Hangzhou Travel Guide

Hangzhou: China's  "Heaven on Earth " - Where Classical Beauty Meets Modern Innovation

For travelers who want to experience both China's timeless elegance and its cutting-edge digital energy, Hangzhou is a truly rewarding destination. Once praised by Marco Polo as "the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world," Hangzhou is best known for West Lake, whose serene landscapes have shaped China’s idea of poetic beauty for centuries.

Formerly the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou today is a modern city where UNESCO World Heritage sites, peaceful tea culture, and a relaxed lifestyle coexist with high-tech innovation and internet giants. It is a place where ancient poetry, lakeside strolls, and smart-city life come together naturally.

City Overview – Hangzhou

Location: Northern Zhejiang Province, eastern China. Part of the Yangtze River Delta and the capital of Zhejiang.

History: One of China's Seven Ancient Capitals. Former capital of the Wu-Yue Kingdom and the Southern Song Dynasty, with over 5,000 years of civilization (Liangzhu Culture) and 2,200+ years of city history.

City Character: Elegant, balanced, innovative, and highly livable. A city of peaceful lakes and hills, combined with the energy of a digital and tech-driven economy.

Global Profile: While the name "Hangzhou" may be less familiar internationally, the city is home to global leaders such as Alibaba, Alipay, Ant Group, and AI company DeepSeek. Hosting the 2023 Asian Games significantly raised its international visibility.

Hangzhou Highlights

Beautiful Lakes and Mountains: West Lake is the heart of Hangzhou. Surrounded by gardens, poetry, and legends, a walk or boat ride here shows the classic Chinese idea of harmony between nature and people.

Ancient Civilization: Visit the Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins (UNESCO) to see evidence of 5,000 years of Chinese history. The Grand Canal is a living reminder of ancient trade and modern city life.

Digital City Life: Hangzhou is China's top digital city. Mobile payments and smart city systems like the City Brain make daily life convenient and let visitors experience the city of the future.

Tea and Relaxation: Hangzhou is the home of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Tour tea gardens in Meijiawu or Longjing Village, pick and roast tea leaves, and enjoy a fresh cup for a taste of slow-living culture.

Top Attractions in Hangzhou

Hangzhou offers more than just West Lake - its sights are layered with history, nature, and modern experiences.

West Lake Cultural Landscape

Walk or cycle along famous routes like Su Causeway (Su Di Chun Xiao) and Broken Bridge (Duan Qiao Can Xue). Visit Leifeng Pagoda and enjoy the evening music fountain show.

Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins
Explore 5,000-year-old city walls, water systems, and altars. Learn about the origins of Chinese civilization at the Liangzhu Museum.

Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section)
Stroll along Gongchen Bridge, browse charming riverside shops, or take a night boat cruise to experience the historic waterway.

Lingyin Temple

Hangzhou's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, set against Feilai Peak with ancient stone carvings. Peaceful and atmospheric.

Southern Song Deshou Palace Museum
A modern cultural landmark using digital tech to recreate Southern Song royal life. The red walls outside are a popular photo spot.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Known as the city's "kidneys," explore rivers and reed beds by rowboat, great for birdwatching and wetland experiences.

Qiandao Lake (1–2 days)

A bit outside the city, this artificial lake is famous for its clear water and scattered islands. Perfect for cycling, island hopping, and water sports.

Modern City & Experiences

Qianjiang New Town
See modern skyscrapers and enjoy the spectacular city light shows. Hubin Intime in77 is a hotspot for shopping and fashion.

Unique Transport Experiences
Ride the love-themed “1314 Zhongyi Bus” or the panoramic “City Rollercoaster Pro” sightseeing bus—a fun way to see the city while traveling.

Nearby City Day Trips (1–2 Days)

Shaoxing (about 1 hour by subway): Birthplace of Lu Xun, famous for yellow wine, black-sailed boats, and rich culture.

Wuzhen / Xitang (about 1.5 hours by car): Classic Jiangnan water towns, ideal for evening strolls along rivers and bridges.

Shanghai (about 45–60 minutes by high-speed train): China's largest modern metropolis, perfect for a seamless city-to-city experience.

Must-Try Foods in Hangzhou

Signature Dishes:

• Dongpo Pork: Slow-braised,  melt-in-your-mouth pork belly

• Longjing Shrimp: Fresh shrimp cooked with Longjing tea leaves

• Beggar's Chicken and West Lake  Vinegar Fish

Local Snacks: Explore lively streets like Dama Lane and Hefang Street for treats such as scallion pancakes, Ding Sheng cakes, and pian'er chuan (noodle soup).

Dining Tips: Foreign visitors often prefer drier dishes over soupy ones. Restaurants offering Song Dynasty-style banquets or traditional performances provide an immersive cultural experience. Vegetarian cuisine is also widely available.

Souvenirs: Longjing tea, silk products, and Wangxingji fans make perfect gifts.

Getting In & Out of Hangzhou

By Air:

• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is a major hub with domestic flights and international routes      across Asia, Europe, and Australia.

By Train:

• Hangzhou East Station is one of      Asia's largest high-speed rail hubs. Travel times: Shanghai (45–60  mins), Nanjing (1.5 hrs), Beijing (4.5 hrs).

  
  

Getting Around the City:

• The metro covers major districts and attractions - fast  and convenient.

• The bus system is extensive, including special tourist routes.

• West Lake area is perfect for cycling or walking to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

Spring & Autumn (March–May, September–November):
Spring brings blooming flowers and fragrant tea, with the most comfortable weather. Autumn features clear skies, osmanthus blossoms, and colorful foliage on the hills.

Summer (June–August):
Hot and humid, perfect for viewing lotus flowers at West Lake or escaping the heat at Qiandao Lake and Xin’an River (water temperature around 17°C).

Winter (December–February):
Cold and dry with fewer tourists. Snow can create stunning views like Broken Bridge in winter. Ideal for hot springs and warming local dishes.

Tips for International Travelers

Payment & Shopping: Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted.  Major malls (e.g., Hangzhou Tower) offer instant tax refund services  for foreign tourists.

Language & Service: Key  attractions, airports, and metro stations have multilingual signs.  Some hotels and museums provide bilingual services.

Practical Reminder: Power banks  must have a "CCC" safety certification to bring on flights.

Suggested 3-Day Hangzhou Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou. Visit West Lake - start at Broken Bridge, walk along Bai Causeway to Gushan (Solitary Hill), and explore the Zhejiang Museum. Evening options: Impression West Lake live show or a boat ride on the lake.

Day 2: Early morning visit to Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak. Afternoon at Longjing Village for tea-picking and tea culture experiences. Evening canal cruise along the Grand Canal.

Day 3: Morning visit to the China National Silk Museum, stroll through historic streets near Gongchen Bridge West, then depart Hangzhou or continue to Shanghai.