Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a scenic city located in eastern China, in the Zhejiang Province. Known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural significance, Hangzhou is often referred to as a "paradise on earth.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hangzhou, China largely depends on your personal preferences, particularly in terms of weather, tourist crowds, and specific attractions you wish to see.
Spring (March to May): This is widely regarded as the best time to visit Hangzhou because of the pleasant weather and the beautiful scenery. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, generally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F - 77°F). It is also the blooming season for many flowers. The most notable is the West Lake's peach blossoms, which usually bloom in late March. However, it can be crowded during this time as it's a popular season for domestic tourism.
Autumn (September to November): This is another excellent time to visit. The weather is similar to spring, cool and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities. In early autumn, you can witness the osmanthus flowers in bloom all over the city, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. This is also the time for the West Lake International Expo, which attracts numerous visitors.
Summer (June to August): Hangzhou's summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). This season sees more rainfall due to the monsoon season, with June being the rainiest month. Despite the weather, it's a good time to visit if you want to see the lotus flowers in full bloom on the West Lake.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Hangzhou can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F), and it can be quite damp which exacerbates the cold feeling. It's less crowded during this time, and while it doesn't snow frequently, a snowfall can add a magical touch to the West Lake's scenery.
China's National Day (the first week of October) and Chinese New Year are peak travel times, and Hangzhou can be very crowded during these periods. If you're planning to travel during these times, it's recommended to book accommodations and transportation well in advance.
How to Get There
Getting to Hangzhou:
By Air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport serves Hangzhou and has direct flights from many cities around the world, as well as numerous domestic connections within China. The airport is about 30 kilometers east of downtown Hangzhou.
By Train: Hangzhou is also well-connected by China's high-speed rail network. Hangzhou East Railway Station is one of the largest railway stations in Asia and provides high-speed train services to many cities across China, including Shanghai (about 45 minutes), Beijing (around 5 hours), and Xi'an (about 6 hours).
By Bus: There are also long-distance buses available from many cities in China.
Getting around Hangzhou:
Public Transit: Hangzhou has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses and a metro system. The buses can take you to most of the city's attractions and the metro currently has several lines with more planned for the future.
Taxi or Didi: Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. Didi Chuxing, the Chinese equivalent of Uber, is another convenient option for getting around the city.
Bicycle: Hangzhou is famous for its public bike-sharing system, one of the largest in the world. With numerous bike stations across the city, it's an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to explore, especially around the West Lake area.
Boat: In areas like West Lake, boat rentals are available for a more scenic and leisurely mode of transport.
On Foot: Many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other, particularly around the West Lake area, making walking a viable option.
Tourist Bus: Hangzhou also has sightseeing buses that take tourists to major attractions.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Hangzhou, China
Top 10 Attractions in Hangzhou
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China, is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions in Hangzhou:
West Lake (Xi Hu): Known for its stunning natural beauty and its impact on Chinese poets and artists throughout centuries, West Lake is undoubtedly Hangzhou's most famous attraction. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride, walk or cycle around the lake, or explore the numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands within the lake.
Lingyin Temple: One of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in China, Lingyin Temple is famous for its Buddha statues carved into the Feilai Feng (Peak Flying from Afar) cliffs.
Leifeng Pagoda: Overlooking West Lake, this historic five-story pagoda offers panoramic views of Hangzhou. Its significance lies in the legend of the White Snake, one of China’s four great folk tales.
Hangzhou Botanical Garden: Located north of West Lake, it’s a great place to see various plants and flowers, including a large collection of lotuses.
Longjing Tea Plantations: Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea. A visit to the tea plantations in the hills west of West Lake can be a calming and educational experience.
Qinghefang Ancient Street: This is one of the oldest streets in Hangzhou and an excellent place to experience traditional Chinese architecture, try local snacks, and shop for souvenirs.
Xixi National Wetland Park: The park is the first and only national wetland park in China, featuring a beautiful water landscape with fish and birdlife.
China National Silk Museum: As the land of silk, the museum provides an insight into the history of silk production and silk clothing in China.
China National Tea Museum: Here you can learn about the significant role of tea in Chinese culture and the process of tea production.
Grand Canal: The world's longest man-made waterway, the Grand Canal has a significant section passing through Hangzhou. You can take a boat tour to see ancient bridges and waterfront houses.
Top 10 Activities to do in Hangzhou
Hangzhou, with its rich history and beautiful landscapes, offers a multitude of activities for visitors. Here are some of the top activities you can do in Hangzhou:
Cruise on West Lake: Enjoy a serene boat ride on the picturesque West Lake to appreciate its beauty and tranquility.
Tea Picking at Longjing Village: Join a tea-picking tour in Longjing (Dragon Well) Village, where you can learn about the tea-making process and even pick your own tea leaves.
Cycling around West Lake: Rent a bike and cycle around the West Lake. The well-paved bike paths offer an enjoyable way to see the lake and surrounding gardens.
Visit the Night Market on Qinghefang Ancient Street: Explore the bustling night market, where you can taste local street food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local life.
Explore the Xixi National Wetland Park: Take a boat ride or walk through this urban wetland to appreciate the unique ecosystem, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Take a Grand Canal Boat Tour: Experience a boat tour on the world's oldest and longest man-made waterway, offering a unique perspective on Hangzhou's history and culture.
Try Traditional Chinese Calligraphy or Tea Ceremony: Participate in a cultural workshop where you can learn the art of calligraphy or the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea.
Visit a Silk Factory: Visit a local silk factory to see the process of silk-making from the cocoon to the finished product.
Hike in the Bamboo-Lined Paths of Yunqi: The Yunqi bamboo forest provides a peaceful escape from the city where you can enjoy a pleasant hike and breathe in the fresh air.
