

• Spring (March–May): Blooming flowers, mild weather

• Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, crisp air, ideal for tea harvesting

• Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cold but less crowded

Getting There

By Air:

• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

  • Direct flights from major cities in China and some international destinations

By Train:

• High-speed trains from Shanghai (1 hour), Nanjing (2 hours), Beijing (5 hours)

Getting Around

• Metro: Modern and efficient; good for tourists

• Buses: Extensive but signage may be in Chinese

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Widely available

• Bike rentals: Excellent for touring West Lake and nearby areas

Where to Stay

Luxury:

• Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake – Lakeside luxury with traditional Chinese design

• Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake – Elegant stay with views of the lake

Mid-range:

• Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou

• Haihua Hotel Hangzhou

Budget:

• Hangzhou Hofang International Youth Hostel – Near Hefang Street

• Wushanyi International Youth Hostel – Great for backpackers

Travel Tips

• Language: Mandarin is spoken; English is limited, especially outside tourist areas

• Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)

• Apps to download:

  • DiDi (for taxis)

  • Pleco (translation)

  • WeChat (for payments, messaging)

• Etiquette: Be respectful in temples; bargaining is expected in markets

Nearby Excursions

• Wuzhen Water Town: A charming ancient canal town, 1.5 hours away

• Moganshan: A bamboo-covered mountain retreat with hiking and boutique lodges

• Shaoxing: Known for yellow wine and cultural heritage, about 1 hour by train