Hangzhou is the quintessential Chinese garden city, renowned for the ethereal beauty of West Lake and its rich history as a former imperial capital. It is best visited in spring for the blooming cherry blossoms or autumn for the crisp, golden foliage surrounding the tea plantations.
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
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Getting Around Hangzhou
From the Airport
Metro. Line 19 of the Hangzhou Metro connects the airport directly to the city center, taking about 45 minutes for a low cost. Rideshare. DiDi is the standard app for ridesharing in Hangzhou and is highly reliable for airport transfers.
Once You're There
Metro. Hangzhou has an extensive and modern metro system that covers all major tourist attractions and districts efficiently. Rideshare. DiDi is the preferred method for door-to-door travel, as it is inexpensive and easy to use via the app. Walking. The West Lake area is extremely pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot or by renting a public bike.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
Hotel picks for Hangzhou are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Hangzhou
Green Tea Restaurant★ 4.7 (146)83 Long Jing Lu, Xi Hu Qu, Hang Zhou Shi, Zhe Jiang Sheng, China, 310007Known for its innovative take on traditional flavors, the bread toast with ice cream is a cult favorite dessert here.
Longjing Manor★ 4.7 (28)399 Long Jing Lu, Xi Hu Qu, Hang Zhou Shi, Zhe Jiang Sheng, China, 310007An exquisite farm-to-table experience that focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding tea hills.
Grandma's Home★ 4.6 (30)738R+35V, Zi Jin Gang Lu, Xi Hu Qu, Hang Zhou Shi, Zhe Jiang Sheng, China, 310058This local institution is famous for its affordable yet authentic Hangzhou-style home cooking, particularly the braised pork belly.
Xing Le Lao Dian★ 4.6 (18)China, Zhe Jiang Sheng, Hang Zhou Shi, Xi Hu Qu, Ba Pan Ling Lu, 1号紫萱度假村内 邮政编码: 310007A neighborhood favorite that offers a glimpse into authentic, no-frills Hangzhou dining away from the tourist traps.
Hu Bin 28★ 4.3 (92)China, Zhe Jiang Sheng, Hang Zhou Shi, 上城区湖滨路28号 邮政编码: 310025Widely considered the pinnacle of fine dining in Hangzhou, their Dongpo pork is slow-cooked to perfection.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Hangzhou
West Lake & Ancient Temples
Morning. Start your trip early at the iconic West Lake, arriving by 8:00 AM to beat the crowds and catch the morning mist over the water. Rent a bicycle near the Broken Bridge and ride along the Su Causeway, admiring the weeping willows and lotus ponds that define the scenery. Continue your ride toward the southern shore to reach the majestic Leifeng Pagoda, which offers a panoramic view of the entire lake basin. Before leaving the area, take a moment to walk through the Jingci Temple nearby, known for its tranquil atmosphere and historic bell tower. It is best to spend at least three hours here to fully appreciate the scale of the landscape before heading toward the hills.
Afternoon. Head west into the lush valley to reach the world-famous Lingyin Temple, one of the wealthiest and most significant Buddhist sites in China. Spend your afternoon exploring the Feilai Feng grottoes, where hundreds of ancient stone carvings are embedded into the limestone cliffs. The surrounding forest is incredibly dense and cool, making it a perfect retreat even on warmer days. Make sure to visit the main halls of Lingyin to witness the massive golden Buddha statues and the incense-filled atmosphere. Afterward, take a short stroll to the nearby Yongfu Temple for a quieter, more intimate temple experience hidden in the hills.
Evening. Wind down your day by heading back toward the city center to explore the bustling Qinghefang Ancient Street. This pedestrian-only zone is lined with traditional medicine shops, tea houses, and craft stalls that evoke the feeling of the Southern Song Dynasty. Stop by the Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine to see the stunning architecture and learn about ancient herbal remedies. Grab a local snack from a street vendor before settling into a seat at a nearby restaurant for a classic Hangzhou dinner. The street stays lively well into the night, making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner stroll.
Tea Plantations & Cultural Heritage
Morning. Begin your second day in the serene Meijiawu Tea Village, nestled in the heart of the Longjing tea-growing region. Take a guided walk through the terraced tea fields, where the air is crisp and scented with the fresh leaves of the famous Dragon Well tea. You should definitely participate in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local family-run tea houses to understand the precise art of brewing. Afterward, head to the nearby China National Tea Museum to deepen your knowledge of tea history and production methods. Arrive before 10:00 AM to enjoy the quietest period of the day before the tour groups arrive.
Afternoon. Travel toward the Qiantang River to visit the historic Liuhe Pagoda, a massive brick-and-wood structure that was originally built to calm the tidal bores of the river. The climb to the top is steep but rewarding, offering a spectacular vantage point over the river and the modern skyline of the Binjiang district. After descending, take a taxi to the nearby Song Dynasty Town, a massive theme park that brings the history of the Song era to life. While touristy, the 'The Romance of the Song Dynasty' show is an absolute must-watch for its high-production value and stunning choreography. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the recreated ancient streets and watching street performances.
Evening. As the sun sets, make your way to the banks of the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the lifeline of ancient Chinese trade. Take a relaxing evening water bus cruise from the Gongchen Bridge area to see the illuminated historical buildings lining the canal banks. The area around the bridge is filled with small museums, including the China Grand Canal Museum, which provides great context for the engineering feat you are witnessing. End your evening at a waterfront cafe or restaurant, watching the barges glide slowly through the dark water. It is a peaceful way to contrast the busy city life with the slow pace of the canal's history.
Wetlands & Modern Hangzhou
Morning. Spend your final morning exploring the Xixi National Wetland Park, a sprawling urban sanctuary that feels worlds away from the city center. Rent a traditional sculling boat to navigate the narrow waterways, which are lined with reeds, ancient plum trees, and small traditional houses. The park is vast, so focus your time on the central area around the Deep Bank Village, where you can walk across narrow stone bridges and explore the historic architecture. The best time to visit is early morning when the birdlife is most active and the park is shrouded in a light, atmospheric mist. Bring a camera, as the interplay of water and greenery is incredibly photogenic.
Afternoon. Transition from the natural beauty of the wetlands to the modern pulse of the city by visiting the West Lake Cultural Square. This area houses the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History and the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, both of which are excellent for understanding the regional heritage and geological history. Spend a few hours browsing the exhibits before heading to the nearby Kerry Centre, a sleek modern mall that represents the contemporary lifestyle of Hangzhou residents. It is a great place to find high-end shopping, international cafes, and a comfortable environment to relax. Grab a coffee and people-watch as the city transition into the evening rush.
Evening. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Qianjiang New City area to witness the futuristic side of Hangzhou. Walk along the riverfront promenade to see the 'City Balcony', which offers an incredible view of the illuminated skyline, including the iconic 'Big Golden Ball' of the Hangzhou International Conference Center. If you are there on a weekend, stay for the spectacular light show that projects across the facades of the modern skyscrapers. It is a stark, fascinating contrast to the ancient pagodas and tea gardens you visited earlier in the trip. Celebrate your final night with a high-end meal in one of the luxury hotels overlooking the Qiantang River.