Hangzhou is one of China's most rewarding cities to visit, and one of the easiest to get to. Built around the UNESCO-listed West Lake, it offers classical Chinese scenery, a world-class tea culture, ancient temples, and a spectacular outdoor night performance, all within a compact, well-connected city just 30 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to plan a comfortable, well-paced Hangzhou trip.
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- What to Do in Hangzhou
- How Many Days Should I Spend in Hangzhou?
- How to Get to Hangzhou from Shanghai
- What to Eat in Hangzhou
- Where to Stay in Hangzhou
- When to Visit Hangzhou
What to Do in Hangzhou
Explore West Lake by Boat and on Foot
West Lake is the reason most people come to Hangzhou, and it delivers. Taking a boat or a cruise on the lake is the most rewarding highlight during your visit. You can hire a hand-rowed wooden boat, visit the lake at your own pace and take photos; it is ideal for families or couples who want more flexibility.
On foot, Su Causeway is the most scenic walk. It's lined with peach trees and willows, stretching the full length of the lake. As one of Hangzhou's most famous sights, it is usually crowded. If you want a quiet visit to West Lake, we suggest visiting during workdays, in the early morning or late afternoon.
Experience Longjing Tea Culture at a Farmer's Village
Hangzhou is the home of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea — one of China's most celebrated green teas — and a visit to the hillside tea villages is one of the most memorable things you can do here.
Meijiawu Tea Village, about 20 minutes from West Lake, is the most visitor-friendly option. You'll pick leaves by hand, watch them roasted in a traditional iron wok, and taste the result in a farmer's courtyard. If you'd like to pick the freshest, highest-quality tea leaves yourself and experience the tea-frying process firsthand, we recommend visiting between March and April each spring. For a longer itinerary including Meijiawu, you can see our 7-Day Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Hengdian Cinematic Tour.
Watch the Impression West Lake Night Performance
It's one of the most spectacular evening shows in China, and well worth planning a night to enjoy it. This spectacular evening show, now officially titled Most Memorable Is Hangzhou, is directed by Zhang Yimou.
You will see water-based ballet and vibrant scenes like the "Butterfly Lovers" that feel like a classical painting in motion. A unique highlight is the wearable fragrance device provided at the start. When the "Jasmine Flower" melody begins, the scent of fresh jasmine fills the air to create a truly immersive sensory moment.
Stroll Qinghefang Street and Experience Chinese Medicine at Huqingyu Hall
Strolling through Qinghefang Street feels like walking back into the Southern Song Dynasty, where the scent of toasted tea and silk boutiques lines the way. It is the perfect late-afternoon escape for you to soak in the "old Hangzhou" atmosphere before heading to the legendary Huqingyu Hall.
Inside this Qing Dynasty pharmacy, the experience is a fascinating bridge between generations. While seniors often find the traditional pulse reading and the history of the ancient dispensary deeply immersive, teenagers are usually captivated by the TCM Technology Hall.
Here, you can let an AI system analyze your face and pulse to generate a digital health report, or try your hand at the tactile art of shaping moxa sticks. Finishing the visit with a precise, robotic moxibustion treatment is the ultimate "wow" moment where ancient healing meets high-tech invention.
Step Inside China's Silicon Valley
For families wanting to see the "modern pulse" of China, a visit to Hangzhou is eye-opening. It is a world where physical wallets are obsolete, and digital convenience is king. Teenagers love the independence of exploring cashierless shops and seeing AI-driven logistics in action. It feels less like a tour and more like a glimpse into their own future.
The experience becomes even more interactive at the Wensan Future Technology Center. Here, you can watch robots perform delicate ballet and even take the controls of advanced robot dogs yourself. If you are interested in the cutting edge of global innovation, this stop offers a clear window into the rapid technological growth defining modern China. For more details, check our 5-Day Shanghai and Hangzhou High Tech Tour.
Visit a Water Town — Wuzhen or Nanxun
If your itinerary allows for a day out of the city, the ancient water towns northeast of Hangzhou are well worth it. Both are about 1.5 hours by car, and a private car is the most convenient option. We can pick you up door-to-door, with no connections or transfers to worry about.
Wuzhen is the more famous of the two, and the better choice for first-time visitors. Walk along the canals in Wuzhen, pause for tea by the water, and stay into the evening when the lanterns light up and the crowds thin. Its western section, Xizha (西栅), is the more atmospheric half: better preserved and best explored in the late afternoon when the day-trippers have thinned out.
If you want to visit a water town without too many crowds and a commercial atmosphere, Nanxun is the better choice. You can take a slow walk through old residences built by silk merchants, where Chinese gardens meet Western-style mansions.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Hangzhou?
For a relaxed and well-paced trip, 2 days work best.
Day 1 — West Lake + Hi-Tech Experience
Head to West Lake for a boat ride, then take a slow walk along the willow-lined paths. Later, add a half-day Hangzhou Hi-Tech experience — visit Wensan Future Technology Center and see how technology is used in daily life in China.
Day 2 — Longjing Tea Hills
Spend the morning in Longjing Village. Walk through misty tea terraces, away from the city. Visit a local tea farmer's home, try pan-firing fresh tea leaves in a hot wok, and enjoy a cup of authentic Longjing tea.
In the afternoon, try the Chinese medicine experience in Huqingyu Tang. This historic pharmacy offers a look into traditional Chinese wellness, now combined with modern technology, including AI-assisted diagnosis and robotic pulse reading.
