Hangzhou Travel Guide: China's "Paradise on Earth" (And Why Poets Can't Stop Writing About This City)

There's a famous Chinese saying: "Up above there is paradise, down here there are Suzhou and Hangzhou." After spending time in this enchanting city, I finally understand why poets have been writing about Hangzhou for over a thousand years.

If Shanghai is all about hustle and futuristic energy, Hangzhou is where China exhales. It's a city built around one of the world's most beautiful lakes, where misty mornings feel like stepping into a classical Chinese painting, and the air is scented with the finest green tea in the country.

Just an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, Hangzhou offers the perfect escape from urban intensity while still being incredibly easy to reach. Here's everything you need to know about visiting this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Why Hangzhou Should Be On Your Travel List

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China's most historically and culturally significant cities. For over 2,000 years, this city has been celebrated for its natural beauty, and it even served as the capital of China during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Marco Polo once called Hangzhou "the finest and most splendid city in the world," and honestly? That legacy still holds up.

What makes Hangzhou special:

• West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most iconic landscapes

• Longjing (Dragon Well) tea: The birthplace of China's most famous green tea

• Ancient temples and pagodas hidden in misty hills

• A slower, more poetic pace compared to Shanghai

• Easy day trip or weekend escape from Shanghai (45 minutes by bullet train!)

If you love:

• Nature and scenic beauty

• Tea culture and tranquil experiences

• Classical Chinese aesthetics

• Walking paths and boat rides

• Photography (seriously, every corner is Instagram gold)

…then rest assured Hangzhou will capture your heart.

Getting to Hangzhou

From Shanghai (The Most Popular Route)

The easiest and fastest way to reach Hangzhou from Shanghai is by high-speed train. And when I say easy, I mean ridiculously convenient.

High-Speed Train Facts:

• Distance: 170 km (106 miles)

• Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

• Daily departures: 260+ trains (departing every 5-15 minutes during peak hours!)

• First train: Around 6:00 AM

• Last train: Around 9:30 PM

• Ticket price: ¥25-120 ($3.50-17 USD) depending on class

Shanghai Departure Stations:

• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (most trains depart from here, but also the busiest option, next to Hongqiao Airport)

• Shanghai Railway Station (downtown location, convenient if staying in city center)

• Shanghai South Railway Station (some intercity trains)

• Shanghai West Railway Station (fewer trains, smallest station)

  
  

Hangzhou Arrival Stations:

• Hangzhou East Railway Station (most popular): Most trains from Shanghai arrive here, about 10 km from West Lake, well-connected by Metro Line 1

• Hangzhou Railway Station (most convenient for West Lake): Closer to West Lake at about 3 km away, fewer trains but easier access to city center

• Hangzhou West Railway Station (newest option): Opened in 2022, this modern station now has a direct route to Shanghai Hongqiao (78 minutes) via the new Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-Speed Railway (started December 2024). Less crowded than East Station, connected by Metro Lines 3 and 19. Great option if you're staying in western Hangzhou or prefer a newer, quieter station.

Traveler tip: Book your tickets in advance on Trip.com or through your hotel. Weekend trains can sell out quickly since Hangzhou is a popular getaway for Shanghai locals.

From Other Cities

Hangzhou has excellent high-speed train connections to:

• Beijing: 5-6 hours

• Suzhou: 1.5-3 hours

• Nanjing: 1.5-2 hours

• Xi'an: 6-7 hours

By Air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) has international and domestic flights. It's about 30 km from the city center (40 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle).

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

Hangzhou has four distinct seasons, each offering a unique perspective of the city's famous landscapes.

🌸 March–May (Spring): Most Beautiful Season

Spring in Hangzhou is absolutely magical. Temperatures hover between 15–25°C, flowers bloom around West Lake, and the misty mornings create that dreamy, painting-like atmosphere the city is famous for.

What to expect:

• Cherry blossoms and peach blossoms in full bloom

• Perfect weather for walking around West Lake

• Best time for tea picking: Late March to early May is when the prized Longjing "Mingqian" tea (pre-Qingming Festival tea) is harvested

This is peak season, so expect more crowds and higher hotel prices, but it's absolutely worth it for the scenery.

🍁 September–November (Autumn): Second Best Season

Autumn is equally stunning. The heat fades, the skies are clear, and the autumn foliage around West Lake is gorgeous.

Why travelers love it:

• Comfortable temperatures (18–26°C)

• Golden autumn colors

• Great for outdoor activities

• Fewer crowds than spring

This is my personal recommendation if you want beautiful weather with slightly fewer tourists.

