Top Things to Do in Hangzhou

As one of the seven ancient capitals in China, Hangzhou is an important tourist city as well as a historical and culture city. As the saying goes, "Up above there is Paradise, down there are Suzhou and Hangzhou". Hangzhou is a beautiful city with numerous of "heavenly" attractions, the trip in Hangzhou will not be made in vain. See Hangzhou Tours to take in all the top sights and activities in Hangzhou.

1. Visit West Lake

West LakeWest Lake is the famous attraction in Hangzhou. No matter the weather is cloudy, rainy, snowy or sunny, no matter it is early in the morning or late in the night, the West Lake always can show a picture of beauty. Visitors can have a walk or take a bike tour around West Lake. The back of RMB 1 note is printed with the landscape of West Lake. See our bank notes tours to visite the scenery on the bank notes.

2. Visit Historic Sites

Ancient Village WuzhenHangzhou has a long history and profound culture resources. There are many historic sites showing the customs, the history, and the Buddhism culture.

3. Visit Water Towns

Ancient Village WuzhenWater is the soul of Hangzhou, and there are many water towns in Hangzhou. Visiting these towns, visitors can appreciate the water towns' unique architectural styles, features, and structures. The water, the inimitable architectures and the bridges form numerous picturesque landscapes.

4. Visit Museums

Leshan Giant BuddhaIn Hangzhou, there are three big museums which are showing the tea culture, the Chinese traditional medicine, and the Chinese silk. They are good places to have a glimpse on the epitome of Chinese traditions.

5. Experience the Leisure Life in Hangzhou

Qignchengshan Qinghefang Old Street (清河坊) is a good place to experience the life of Old Hangzhou, because it is the epitome of historic Hangzhou. It is a place for shopping, eating and sightseeing.

6. Relish Local Cuisine

Dongpo PorkChuan Cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in all of China, and it is famous for its spicy-hot flavors, fragrant and various dishes. Dry-braising and dry-stewing are two special cooking methods particular in Chuan Cuisine. Visitors can relish local dishes and snacks at Qinghefang Old Street.

- Top - or Hangzhou Travel Guide

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Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on March 13, 2013
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Q: Joan Burgess-Swant Asked on 2013-04-08 Reply
We are coming into Hangzhou from Nanchang on Sat. a.m. WE arrive at 7:00 a.m. We will get to our hotel and would like to then see Hangzhou for the day. What do you recommend? Joan

Hi Joan, the West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Meijiawu Tea Plantation,  Ancient Watertown Wuzhen are all popular in Hangzhou. For a one day tour, choose the first 4 or the last  one are both okay.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-04-12
Q: Denise Asked on 2013-03-25 Reply
Hi! Will 1 day be enough to see Hangzhou? We are coming from Shanghai via train.

Hi Denise, yes, it is enough to see the highlights of Hangzhou.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-26
Q: Audrey Asked on 2013-01-14 Reply
My friend and I will be joining the special tour for overseas Chinese (special price) in China for about a week in Beijing. We were told that we are not allowed to join more than one official tour for overseas Chinese. We are therefore planning to fly to Hangzhou first, spend a few days there by ourselves before going on to Beijing to join our official tour. Could you please advise the best way to get to Beijing from Hangzhou? internal flight? or is there any fast train connection? ... and if so, how long would the train journey be?

Hi Audrey, there are direct high speed trains(G train) as well as flights from Hangzhou to Beijing. The train takes about 6.5hrs and the flight takes 2-2.5hrs. Below are 2 websites for you to check the schedule for trains and flights:

1. trains: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/

2. flights: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-flights/

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-01-16
Q: tracy Asked on 2012-11-21 Reply
I will be going Hangzhou next early of next month, any day tour package (e.g Hangzhou, xizhou) ??Kindly email me more details for day tour package

Hi Tracy,

I had sent you an email for the Hangzhou one Day tour.

Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for the tour which is about 8 hours for the day.

It is a private tour for you only. Please feel free to let me know if you have any question for the tour.

Have a great day.

Sammi

Sammi Dai Replied on 2012-11-21
Q: Tom Fo Asked on 2012-07-12 Reply
If I am only in Hangzhou for one day (taking the train form Shanghai) what are the best things to see?
I think you can visit The West Lake(including the Island on the lake), Lingyin Temple in one day. Please feel free to let me know if you like me to arrange the tour for you. guest Replied on 2012-07-13