Hangzhou Travel Guide & Tours

Why Visit Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has been celebrated as one of China's most beautiful cities for over a thousand years. Famous for its legendary West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city offers a rare combination of natural splendour and refined cultural heritage that has inspired poets, painters, and emperors alike.

Once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou is steeped in history. Stroll along the willow-lined banks of West Lake, discover the serenity of Lingyin Temple hidden in forested hills, and walk through the endless rows of Longjing tea bushes that produce one of China's most prized green teas.

Whether you are seeking tranquil landscapes, ancient Buddhist heritage, or the delicate flavours of Hangzhou cuisine — from Dongpo pork to West Lake fish in sweet vinegar — this city promises an unforgettable journey into the poetic heart of China.

Plan Your Hangzhou Trip

Hangzhou West Lake with misty mountains and pagoda

Explore Hangzhou

Discover the best attractions, culture, and cuisine the lake city has to offer

UNESCO Site

West Lake

Cruise or cycle around the legendary freshwater lake that has inspired poets for centuries, framed by pagodas, gardens, and distant misty hills.

Must See

Lingyin Temple

Visit the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, one of China's wealthiest and most famous Buddhist monasteries, nestled among soaring limestone peaks and ancient grottoes.

Culture

Longjing Tea Plantations

Wander through the terraced hills of Dragon Well, where China's most celebrated green tea is grown, and enjoy a traditional tea tasting in a local farm.

Nature

Xixi National Wetland Park

Explore the first national wetland park in China, a tranquil maze of waterways, reed beds, and traditional villages that offers a peaceful escape from the city.

Landmark

Leifeng Pagoda

Admire the iconic five-storey tower on Sunset Hill, offering panoramic views of West Lake and immortalised in the legendary tale of the White Snake.

Tradition

Chinese Tea Ceremony

Experience the refined art of tea preparation in the very city where tea culture flourished, learning about brewing techniques that have been perfected over centuries.

Heritage

Silk Production

Discover Hangzhou's legacy as the historic centre of Chinese silk production, visiting museums and workshops to see how luxurious silk is woven from cocoon to fabric.

History

Southern Song Dynasty Legacy

Step back to the era when Hangzhou was the imperial capital, exploring museums and historic sites that preserve the art, literature, and philosophy of this golden age.

Nature

Bamboo Culture

Walk through the bamboo groves of Yunqi and experience the deep cultural connection between Hangzhou and bamboo, used in art, cuisine, and daily life for millennia.

Signature

Dongpo Pork

Savour the legendary Hangzhou braised pork belly, named after the celebrated Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich caramelised glaze.

Must Try

West Lake Fish in Vinegar

Taste the most iconic Hangzhou dish — fresh West Lake grass carp cooked with a delicate sweet-and-sour glaze, celebrated for its crisp texture and subtle balance of flavours.

Delicacy

Longjing Shrimp

Enjoy a uniquely Hangzhou delicacy of tender river shrimp stir-fried with fragrant Longjing tea leaves, creating a light, aromatic dish that is as refined as the city itself.

Classic

Hangzhou Xiaolongbao

Bite into delicate steamed soup dumplings filled with savoury pork and a hot, flavourful broth — a beloved local staple that showcases the finesse of Hangzhou cuisine.

Recommended Hangzhou Tours

Curated holiday packages that include the best of Hangzhou

10% Deposit available

10 days

China Scenic Wonder

Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan, Shanghai & more

TourFlights

Discover Hangzhou's West Lake, the classical gardens of Suzhou, the dramatic peaks of Huangshan, and the vibrant Bund in Shanghai

Includes Return International Full-Service Flights

Dates: 1 Sep 2026 - 29 Oct 2027

Luxury 10% Deposit available

15 days

China Grand Tour

Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Shanghai & more

TourFlightsRail

The ultimate China journey — the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, the serenity of West Lake, and the magic of Shanghai

Includes Return International Flights & High-Speed Rail

Dates: 5 Apr 2026 - 15 Oct 2027

Popular 10% Deposit available

12 days

China Cultural Heritage

Hangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing, Shanghai & more

TourFlights

Immerse yourself in China's cultural treasures — tea plantations, imperial palaces, classical gardens, and ancient water towns

Includes Return International Full-Service Flights

Dates: 15 Mar 2026 - 20 Nov 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting Hangzhou

What is the best time to visit Hangzhou?

The best time to visit Hangzhou is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Spring brings blooming flowers around West Lake, while autumn offers golden foliage and the famous fragrant osmanthus blossoms.

How many days do I need in Hangzhou?

We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Hangzhou to fully experience West Lake, Lingyin Temple, the Longjing tea villages, and the local cuisine. With more time, you can explore Xixi Wetland Park and nearby water towns like Wuzhen.

Can I visit Hangzhou on a day trip from Shanghai?

Yes, Hangzhou is only about 45 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train, making it a popular day trip destination. However, staying overnight allows you to enjoy the evening illuminations of West Lake and experience the city at a more relaxed pace.

Is West Lake suitable for cycling?

Absolutely. Cycling around West Lake is one of the best ways to explore the area. There are dedicated bike lanes, and numerous rental stations offer convenient options. The 10-kilometre loop takes you past scenic causeways, gardens, and historic pavilions.

What is Longjing tea and where can I try it?

Longjing (Dragon Well) tea is one of China's most famous green teas, grown in the hills around West Lake. You can visit the Longjing tea villages, tour a plantation, and enjoy a traditional tea tasting in one of the many local tea houses or farm stays.

Hangzhou — Paradise on Earth