☀️ June–August (Summer): Hot & Humid

Summer in Hangzhou is hot and humid (30–38°C), similar to Shanghai. The lotus flowers bloom beautifully in July and August, which is a sight to see, but be prepared for the heat.

Pros:

• Lotus blooming season at Quyuan Garden

• Lush, green scenery

• Indoor attractions like temples offer air-conditioned escapes

Cons:

• High humidity

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common

❄️ December–February (Winter): Quiet & Atmospheric

Winter is cold (0–10°C) but rarely freezing. If you're lucky enough to catch snow, West Lake transforms into a stunning winter wonderland, especially the famous Broken Bridge covered in snow.

Expect:

• Crisp air and moody atmosphere

• Fewer tourists

• Lower hotel rates

• Beautiful plum blossoms in late winter

Avoid: Chinese National Day (October 1–7) when Hangzhou gets absolutely packed with domestic tourists.

Top Places to Visit in Hangzhou

1. West Lake (Xi Hu): The Heart & Soul of Hangzhou

West Lake is THE reason people come to Hangzhou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 6.38 square kilometers of pure, poetic beauty. The lake has inspired Chinese poets, artists, and writers for over a thousand years, and it's honestly not hard to see why.

The lake is divided into sections with different scenic spots, including:

• Su Causeway (Su Di): A 2.8 km causeway built by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo. Walking here in spring mornings when willows sway over the water and mist lingers is absolutely mesmerizing.

• Bai Causeway (Bai Di): Another scenic walkway featuring the famous Broken Bridge (Duanqiao). In winter after snowfall, the bridge appears "broken" when snow melts in the sun, creating a stunning illusion.

• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Three stone pagodas standing in the water. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, candles are lit inside them, creating reflections that look like multiple moons on the water. Fun fact: This scene appears on the back of the ¥1 note!

• Quyuan Garden: Famous for its lotus flowers in summer. Walking through fields of blooming lotus with their sweet fragrance is unforgettable.

Best ways to experience West Lake:

• Walk or cycle around it: The full loop is about 11 km, mostly flat with well-maintained paths, benches, and facilities. You can rent bikes easily.

• Take a boat ride: Two types available: one circles the lake (~45 min), another takes you to the island in the middle where you can explore the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Public boat tours generally cost ¥50-100 depending on the route and boat type.

• Battery sightseeing car: For those short on time, this goes around the lake in about 70 minutes (¥40).

Admission: West Lake itself is FREE! Some specific attractions around it charge separate entrance fees.

Pro tip: Visit early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Early morning also offers the iconic misty lake view that photographs beautifully.

2. Lingyin Temple: Ancient Buddhist Sanctuary

GREAT NEWS: As of December 1, 2025, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak are now FREE to enter! You just need to book your tickets online at least one day in advance. Reservations must be made via the “Hangzhou Lingyin Feilai Peak” mini-program on Alipay or WeChat.

Lingyin Temple is one of China's largest and oldest Buddhist temples, with nearly 1,700 years of history. Founded around 328 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty by an Indian monk named Huili, the temple survived centuries of turmoil (including the Cultural Revolution) and remains an active place of worship.

What to see:

• Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings: Four massive guardian statues that are absolutely awe-inspiring

• Great Hall: Contains a magnificent 19.6-meter-high statue of Buddha carved from 24 blocks of camphor wood

• Feilai Peak (Flying Peak): Adjacent to the temple, this limestone hill features over 340 Buddhist stone carvings dating back to the 10th century (some of the finest in China)

Practical info:

• Entrance fee: FREE as of December 1, 2025! (Reservation required at least 1 day in advance via the 'Hangzhou Lingyin Feilai Peak' mini-program on Alipay or WeChat)

• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 6:15 PM (ticket sales end at 5:30 PM; hours may extend in summer)

• How to get there: Bus routes 7, 807, Y1, Y2, or about 20-minute taxi from West Lake area

Traveler tip: Light incense for blessings if you'd like. It's a beautiful way to participate in the local Buddhist culture. The adjacent tea house serves authentic Dragon Well tea with meditative views of the temple gardens.

Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees), speak softly, and remember this is an active place of worship.

3. Longjing Tea Plantations: Where China's Best Tea Grows

If you love tea (or even if you're just tea-curious), visiting the Longjing (Dragon Well) tea plantations is an absolute must. Longjing tea is one of China's most famous green teas, prized for its delicate aroma, flat leaves, and refreshing taste.

The tea plantations are located in the hills southwest of West Lake and span several villages, including:

• Longjing Village: Known as the "No. 1 Village of Tea," this is the original birthplace of Dragon Well tea. Walking through the terraced tea fields with their emerald-green rows is incredibly peaceful.

• Meijiawu Tea Village: A 600-year-old village and one of Hangzhou's most expansive tea plantations. This village has welcomed international celebrities and heads of state, and it's where you can participate in tea picking and traditional tea ceremonies.

  
  

What to do at the tea plantations:

• Tea picking: If you visit in spring (March-May), you can pick tea leaves with local farmers (bring a bamboo basket!)

• Watch tea processing: See how leaves are hand-fried in large woks using centuries-old techniques

• Tea tasting ceremony: Learn the traditional Hangzhou brewing method and taste authentic Longjing tea

• Buy tea: Purchase directly from villagers for the freshest tea (prices vary widely based on quality)

Practical info:

• Entrance: Free to visit the villages and walk through the plantations

• Tea tasting: Usually ¥10-80 per cup depending on quality

• How to get there: Bus 27, 87, or Y3 from West Lake area (about 30-40 minutes)

• Best time: March to May during harvest season for the full experience

Important note: Some tourist-focused shops have been known for hard-selling overpriced tea. If you feel pressured, politely decline and move on. The outdoor scenery is free and beautiful regardless!

4. Leifeng Pagoda: Sunset Views & Romance

Leifeng Pagoda is a 5-story, 8-sided pagoda built on the south side of West Lake. The original pagoda was built in 975 AD but collapsed in 1924. The current structure was rebuilt in 2002 with a modern interior (including elevators!) but maintains its traditional exterior.

The pagoda is famous for the legend of the White Snake, one of China's most beloved folk tales about forbidden love between a snake spirit and a human.

Why visit:

• Panoramic views: Climb to the top for 360° views of West Lake and surrounding hills (stunning at sunset)

• Cultural significance: Learn about the White Snake legend

• Architecture: Beautiful traditional design with golden accents

Practical info:

• Entrance fee: ¥40

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• How to get there: Bus 4, Y2, or walk from West Lake area

5. Hefang Street: Qing Dynasty Vibes & Street Food

Hefang Street is a pedestrian street near the Old City that recreates the atmosphere of ancient Hangzhou during the Southern Song Dynasty. Think traditional architecture, local snacks, tea shops, souvenir stores, and street performances.

What to try:

• Traditional Hangzhou snacks: Stinky tofu, fried dumplings, sweet sticky rice cakes

• Longjing tea shops: Buy tea or tea sets

• Traditional crafts: Fans, silk products, chopsticks, paper umbrellas

Practical info:

• Entrance: Free

• Best time: Late afternoon into evening when the street comes alive with lights and performances

Traveler tip: This area is touristy, so prices are higher than local spots. Great for atmosphere and trying snacks, but bargain if buying souvenirs.

6. Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

• Yunqi Bamboo Path: A serene bamboo forest walking trail southwest of West Lake. It's peaceful, less touristy, and offers a completely different atmosphere from the lake area.

• China National Tea Museum: Located near the tea plantations, this museum explores Chinese tea culture with beautiful gardens growing various tea varieties (Free admission!).

• Xixi National Wetland Park: A vast wetland area with traditional water villages, boat rides, and lush greenery. Perfect if you want to escape the crowds and see a different side of Hangzhou.

• Six Harmonies Pagoda: A 60-meter octagonal pagoda offering great views of the Qiantang River, and it once served as a lighthouse for boats. Less crowded than Leifeng Pagoda.

What to Eat in Hangzhou

Hangzhou cuisine is part of Zhejiang cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and emphasis on freshness, especially freshwater fish and seafood from the region.

Must-Try Dishes

• West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼): Fresh grass carp cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. It's one of Hangzhou's most famous dishes.

• Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁): Fresh river shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves. The tea adds a subtle fragrance to the dish.

• Dongpo Pork (东坡肉): Named after the poet Su Dongpo, this is melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly with a sweet-savory flavor.

• Beggar's Chicken (叫化鸡): A whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then slow-roasted. The presentation is dramatic when they crack open the clay shell!

• Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao: Similar to Shanghai's soup dumplings but with slightly different flavoring.

• Fried Stinky Tofu: Available on Hefang Street. Yes, it smells pungent, but the taste is addictive!

• Tea-Infused Desserts: Try green tea ice cream, tea-flavored cakes, or sweet osmanthus rice cakes.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

How Many Days Do You Need?