Birdwatching in Hangzhou Bay Wetland Park: For nature enthusiasts, a visit to this park provides opportunities to observe numerous bird species.
Best Shopping
Hangzhou offers a variety of shopping experiences, from modern shopping malls to traditional markets. Whether you're looking for international brands, local crafts, or unique souvenirs, the city has something for every shopper. Here are some of the best places to shop in Hangzhou:
Qinghefang Ancient Street: This is a historic street where you can find a variety of traditional Chinese goods such as tea, silk, crafts, antiques, and snacks. It's also a good place to buy souvenirs.
Silk Market: As Hangzhou is famous for its silk production, a visit to the local Silk Market is a must. Here, you can find a wide variety of silk products, from clothing to bedding.
Wushan Night Market: If you're interested in unique finds, this bustling night market offers an array of goods, including crafts, antiques, books, and clothes.
Hubin Shopping District: This area is home to many high-end international and local brand stores. It's particularly well-known for its jewelry and fashion stores.
Hangzhou Tower Shopping City: This is one of the most popular shopping malls in Hangzhou. It houses hundreds of world-renowned brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
Longjing Tea Plantations: If you want to buy some famous Hangzhou Longjing tea, there's no better place than the source. Many tea plantations have shops where you can buy freshly harvested tea.
INTIME Mall: This upscale mall offers a mix of high-end international brands and mid-range local brands. It's a great place for clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and electronics.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Hangzhou has a thriving nightlife and entertainment scene, offering a variety of options for visitors. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy your evenings in Hangzhou:
Impression West Lake Show: This outdoor spectacle created by famed director Zhang Yimou showcases the local folklore and the natural beauty of West Lake using light, music, dance, and drama. It's a must-see when in Hangzhou.
Nanshan Road: This is one of Hangzhou's nightlife hotspots, featuring numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. The road is situated on the southern edge of West Lake, offering excellent nighttime views.
Qinghefang Ancient Street: By night, this historic street turns into a bustling market filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, crafts, and tea. It's a great place to immerse yourself in local culture.
Night Cruise on the West Lake: Seeing the illuminated pagodas and bridges from a boat on the lake can be a magical experience. Some cruises even include traditional music performances.
Hangzhou Grand Theater: This is a state-of-the-art venue where you can catch a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, symphony orchestras, and more.
Xihu Tiandi: This upscale area located by the lake is full of stylish bars, restaurants, and shops. It's a perfect place for a leisurely evening stroll.
Hubin Yintai "IN77" Shopping Mall: The area around this modern shopping mall is filled with restaurants and bars. The mall itself often hosts events and performances in the evening.
Shangcheng District: This area is famous for its karaoke bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. It's especially popular among younger crowds.
Local Cuisine
Hangzhou, being the capital of Zhejiang province, is known for its Zhejiang cuisine (also known as Zhe Cuisine), which is one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine. It emphasizes fresh ingredients, natural flavors, and delicate cooking methods, resulting in dishes that are light yet fragrant. Here are some of the notable dishes you should try when visiting Hangzhou:
West Lake Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce (Xihu Cuyu): This dish involves a grass carp from West Lake that is cooked with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, providing a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
Dongpo Pork: Named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, this dish features slow-cooked pork belly in a rich and savory soy-based sauce.
Longjing Shrimp (Longjing Xiaren): This is a delicate dish that combines fresh river shrimp with the famous Longjing tea, resulting in a unique, fragrant flavor.
Beggar's Chicken (Jiaohua Ji): This traditional dish involves a chicken stuffed with herbs and spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, covered in clay, and then slow-cooked in an oven. When served, the clay is broken open to reveal the tender, flavorful chicken inside.
Hangzhou-Style Noodles (Pian Er Chuan): This noodle dish is served in a rich broth with pickled vegetables, bamboo shoots, and shredded pork.
Steamed Bun Stuffed with Pork (Xiaolongbao): While not unique to Hangzhou, this popular dim sum dish is a must-try. The buns are filled with gelatinized broth and pork, which melts when steamed, resulting in a juicy and flavorful treat.
Hangzhou Pickles: Hangzhou is famous for its variety of pickles, which are often served as a side dish or appetizer.
Green Tea Cake: This is a sweet dessert that utilizes the famous Longjing green tea for a unique, refreshing flavor.
Hangzhou's food scene offers much more than this, including a wide variety of street food, traditional snacks, and local teas. Don't miss out on exploring the local markets, tea houses, and restaurants to sample these delights.
Accommodations
Choosing the right area to stay in Hangzhou depends on your preferences and what you wish to do during your visit. Here are a few recommended areas:
West Lake Area: This is the most popular area to stay in Hangzhou due to its proximity to the city's biggest attraction - the West Lake. It is a scenic and tranquil area filled with numerous hotels that suit different budgets. Some hotels even offer lake views. Major attractions, parks, and temples are within walking distance or a short drive away.
Downtown / Wulin Square Area: This area is the commercial and shopping hub of Hangzhou, offering a wide range of accommodation options. Staying here means you'll have easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's also conveniently connected to other parts of the city by public transportation.
Shangcheng District: Close to the West Lake and the Qiantang River, this district offers a good mix of cultural sites, shopping, dining, and nightlife. There are several high-quality hotels in this area, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for travelers.
Xiaoshan District: This is where Hangzhou's international airport is located. If you're in Hangzhou for a short business trip or a layover, staying in this area could be convenient. There are a few hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls in this area.
Hefang Street Area: This area is famous for its historic street, the Qinghefang Ancient Street. If you're interested in Hangzhou's history and culture, this might be the perfect place to stay. There are a few boutique hotels and hostels around that offer a more traditional and quaint experience.
