Hangzhou, ChinaChillTrip

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Hangzhou

Hangzhou travel guide · Asia

ContinentAsiaLanguageMandarin Chinese (Wu Chinese locally)CurrencyCNYLocal specialtyLongjing (Dragon Well) teaFree to read

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and one of China's most celebrated tourist destinations, renowned for its stunning West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, the city blends rich historical heritage with modern prosperity as a major tech hub home to Alibaba. Its natural scenery, classical gardens, and tea culture have inspired poets and travelers for centuries.

01

Best time to visit Hangzhou

marchaprilmayoctobernovember

Spring offers blooming peach and willow trees around West Lake, while autumn brings mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer (June–September) is hot and very humid, making sightseeing uncomfortable.

02

What to see in Hangzhou

West LakeChillTrip
Must-see
01park

West Lake

Hangzhou's most iconic attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake is surrounded by causeways, islands, pagodas, and classical gardens. A full circuit of the lake is about 12 km and covers most of the famous Ten Scenes.

FreeAbout 240 minnature & outdoorsculturehistory

AddressHangzhou, China

4.7/5 on Google

Open in Google Maps

Su CausewayChillTrip
Must-see
02park

Su Causeway

A nearly 3 km long causeway dating from 1189, lined with willow and peach trees. One of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, it runs north-south across the lake and is especially beautiful in spring.

FreeAbout 60 minnature & outdoorshistoryculture

AddressChina, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Xihu, 南山路

4.6/5 on Google

Open in Google Maps

Leifeng PagodaChillTrip
Must-see
03monument

Leifeng Pagoda

A famous pagoda on the southern shore of West Lake, best viewed from across the lake at dusk when it is illuminated. Associated with the Legend of the White Snake, one of China's most beloved folk tales.

Paid entryAbout 60 minhistoryculture

Address15 Nanshan Rd, Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, 310007

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Saturday8 am–8 pm
  • Sunday8 am–8 pm
  • Monday8 am–8 pm
  • Tuesday8 am–8 pm
  • Wednesday8 am–8 pm
  • Thursday8 am–8 pm
  • Friday8 am–8 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Zhejiang Provincial MuseumChillTrip
Must-see
04museum

Zhejiang Provincial Museum

The largest comprehensive museum in Zhejiang province, located on Solitary Hill on the north shore of West Lake. Houses rare treasures including celadon porcelains and artifacts representing the elite culture of the Jiangnan region.

FreeAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address138 Nanshan Rd, Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, 310007

4.5/5 on Google

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

China Tea MuseumChillTrip
05museum

China Tea Museum

Dedicated entirely to Chinese tea culture, this museum on Longjing Road features collections of tea utensils, paintings, calligraphy, and artifacts tracing the history of tea in China. Located near the famous Longjing tea plantations.

FreeAbout 90 minculturehistoryfood & dining

AddressChina, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Xihu, Longjing Rd, 88号, 邮政编码: 310013

4.7/5 on Google

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (Lesser Yingzhou Isle)ChillTrip
Must-see
06other

Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (Lesser Yingzhou Isle)

The largest island on West Lake, built in the early 1600s. During full moon nights, candles inside the stone pagodas create a magical reflection effect on the water, giving the island its poetic name.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

AddressXi Hu Qu, Hang Zhou Shi, China, 310007

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • FridayOpen 24 hours

Open in Google Maps

Broken BridgeChillTrip
Must-see
07monument

Broken Bridge

The most romantic site on West Lake, famous for its classic view of the lake and its association with the Legend of the White Snake. Particularly enchanting when dusted with snow in winter.

FreeAbout 30 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

AddressNo.20 Baoshi Lane 2, Baoshu Road, Hangzhou, ZJ, China

Open in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Hangzhou

Lou Wai LouChillTrip
01Hangzhou cuisine

Lou Wai Lou

A historic and iconic restaurant located on Solitary Hill island on West Lake, Lou Wai Lou is one of Hangzhou's most famous dining establishments, known for classic Zhejiang dishes in a scenic lakeside setting.

Price $$$Must tryWest Lake vinegar fish

Address30 Gushan Rd, Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, 310007

3.9/5 on Google

Open in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Hangzhou

West Lake Boat Ride

boatPaid entryAbout 60 min

Explore West Lake by boat, with options ranging from official tour boats covering the full lake to private gondola rides. Boats depart from Hubin Parks and other marked areas around the lake.

Grand Canal Ferry (Wulin Gate to Gongchen Bridge)

boatPaid entryAbout 30 min

A scenic 30-minute ferry ride along the historic Hangzhou-Beijing Grand Canal, departing from Wulin Gate/West Lake Culture Plaza and ending at Gongchen Bridge, with a stop at the Canal Culture Square.

05

Where to go near Hangzhou

Shanghai

Train 50minBus 2h

China's largest city and main international gateway for the region, offering world-class dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions. Also home to Pudong International Airport, the main hub for international flights.

Wuzhen

Bus 1h30

A beautifully preserved ancient water town with traditional architecture, canals, and stone bridges, offering a glimpse into classical Jiangnan life.

Huangshan

Famous for its dramatic granite peaks, pine trees, and sea of clouds, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is one of China's most iconic natural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A historically significant city and former capital of several Chinese dynasties, Nanjing offers rich history, impressive city walls, and important cultural sites.

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