Things To Do
in Hangzhou
Hangzhou, China is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, particularly the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by gardens, pagodas, and arched bridges that capture the essence of traditional Chinese landscape design. The city serves as a major tech hub, home to the global headquarters of Alibaba and other technology companies, blending ancient culture with modern innovation.
Hangzhou also boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Lingyin Temple and traditional tea villages, emphasizing its role as a center for silk, tea, and as a key player in the Southern Song Dynasty.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a serene walk around West Lake, famous for its picturesque scenery. Visit the Broken Bridge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Take a boat ride on the lake to admire the stunning views from the water. Visit the nearby Leifeng Pagoda, which offers an insightful glimpse into local legends.
End your day with a sunset view from the pagoda. Enjoy local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant.
Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples. Explore its beautiful halls and impressive stone carvings.
Stroll through the surrounding forest trails for a peaceful retreat. Take time to reflect at the Fei Lai Feng rock carvings.
Return to the city and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Try some of Hangzhou's famous Longjing tea.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery, including West Lake and lush mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage with historic sites, temples, and pagodas.
- Rapidly growing economy and a hub for technology and innovation.
- Delicious local cuisine, especially renowned for its tea and freshwater dishes.
- Efficient public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city.
- High levels of pollution, particularly during peak industrial activity.
- Increasingly crowded due to influx of tourists and migration.
- Cost of living is rising, especially in popular areas.
- Traffic congestion can be problematic, especially during rush hours.
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers may pose challenges.
Best Activities in Hangzhou
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic boat cruise around the famous West Lake, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historical sites.
Explore the trails around the picturesque Lingyin Temple, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings.
Rent a bike and ride along the historic Grand Canal, enjoying the waterfront views and passing through charming local neighborhoods.
Visit a tea plantation in the surrounding hills of Hangzhou to experience the traditional art of tea making and enjoy the lush greenery.
Discover the rich biodiversity of the wetlands through a boat tour or a leisurely walk on the wooden pathways, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hangzhou with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hangzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its beautiful scenery, walking paths, and traditional Chinese pavilions.
Offers panoramic views of West Lake and the surrounding area.
Scenic area with a natural spring, lush greenery, and walking trails.
Ancient temple complex with picturesque architecture nestled in a serene natural setting.
Food in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A renowned dish featuring tender fish in a sweet and sour sauce made with locally-produced aromatic vinegar. Try it at Lou Wai Lou for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
Braised pork belly in a rich soy sauce, renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth texture. Visit Wai Po Jia to savor this classic dish.
Fresh river shrimp stir-fried with the famous Longjing tea leaves, yielding a unique and fragrant flavor. Sample this dish at Manjue Meishi Guan for an unforgettable taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hangzhou better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide array of street food ranging from stinky tofu to skewers of barbecued meats, providing an authentic taste of local flavors.
Embark on a culinary adventure at this vibrant street food area, where you can indulge in favorites like crispy fried pancakes, steaming hot noodles, and aromatic stinky tofu.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hangzhou, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when in public spaces.
It's respectful to observe and respect traditional customs and practices, such as using proper greetings and showing deference to elders.
Participating in and appreciating local cuisine and tea culture demonstrates respect for the traditions and values of Hangzhou.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hangzhou with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hangzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Hangzhou, China. In most restaurants and hotels, a service charge is already included in the bill, so tipping is not expected.
In Hangzhou, China, cash is still widely used for small transactions, but major credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also very popular and widely accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hangzhou.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures.
Hot and humid with occasional rain, ideal for exploring West Lake and other outdoor activities.
Cool and comfortable weather, great for witnessing the stunning fall foliage.
Cold and damp, but the city is less crowded and offers unique winter scenery.
Hangzhou at Night
Hiking in Hangzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque area featuring walking trails around the lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and traditional Chinese architecture.
A unique wetland park offering hiking trails through lush vegetation and waterways, allowing visitors to explore diverse ecosystems and local wildlife.
A beautiful reservoir with numerous islands, providing hiking trails and breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.
A cultural site that offers trails leading up to ancient carvings and stunning views, along with the serene experience of the temple.
A popular hiking destination known for its scenic trails, bamboo forests, and lush greenery, perfect for both novice and experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hangzhou through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hangzhou by plane.
The main international airport serving Hangzhou, located approximately 27 kilometers east of the city center.
Located about 165 kilometers to the northeast of Hangzhou, it is one of the largest and busiest international airports in China.
Situated approximately 140 kilometers from Hangzhou, this airport mainly handles domestic flights but also has limited international services.
Located about 280 kilometers to the southwest of Hangzhou, serves both domestic and a few international destinations.
Approximately 120 kilometers to the east of Hangzhou, it provides both domestic and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Hangzhou, comprising over 90% of the population.
A significant ethnic minority group found in the region, known for their distinct language and culture.
A Muslim ethnic group that has a notable presence in Hangzhou, primarily involved in trade.
A small ethnic minority group with roots in the western regions of China, known for their unique traditions.
An ethnic minority group that has historical significance, though their population in Hangzhou is relatively small.
An ethnic group known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional clothing, found in limited numbers in Hangzhou.
Includes various other minority groups and migrants from different regions of China and beyond.
The Soul of Hangzhou
Discover the essence of Hangzhou through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Hangzhou, badminton is played recreationally and competitively, with many local clubs and facilities available for enthusiasts.
Basketball is widely played among youth and adults in Hangzhou, with numerous courts and teams participating in local leagues.
Table tennis enjoys a significant following in Hangzhou, with facilities dedicated to the sport and participation in both amateur and professional events.
Running has become increasingly popular in Hangzhou, with many parks and scenic routes available for jogging and organized marathons held throughout the year.
Soccer is a beloved sport in Hangzhou, engaging many local players and fans, with clubs and schools fielding teams at various levels.
Cycling is a favored pastime in Hangzhou, supported by bike-sharing programs and picturesque routes along the West Lake and throughout the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hangzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Hangzhou cuisine often features meat and seafood, many restaurants and eateries in the city offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, especially those that highlight fresh vegetables and tofu.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free dishes at select establishments, particularly those offering rice-based dishes and using gluten-free sauces.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hangzhou with these cultural adventures.