We suggest this two-day itinerary to let you experience the very best of Hangzhou: West Lake, tea culture, and high-tech experiences.
Tips: If you want more nature, you can add half a day at Xixi National Wetland Park, and take a peaceful boat ride through urban wetlands.
Side Trips
Hengdian (2 days): Play dress-up with ancient costumes and take loads of Instagrammable photos, set inside a real, working film studio — Hengdian World Studios.
Water towns (1 day): Venture just outside the city to explore the ancient canals and stone bridges of Nanxun or Wuzhen. You can check our 4-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanxun Water Town Culture Tour.
Maling Tianguan or OMG Heartbeat Paradise (1 day): Both are thrilling theme parks — Maling Tianguan is famous for its Buddha's Hand Bridge, while OMG Heartbeat Paradise is packed with fun and exciting rides.
How to Get to Hangzhou from Shanghai
Hangzhou has an airport, but international flight options are limited. For most travelers coming from other countries, flying into Shanghai is the most practical choice.
From Shanghai to Hangzhou, there are two main options. The high-speed train is fast and frequent. A private transfer is more comfortable if you are traveling with family or carrying heavier luggage, with direct pickup from your hotel and a smooth 2-hour drive. Looking for a tour from Shanghai to Hangzhou? You can check our 7-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Cultural Tour.
Getting around Hangzhou is straightforward. The metro is reliable, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are easy to use. If you travel with us, all transfers will be arranged, so you don't need to think about routes or logistics.
What to Eat in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is renowned for its light, refreshing, and flavorful seasonal cuisine. If you enjoy clean, delicate flavours, start with Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁) and West Lake Water Shield Soup (西湖莼菜汤).
If you're in the mood for something with more weight — and a good story — order Dongpo Pork (东坡肉) or Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡). These are considered “hearty dishes” in Hangzhou cuisine and are perfect for a family dinner.
West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼) is on every menu and worth trying once — though opinions are divided on the sweet-sour glaze and the taste of the fish, so don't make it the centrepiece of your meal.
Good restaurants are concentrated along Nanshan Road (南山路) and Hubin Road (湖滨路) near West Lake, and around the Qinghefang / Gaoyin Street area. Your guide will know which ones are worth your time.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
There are four main areas for accommodation in Hangzhou: the area around West Lake, Wulin Square and Yan'an Road, Siyanjing and Manjuelong Village, and Around Wushan Square. Our top recommendation is the area around West Lake.
Around West Lake — Best Views, Best Location
The eastern shore of West Lake is where most visitors choose to stay, and for good reason: you're within walking distance of the lake, close to most of the main sights, and well connected by metro. The area is anchored by four- and five-star hotels, with a few exceptional options right on the waterfront.
Recommended Hotels:
- The Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou*****: sits directly on the lake with its own private dock and Chinese garden grounds, the finest address in the city, and the one most praised by international visitors
- The Shangri-La Hangzhou*****: offers a large garden, a quieter location near Bai Causeway, and easy access to both West Lake and Lingyin Temple.
- The Hyatt Regency Hangzhou*****: a great choice for families, central located, well-connected by metro, and with a rooftop bar overlooking the lake.
Siyanjing and Manjuelong Village — Boutique Stays in the Tea Hills
This is the most atmospheric area to stay in Hangzhou. Tucked into the hills above the city near the Longjing tea gardens, surrounded by bamboo and birdsong, within walking distance of Lingyin Temple. If you have a generous budget and want to experience a luxurious and tranquil getaway in Hangzhou, this is the perfect choice.
The standout property here — and arguably in all of Hangzhou — is Amanfayun (安缦法云). Hidden within a preserved Ming and Qing dynasty village along a narrow lane, it's one of the most extraordinary places to stay in China.
Wulin Square and Yan'an Road — City Centre, Well Connected
Located just north of West Lake, Wulin Square is Hangzhou's main commercial hub: surrounded by shopping malls, well served by Metro Lines 1 and 3, and with an airport bus to Xiaoshan. It's a practical base for visitors on a moderate budget and young couples.
The Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou and JW Marriott Hangzhou are the top options in this area, both five-star and about 10 minutes from West Lake by metro.
Around Wushan Square — Old Town Atmosphere, Close to the Station
On the southeastern edge of West Lake, this area puts you next to Qinghefang Ancient Street, within easy reach of the train station, and at the foot of Wushan Hill — from where you can see both West Lake and the Qiantang River. Accommodation here tends towards budget and mid-range options, making it a better fit for travelers who prioritise old-town atmosphere over hotel luxury.
When to Visit Hangzhou
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are both excellent. Spring brings the new tea harvest and peach blossom along Su Causeway; autumn brings osmanthus fragrance across the city and golden light on the lake.
We suggest avoiding Chinese national holidays, such as Qingming Festival (around April 4), Labour Day Holidays (May 1–5), and Golden Week (October 1–7). Hangzhou is a popular destination among domestic visitors, so it will become extremely crowded during these holidays.
Visit Hangzhou with Us
Hangzhou rewards slow, unhurried travel, and that's exactly what a private tour is designed for. We'll take care of everything: accommodation, transfers, tickets, and a local guide who knows where to go and what to skip.
Contact us to start planning, or take a look at our most popular Hangzhou tours: