Hangzhou Travel Guide
Hangzhou is located in southeast China on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River. It is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China's seven ancient capitals, famous for its poetic and picturesque Jiangnan scenery and known as "Paradise on Earth." The Ten Scenes of West Lake, the Zen atmosphere of Lingyin, and the fragrance of Longjing tea together outline the city's gentle character.
Hangzhou offers convenient access to water towns such as Wuzhen and Xitang, and can also be combined with Shanghai and Suzhou into a classic Jiangnan itinerary.
Must-Visit Attractions
West Lake — a World Cultural Heritage site, famous for ten scenes such as Spring Dawn on Su Causeway and Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge; Lingyin Temple — a famous ancient temple in Jiangnan, with the simple and ancient carvings of Feilai Peak; Qiandao Lake — clear waters dotted with islands; Xixi National Wetland Park — an urban wetland where reeds and waterways complement each other; Wuzhen — a classic Jiangnan water town; Leifeng Pagoda — climb the pagoda for a panoramic view of West Lake; Longjing Tea Plantation — experience tea culture by picking and making tea; Qinghefang Historical Street — the street life of old Hangzhou.
Specialty Foods
West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp, beggar's chicken, pian'er chuan, dingsheng cake, scallion-wrapped gui.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) are the most pleasant, with peach and willow blossoms in spring and osmanthus and lotus in autumn; in summer you can go to Qiandao Lake to escape the heat, while winter West Lake snow views have a unique charm.
Transportation Guide
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport connects domestic and international destinations; high-speed rail conveniently connects Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen, and many other places nationwide; the West Lake scenic area is best explored on foot or by bicycle, and the city metro directly reaches major attractions.
Suggested Itinerary
Classic two-day tour: On the first day, walk or cycle around West Lake and visit Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, and Lingyin Temple; on the second day, go to Longjing Tea Plantation or Xixi Wetland, and in the evening stroll through Qinghefang, with an extension to Wuzhen water town.
Travel Tips
West Lake is suitable for walking or cycling around the lake, with different scenery in each season; at Longjing Tea Plantation you can experience tea picking and processing; during holidays there are large crowds around West Lake, so early morning visits are recommended.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Jog along Su Causeway in the early morning and watch the West Lake morning mist and rising sun; go to Longjing Village and Meijiawu to pick and taste tea and experience the life of tea farmers; visit the architecture and campus of the Xiangshan Campus of China Academy of Art; at night watch West Lake live performances such as "Impression West Lake."
One-Day Trips Around the City
Wuzhen or Xitang — classic Jiangnan water towns; Moganshan — bamboo sea and mountain homestays; Qiandao Lake — clear waters, islands, and lakeside cycling; Shaoxing — Lu Xun's hometown and black-awning boats, about half an hour by high-speed rail.
