Hangzhou
杭州
Heaven on earth — West Lake, silk, and the finest tea in China.
Elegant, poetic, and restful — Hangzhou is ideal when you want beauty, tea culture, and a more refined pace than China's biggest cities.
Why this city
A richer way to experience Hangzhou
The ancient saying 'Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou' speaks to Hangzhou's enduring reputation as one of China's most beautiful cities. At its heart is the legendary West Lake, a UNESCO-listed landscape of willow-lined causeways, arched bridges, island pavilions, and misty pagodas. Beyond the lake, Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea and home to a sophisticated food culture, a booming tech industry, and the world's largest e-commerce company, Alibaba.
Best for
- ✓Couples
- ✓Scenic weekend trips
- ✓Tea lovers
- ✓Travelers who enjoy slower cultural days
Essential highlights
What makes Hangzhou worth the trip
Stroll or bike around the West Lake on the Su and Bai Causeways
Visit Longjing Village and pick or taste fresh Dragon Well tea
Explore the serene Lingyin Temple and surrounding forest trails
Take a boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island
Wander the China National Silk Museum and historic silk market
Must-see places
Start with these standout experiences in Hangzhou
West Lake
West Lake is Hangzhou’s signature scenic area, celebrated for its poetic waterside views, classical bridges, gardens, and cultural heritage.
View Attraction →Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple is one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples, known for its forested setting, historic halls, and nearby stone carvings at Feilai Peak.
View Attraction →Eat, stay, move
The practical side of enjoying Hangzhou
What to eat
A delicate Hangzhou classic combining fresh river shrimp with Dragon Well tea.
A famous rich braised pork dish linked to the city's literary and culinary history.
Beyond restaurants, tea tasting and tea-field cafés are a major part of the local travel experience.
Where to stay
The most convenient area for classic sightseeing, lake walks, and easy transport.
Best for: First-time visitors and short stays
Central, lively, and practical, with strong transport links and access to shopping and food.
Best for: Convenience and a balanced city base
More atmospheric and quieter, ideal if you want a restorative stay surrounded by greenery.
Best for: Relaxation, couples, and scenic mornings
Getting around
- Walking, cycling, and short taxi rides work very well around West Lake.
- Do not rush the lake — different sections have different moods and are best explored in pieces.
- Pair West Lake with Lingyin Temple or Longjing Village rather than trying to squeeze everything into one afternoon.
Budget snapshot
Plan your spend with confidence
Budget
USD 45–75
A short stay in a simple hotel with public transport is quite manageable.
Mid-range
USD 95–170
The sweet spot for a pleasant boutique stay and a more relaxed scenic experience.
Comfort / Premium
USD 220+
Ideal for lakeside resorts, elegant dining, and tea-focused boutique hotels.
Practical tips
Small things that make the trip smoother
- •Early mornings and late afternoons are the most atmospheric times around West Lake.
- •Spring and autumn weekends can be very popular with domestic travelers, so book ahead.
- •A tea village visit is one of the best ways to make Hangzhou feel distinct from other scenic Chinese cities.
Suggested itinerary
2 Days in Hangzhou
A refined short break from Shanghai or another nearby city
Day 1 — West Lake classic route
Morning
Walk or cycle one of the causeways while the lake is still calm.
Afternoon
Take a boat ride and continue to viewpoints, pagodas, or gardens around the lake.
Evening
Have dinner near the lake and enjoy the softer nighttime atmosphere.
Day 2 — Tea and temple day
Morning
Visit Lingyin Temple before the crowds build.
Afternoon
Continue to Longjing Village for tea tasting and hillside scenery.
Evening
Finish with a slow final dinner before onward travel.
More itinerary ideas
Choose the pace that fits your trip
2 Days in Hangzhou
A refined short break from Shanghai or another nearby city
2 day plan
3 Days in Hangzhou
Travelers who want a fuller scenic and cultural stay
3 day plan