Hangzhou

China, Asia

Nestled in the lush landscapes of China, Hangzhou is famous for its stunning West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with picturesque pagodas, tea plantations, and scenic hikes. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the serene waters, explore the ethereal beauty of the Lingyin Temple, or sip Longjing tea straight from the fields. With its blend of culture and nature, Hangzhou is a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and rich history, making it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Xiaoshan

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

12 Best Things to Do in Hangzhou

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore West Lake

Discover stunning views and serene landscapes at West Lake.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Lingyin Temple

Experience ancient architecture and Buddhist culture at this temple.

No booking required
3

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll along the Broken Bridge

Enjoy a romantic walk and picturesque views of the lake.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste Longjing Tea

Savor the famous green tea in its native region.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the National Tea Museum

Learn about China's tea culture and history in this museum.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda

Climb for panoramic views of the Qiantang River.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a boat ride on West Lake

Experience the beauty of West Lake from the water.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Walk through Hefang Street

Shop for local snacks and souvenirs in this vibrant street.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Zhejiang Museum

Explore art and history exhibitions in this modern museum.

No booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

See the Impression West Lake Show

Enjoy a spectacular outdoor performance on the lake.

Booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Yue Fei Temple

Learn about the famous general in this historical temple.

No booking required
12

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy a Hangzhou Cuisine Dinner

Relish local flavors and dishes unique to Hangzhou.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-5 (#93 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Yuan Renminbi

Majority religion

Unaffiliated

Language

Mandarin

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Peking Roast Duck

Crispy duck served with pancakes. (National dish)

Xiaolongbao

Soup dumplings filled with meat and broth.

Hot Pot

A communal pot of simmering broth.

Mapo Tofu

Spicy tofu dish with ground meat.

Dim Sum

V

Steamed dishes served in small portions.

Phrases to learn

English

Mandarin

Hello

Nǐ hǎo

(Nee how)

Yes/No

Shi / Bushi

(Shi / Boo-shi)

Thank you

Xièxiè

(Shyeh-shyeh)

Excuse me

Duìbuqǐ

(Doo-ay-boo-chee)

How much?

Duōshǎo qián?

(Dwoh-shao chyen)