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Top 7 Things to Do at Night in Hangzhou

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Oct. 12, 2021

Hangzhou is a city of leisure. No matter whether it is day or night, there are all kinds of activities. Here's a list of things you can do at night in Hangzhou.

1. Take a Stroll Around West Lake

West Lake Night ViewWest Lake night view

In the evening, West Lake is less busy with tourists and it highlights the colorful atmosphere enjoyed by the locals living in Hangzhou. Locals go there for walking, dancing, and chatting.

There is a music fountain show to watch. It is one of the most famous music fountains in China. The fountain show begins at 7pm and 8pm every night. Each one lasts for 15–20 minutes. If you want to watch it from the best place, make sure you get there half an hour or an hour early.

2. Watch a Night Show - Impression West Lake

The most popular nighttime activity in Hangzhou for tourists is to see Impression West Lake. Staged on West Lake with lights, music, and dancing, Impression West Lake reproduces the ancient folk legends and myths of Hangzhou. The smooth water surface and the changing scenes make you feel like you’re entering the thousand-year history of Hangzhou.

3. Take a Night Cruise on the Grand Canal

Grand Canal Night ViewGrand Canal night view

As night falls, the lights on the banks of the canal will be switched on. The canal’s night view is elegant with a quiet atmosphere and classic charm. Especially on summer nights when the heat of the day has gone, the breeze blowing across the water makes you feel refreshed.

The night cruise takes an hour. During the cruise, you will see old bridges, old wharfs, ancient streets, and other scenery along both sides of the Grand Canal, helping you to experience the charm of the canal.

4. See a Light Show in Qianjiang New Town

Qianjiang New Town is located in Hangzhou’s Central Business District. The light show was created by Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government to welcome the G20 summit. There are 700,000 LED lights installed on the facade of 30 high-rise buildings.

The lights change with the music. Various colors and lights form different images on the facades of 30 buildings. A fountain show begins at the same time. The combination of colorful lights and beautiful fountains will give you an enjoyable nighttime experience.

The light show begins at 6:30pm and 7:30pm every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

5. Walk and Shop at Qinghefang Pedestrian Street

Qinghefang StreetQinghefang Street

Qinghefang Pedestrian Street is Hangzhou’s busiest and oldest street lined with shops, museums, teahouses, and restaurants.

Since the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Qinghefang Pedestrian Street has been a cultural, economic, and trade center, where you can experience the most representative historical, commercial, civic, and architectural culture of Hangzhou.

Hangzhou's traditional snacks, exquisite carvings, silk, handicrafts, and tea are sold in the street. It is the preferred place for shopping in Hangzhou.

6. Go to Wushan Night Market

Wushan Night Market is the most popular and biggest night market in Hangzhou. There are more than 400 stalls open from 6:30pm to 11pm. Not only can you buy all kinds of fashionable goods but you can also taste various snacks. This is one of the best places to experience the nightlife in Hangzhou.

7. Have a Leisurely Time at Chenghuang Pavilion

Chenghuang PavilionHave some local snacks and drink a cup of tea in Chenghuang Pavilion.

It is a seven-story archaize building with the architectural style of the Southern Song (1127–1279) and Yuan (1279–1368) dynasties. It is 41.6 meters high. There are many sculptures and paintings on display, which show the history, culture, and folk customs of Hangzhou. You can drink tea, taste local snacks, and enjoy a traditional stringed and woodwind instrumental performance as well as a tea ceremony. You can also enjoy the night view of West Lake and the whole of Hangzhou.

Enjoy the Wonderful Nightlife in Hangzhou with Us

Hangzhou Night ViewEnjoy the beautiful night view in Hangzhou with us.

Hangzhou is wonderful at night. There are many activities to do. The interesting nighttime activities make your Hangzhou tour more colorful. See our popular Hangzhou tours for inspiration:

All tours can be customized. Contact us and let us know your interests and requirements. We will tailor-make your Hangzhou tour.

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