Things To Do
in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, famed for its scenic West Lake and lush tea plantations. The city blends ancient temples and historic pagodas with modern skyscrapers and waterfront promenades. It is renowned for its subtropical monsoon climate, vibrant street life, and Zhejiang cuisine.
Hangzhou has become a tech hub, hosting Alibaba’s headquarters while preserving its cultural heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a gentle stroll along Su Causeway as the sun rises over the shimmering water, taking in the misty views of willow trees leaning over the lake. Stop by the Broken Bridge to appreciate the romantic legend behind its name and capture photos of the lotus blooms. Continue toward the Bai Causeway to watch rowers practice and absorb the tranquil ambiance.
Board a traditional wooden boat at the Boat Station and glide to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, observing the miniature pagodas that emerge at high tide. Wander through the lush gardens of Yuefei Temple on the lake’s southern shore and learn about the famed general’s story. Pause at a lakeside tea house to savor a pot of Longjing green tea with light refreshments.
Attend the spectacular Impression West Lake outdoor performance, where dancers and light effects play out on the water’s surface beneath Leifeng Pagoda. After the show, stroll along the lakeside promenade with twinkling lanterns overhead. End the evening with a lakeside dinner of Hangzhou specialties like Beggar’s Chicken and West Lake vinegar fish.
Set out early for Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most revered Buddhist sites, nestled in a verdant valley. Walk through the Thousand- Buddha Hall, admiring the intricate carvings and large bronze statues. Feel the peaceful atmosphere as incense drifts through silent courtyards.
Hike up to Feilai Peak to see ancient stone grottoes and Buddhist reliefs carved into the rock face over a thousand years ago. Explore the surrounding forest trails, stopping at hidden pavilions for glimpses of temple bells in the distance. Enjoy a simple temple-style vegetarian lunch at a nearby teahouse.
Return to Hangzhou for a relaxing foot massage at a traditional parlor near West Lake. Head to a cozy tea house by the water for an evening tea ceremony featuring local varietals. Reflect on the day’s spiritual journey while watching the lantern-lit reflections ripple on the lake.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus/metro ride | $0.50-1 |
| 🎫West Lake boat tour | $10 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic beauty and historic sites
- Renowned tea culture and local cuisine
- Excellent public transport and bike paths
- High humidity in summer
- Crowds at major attractions in peak season
- Language barrier outside tourist areas
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "请问 (Qǐng wèn)" - Excuse me/May I ask
- "多少钱 (Duō shǎo qián)" - How much is it?
- "在哪里 (Zài nǎlǐ)" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Hangzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic vistas of pagodas, bridges and willow-lined shores—best at sunrise or sunset.
Golden tower by the lake with sweeping city views from the upper levels.
Misty waterways and traditional stilt houses set among lush reeds and lotus pools.
Emerald-green terraces perfect for capturing tea-picking scenes in the early morning light.
Food in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender grass carp fillets in a sweet-sour sauce; try it at Lou Wai Lou by the lake.
Must-Try!
Braised pork belly with rich aroma, named after poet Su Dongpo; available at Grandma’s Home.
Fresh river shrimp stir-fried with local Longjing tea leaves; a specialty at Meijiawu tea houses.
Whole chicken marinated, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay-baked; sample at Sijiqing Restaurant.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic pedestrian street filled with snacks like stinky tofu, sugar-coated haws, and local pastries.
Bustling evening market near Wushan Square offering skewers, scallion pancakes, and bubble tea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or slight bow is common; handshakes are fine in business settings.
Wait for the host to begin eating; don’t stick chopsticks vertically into rice; share dishes from the center.
Offer and receive small gifts or business cards with both hands; avoid clocks or white flowers (associated with funerals).
Safety
Tipping in Hangzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in China; rounding up taxi fares or small fees is sufficient. Leave a small tip in high-end hotels only if desired.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate. Cash (CNY) and UnionPay credit cards are accepted in larger businesses; international cards may work in top hotels and chain restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May: Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms, but expect occasional rain showers.
June–August: Hot, humid and rainy; bring light clothing, sunscreen and be ready for afternoon downpours.
September–November: Comfortable weather and clear skies—peak season for photography around West Lake.
December–February: Chilly (5–10°C), rare snow; fewer crowds but pack layers and a warm coat.
Hangzhou at Night
Hiking in Hangzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Bamboo-forested mountain 65 km north of Hangzhou, offering forest trails, waterfalls, and historic villas.
Scenic area with natural forests, peaks over 1,500 m, and tea terraces about 100 km away.
Airports
How to reach Hangzhou by plane.
Primary airport with domestic and international flights, 30 km east of downtown. Accessible by metro Line 1 and airport shuttle buses.
Major international hub ~200 km away, reachable by high-speed train or express bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group in Hangzhou.
Small community with halal restaurants near Wushan.
Growing tech and teaching community in urban districts.
Many seniors gather around West Lake for exercise and social activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Held annually on West Lake during the Duanwu (Dragon Boat) Festival in June.
Widely played in parks and community centers; local clubs welcome drop-in players.
Common pastime; public sports centers offer tables and equipment rentals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hangzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many temples offer vegetarian buffets. Soy-based dishes and vegetable dumplings are widely available. Inform staff that you avoid meat, and look for 素 (su) on menus.
A small Muslim community runs halal restaurants near Wushan. Look for 清真 (qing zhen) signs. Sheep hotpot and lamb skewers are popular.