Things To Do
in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a historic city in eastern China famed for the scenic West Lake, classical gardens, and lush tea terraces. It blends well-preserved traditional sites with modern shopping streets, a vibrant tech scene, and high-quality dining. The surrounding hills and waterways offer easy access to nature while the city center features museums, temples, and bustling markets.
Visitors come for its picturesque vistas, cultural depth, and relaxed pace compared with bigger coastal megacities.
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 | $3-8 |
☕️Coffee (regular) | $2.5-5 |
🚇Public transit (single ride) | $0.30-0.80 |
🚕Taxi (start fare / 3 km) | $2.5-4 |
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic, UNESCO-recognized landscapes (West Lake, tea terraces) and rich cultural heritage
- Excellent tea culture and unique local cuisine
- Good mix of nature and urban amenities with high-quality museums and parks
- Convenient transport links to Shanghai and regional hubs
- Hot, humid summers and a rainy plum-rain season can disrupt plans
- Busy tourist spots can be crowded during peak season and holidays
- Mobile-payment ecosystem may require setup for convenience at many vendors
- Some English-language signage and service can be limited outside major hotels and attractions
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里? (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉 / 我吃素 (Wǒ bù chī ròu / Wǒ chī sù)" - I don't eat meat / I am vegetarian
- "帮我叫车 (Bāng wǒ jiào chē)" - Please call me a taxi
- "救命!(Jiùmìng!)" - Help!
Places to Visit in Hangzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic vistas with pagodas, bridges, willow-lined causeways, and reflective water—ideal for sunrise, misty mornings, and sunset shots.
Historic pagoda offering panoramic views of West Lake and the city; photogenic at golden hour and when lit at night.
Famous lake scenes with seasonal variations—cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, and misty autumn mornings.
Rolling green tea fields and traditional tea-pickers provide scenic rural photos and cultural portraits; best early morning with light fog.
Old merchant architecture, narrow alleys, colorful shopfronts, and street-food stalls—great for street and cultural photography.
Natural channels, wooden walkways, and birdlife offer tranquil nature photography opportunities, especially during migratory seasons.
Food in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Hangzhou dish—tender freshwater fish cooked with a sweet-and-sour sauce; widely served at traditional restaurants around the lake.
Must-Try!
Rich braised pork belly named after the poet Su Dongpo; melt-in-your-mouth texture usually served in small portions — available in many mid- to high-end eateries.
Lightly cooked river shrimp infused with Longjing tea leaves for a delicate aroma—best at tea houses and restaurants near the tea terraces.
Whole chicken stuffed and wrapped (often in lotus leaves), then baked or steamed—traditional and theatrical presentation in specialty restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively pedestrian street with decades-old shops and stalls selling sweet osmanthus cakes, stinky tofu, sugar-coated hawthorn (tanghulu), and local pastries—great for sampling snacks while exploring.
Evening street-food options with skewers, dumplings, fried snacks, and local desserts; perfect for casual late-night tasting.
Cluster of restaurants and cafés near West Lake offering both refined Zhejiang cuisine and international options; good for trying regional specialties with lake views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are common in business; a small nod or slight bow is polite. Address older people or hosts with respect and use surnames plus titles when appropriate.
Queuing is expected at formal lines (transit, bank counters), but in crowded tourist spots lines may be fluid—be patient and polite. Keep noise levels moderate on public transport.
Communal dining is common—dishes are shared from the center of the table. Wait for the host to start eating in formal settings; try a bit of everything when invited and use both hands when offering or receiving items as a sign of respect.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in temples or private spaces. Be respectful at religious sites—dress modestly and follow posted rules.
Gifts may be exchanged in business or formal social settings; avoid overly expensive gifts on first meetings and present and receive with both hands. Avoid gifting clocks or sharp objects, which have negative connotations.
Safety
Tipping in Hangzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread custom in China; service charges may be included in upscale hotels or restaurants, and leaving small change is uncommon. For exceptional service, a discreet small tip or a gift is appreciated but not expected.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate everyday transactions—installing and linking an international card or using cash/conversion services helps. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, international restaurants, and larger stores, but small vendors often prefer mobile pay or cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and frequent light rain; blossoms and fresh tea shoots make it a picturesque time to visit. Bring a light rain jacket and an umbrella for occasional showers and morning mist.
Hot, humid, and rainy—June to August sees heavy rainfall and occasional typhoon influence; summer festivals and lotus blooms on West Lake are highlights. Stay hydrated, wear breathable clothing, and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.
Clear, comfortable weather with pleasant temperatures—often considered the best season for sightseeing, photography, and tea-tasting. Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
Chilly, damp winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow; heating indoors can be inconsistent in older buildings. Bring warm, water-resistant layers and expect fewer tourists at major sites.
Hangzhou at Night
Hiking in Hangzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous bamboo-covered mountain range about 1.5–2 hours away—offers trails of varying difficulty, historic villas, cool summer temperatures, and scenic viewpoints.
Forest and stream trails near the outskirts providing shaded hikes, waterfalls, and natural scenery often less crowded than main tourist sites.
Options for moderate day hikes with panoramic views and dense bamboo forests—suitable for photography and nature escapes.
Short scenic walks around tea terraces with gentle elevation, ideal for combining hiking with tea-tasting and village visits.
Airports
How to reach Hangzhou by plane.
Primary airport serving Hangzhou with domestic and international flights; about 30–45 minutes from central Hangzhou by taxi or airport express bus and connected by metro line for convenient access.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by road or high-speed rail from Hangzhou; convenient alternative for some international flights and well-connected to the city by rail and highway.
Major international hub serving more flights and airlines; roughly 2–3 hours by road or rail transfer, depending on traffic and connections.
Regional airport located about 2–2.5 hours away by road or rail—an occasional alternative for regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Hangzhou, comprising most of the population with deep local cultural traditions and dialect influences.
Large population associated with universities (e.g., Zhejiang University) and growing tech/entrepreneur communities—contributes to a vibrant café and startup scene.
People from other provinces who have moved for jobs in manufacturing, services, and the tech sector—diversifies the city's cultural and culinary offerings.
Long-term residents who maintain traditional customs, local businesses, and community life, visible in teahouses, markets, and festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular recreational and spectator sport across China, with many community courts and local leagues in Hangzhou.
Traditional water sport seen on local waterways and during festivals; teams compete on rivers and lakes, reflecting regional cultural heritage.
Widely played indoor sports with many community centers and clubs where residents participate recreationally and competitively.
Growing interest with local youth teams and community matches; public fields and school programs are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hangzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Pure vegetarian options exist, especially in Buddhist-style restaurants and some tea houses; ask for 'su' (素) dishes and confirm no fish stock is used. Many vegetable-forward dishes and tofu preparations are available, but watch for hidden meat-based broths.
Vegan options are more limited; major restaurants and higher-end places can accommodate with advance notice. Use the phrase 'wo bu he rou, wo chi su' and point to dishes you want—apps with translation help are useful.
There are halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly eateries in the city; check listings in advance. For strict observers, stick to seafood and vegetable dishes in non-halal restaurants may still be prepared with non-halal ingredients—ask to be sure.
Food labeling may be limited in small vendors—carry translation cards listing allergens in Chinese and consider dining in larger restaurants that can accommodate requests.