• 1 Day: Quick highlights (West Lake + one other attraction)

• 2 Days: Perfect for first-timers (West Lake, Lingyin Temple, tea plantations)

• 3 Days: More relaxed pace with hidden gems (add Xixi Wetland Park, Nine Creeks hiking, or a water town day trip)

Where to Stay

Best areas for tourists:

• West Lake area (Xihu District): Walking distance to the lake, tons of restaurants and cafes

• Near Hefang Street: Good for exploring the Old City

• Near Hangzhou East Railway Station: Convenient for train travel but farther from West Lake

Luxury option: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake (stunning lakeside views)

Money & Payments

Like Shanghai, Hangzhou runs primarily on digital payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay). Foreign cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but carry some cash for small vendors.

Language

English is limited outside of major hotels and tourist areas. Download Google Translate with offline Chinese, or use WeChat's photo-translate feature for menus and signs.

Safety

Hangzhou is very safe for travelers. Normal city precautions apply: watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, and be cautious of over-friendly strangers at tea shops (tea scam is a thing).

VPN

If you need access to Western apps (Instagram, WhatsApp, Google), download a VPN before arriving in China.

Sample Hangzhou Itineraries

The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: West Lake Immersion

• Morning:

  • Arrive early at West Lake (around 7-8 AM for the misty morning views)

  • Walk or cycle Su Causeway

  • Take a boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

• Midday:

  • Lunch at a lakeside restaurant

  • Visit Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views

• Afternoon:

  • Stroll through Quyuan Garden (if summer, see the lotus flowers!)

  • Walk Bai Causeway to Broken Bridge

• Evening:

  • Explore Hefang Street for dinner and street snacks

  • Watch the Impression West Lake show (spectacular nighttime performance on the lake)

Day 2: Tea Culture & Temples

• Morning:

  • Visit Meijiawu Tea Plantation

  • Participate in tea picking (spring season) or tea tasting ceremony

  • Enjoy views of terraced tea fields

• Midday:

  • Lunch at a local tea village restaurant

  • Try Longjing shrimp or other local dishes

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Lingyin Temple

  • Explore Feilai Peak's Buddhist carvings

  • Enjoy tea at the temple's tea house

• Evening:

  • Return to West Lake for sunset

  • Dinner at a Hangzhou restaurant near the lake

The 3-Day Explorer

Add on Day 3:

• Morning: Xixi National Wetland Park (boat rides, traditional architecture)

• Afternoon: Yunqi Bamboo Path or China National Tea Museum

• Or: Day trip to a nearby water town (Wuzhen or Xitang)

Hangzhou Essential Info (Quick Reference)

Location: Zhejiang Province, Eastern China

Distance from Shanghai: 170 km (1 hour by high-speed train)

Best time to visit: March-May (spring), September-November (autumn)

Average daily budget:

• Budget: ¥200-350 ($30-50 USD)

• Mid-range: ¥400-800 ($55-115 USD)

• Luxury: ¥1000+ ($140+ USD)

Must-download apps:

• VPN (before arriving!)

• Hangzhou Metro app

• Didi

• Google Translate (offline mode)

• Alipay or WeChat Pay

Top 3 Must-See Attractions:

1. West Lake (Free!)

2. Lingyin Temple (FREE as of Dec 2025!)

3. Longjing Tea Plantations (Free!)

Useful Chinese phrases:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello

• 谢谢 (Xièxiè) - Thank you

• 多少钱? (Duōshao qián?) - How much?

• 西湖 (Xī Hú) - West Lake

• 龙井茶 (Lóngjǐng chá) - Longjing tea

Now You Understand Why the Poets Never Left

Here's the thing about Hangzhou: it's not trying to impress you with skyscrapers or overwhelming nightlife. Instead, it invites you to slow down, breathe, and appreciate beauty in its most natural form.

Walking around West Lake at dawn, watching mist rise off the water while elderly locals practice tai chi under willow trees, or sipping freshly brewed Dragon Well tea surrounded by emerald tea fields, these are the moments that Hangzhou gifts you.

The city has this rare quality of feeling both timeless and alive. You're walking where poets walked a thousand years ago, yet the city still thrives with modern amenities and easy accessibility.

My advice? Don't rush Hangzhou. This isn't a city for ticking off attractions as fast as possible. Give yourself time to wander, to sit by the lake without an agenda, to get lost in the tea villages. Some of my best Hangzhou memories are simply sitting on a bench by West Lake, watching the light change over the water, and understanding why this place has inspired art and poetry for centuries.

Whether you're here as a day trip from Shanghai or dedicating a full weekend, Hangzhou offers something rare in modern China: a chance to experience classical beauty at a peaceful pace.

Have you been to Hangzhou? What did you think of West Lake? Drop your thoughts in the comments, I'd love to hear about your favorite spots!

📌 Pin this guide for your Hangzhou adventure! And if you found this helpful, check out my other China travel guides.

Laksventures in Hangzhou 🇨🇳