Things To Do
in Hangzhou

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.