Don’t just know it from postcards — Hangzhou is the epitome of “Jiangnan elegance”, a city where misty West Lake wraps around ancient bridges, Song Dynasty charm lingers in old streets, and fresh river delicacies blend with the fragrance of Longjing tea. This is a place where nature and culture dance in harmony: willow branches sway by the lake, traditional boats glide on the water, and quiet temples nestle in green hills. Unlike bustling metropolises, Hangzhou moves at a gentle pace, inviting you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the poetic romance that has inspired poets and painters for thousands of years.
Picture this: you stroll along the Su Causeway at dawn, watching the mist lift from West Lake; you sip a cup of freshly brewed Longjing tea in a lakeside teahouse; you wander through the ancient streets of Qinghefang, admiring traditional handicrafts; and you savor tender West Lake Vinegar Fish in a local restaurant. This is Hangzhou: graceful, tranquil, and filled with the unique charm of Jiangnan, where every corner feels like a living Chinese painting.
Getting There & Getting Around
Arriving in Hangzhou
- By Air: Fly into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), one of China’s busiest airports with direct flights to major Chinese cities and global hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America. Metro Line 19 connects the airport to the city center in about 50 minutes; airport shuttles and taxis are also available for convenient travel, with clear English signage.
- By High-Speed Train: The most recommended way to reach Hangzhou, with an extensive high-speed rail network linking to nearby cities. Hangzhou has three major high-speed rail stations: Hangzhou East Station (closest to downtown and West Lake), Hangzhou Station (in the city center), and Hangzhou South Station (in the suburbs). Tickets can be booked on Ctrip/Trip.com or at station self-service kiosks with English interfaces — hassle-free for international travelers.
- From Shanghai: ~1 hour (Hangzhou East to Shanghai Hongqiao)
- From Nanjing: ~1.5 hours
- From Beijing: ~4.5 hours
- From Chengdu: ~7 hours
Getting Around the City
- Metro & Bus: Metro Lines 1–19 cover all core attractions (West Lake Scenic Area, Qinghefang Ancient Street, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Village). Signage is clear with English translations, and fares are affordable. WeChat Pay/Alipay transit cards work for both metro and buses, which reach every corner of the city. Special tourist buses (No. 7, 27, 51) circle West Lake, making it easy to visit lakeside attractions.
- Ride-Hailing & Taxis: Didi Chuxing has an English version, ideal for late-night trips, traveling with luggage, or visiting attractions outside the metro coverage (such as Longjing Village). Taxis are readily available and use meters; make sure the driver turns on the meter before departure.
- Walking & Cycling: The best way to experience West Lake! Rent a shared bike or an electric bike to cycle along the lake’s causeways (Su Causeway, Bai Causeway) — the scenery is breathtaking, and you can stop anytime to take photos. Walking is also perfect for exploring the lakeside paths and ancient streets like Qinghefang.
- Day Trips: For Wuzhen Water Town (a well-preserved ancient water town), Xitang Water Town, or Tianmu Mountain, book a small-group tour or take a direct high-speed train/coach from Hangzhou. Wuzhen is about 1.5 hours by high-speed train, making it an ideal day trip.
Can’t-Miss Experiences & Attractions
- West Lake Scenic Area (UNESCO World Heritage Site) The soul of Hangzhou, a vast lake surrounded by hills, bridges, and pagodas. It’s divided into several scenic spots, each with its own charm: Pro Tip: Visit West Lake early in the morning (before 8:00 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the misty, poetic scenery. Take a traditional wooden boat tour (about ¥80–100 per person) to see the lake from a different perspective — the boatmen can also tell you interesting stories about the lake.
- Su Causeway: Built by the famous poet Su Dongpo in the Song Dynasty, lined with willow trees and peach blossoms — stunning in spring (March–April).
- Bai Causeway: A quiet causeway named after Bai Juyi, another great poet, offering panoramic views of the lake.
- Leifeng Pagoda: A iconic pagoda by the lake, rebuilt to replace the ancient one. Climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of West Lake and the city.
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: The symbol of West Lake, three small stone pagodas in the lake — famous for their reflection of the moon at night, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Lingyin Temple One of China’s most famous Buddhist temples, founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (over 1,600 years ago). It’s nestled in the lush Lingyin Mountain, surrounded by ancient trees and stone carvings of Buddha. The temple complex includes several halls, pagodas, and gardens, exuding a serene and sacred atmosphere. Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds; wear modest clothing (no shorts or sleeveless tops) out of respect for the temple. Don’t miss the Feilai Peak (Feilai Feng) nearby, which is covered with exquisite stone Buddha carvings from the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties.
- Qinghefang Ancient Street A well-preserved ancient street that dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty, showcasing the traditional style of Hangzhou. It’s lined with old shops, traditional handicraft stores (such as Longjing tea shops, silk stores, and jade workshops), and local snack stalls. You can also visit historical sites like Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence and Zhongshan Middle Road (a pedestrian street with Western-style buildings from the Republican era). Pro Tip: Visit in the evening when the street is lit up with red lanterns — the atmosphere is magical. Skip the overpriced tourist snacks on the main street; wander the side alleys for more authentic and affordable local treats.
- Longjing Village (Dragon Well Village) The hometown of Longjing tea (Dragon Well tea), one of China’s most famous green teas. The village is located at the foot of the Longjing Mountain, surrounded by tea plantations. You can walk through the tea fields, pick tea leaves (during spring harvest), and sip freshly brewed Longjing tea in a local farmer’s house. Pro Tip: The best time to visit is spring (March–April) during the tea harvest season. Be careful when buying tea — ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel staff to avoid fake Longjing tea.
- Songcheng Scenic Area A theme park that recreates the prosperity of the Southern Song Dynasty. It features Song Dynasty-style buildings, traditional performances (such as folk music, dance, and acrobatics), and interactive experiences. The highlight is the large-scale real-scene performanceSongcheng Eternal Love — a spectacular show that tells the history and culture of Hangzhou. Pro Tip: Book tickets for the Songcheng Eternal Love show in advance, as it often sells out on weekends and holidays. Visit in the afternoon and stay until night to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime scenery.
Local Flavors You Can’t Miss
- West Lake Vinegar Fish: Hangzhou’s signature dish — fresh grass carp steamed and then coated with a sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The fish is tender, and the sauce is tangy and flavorful, with a unique taste that lingers in your mouth.
- Longjing Shrimp: A classic Hangzhou dish that combines fresh river shrimp with Longjing tea leaves. The shrimp are tender and juicy, and the tea adds a fresh, fragrant flavor — a perfect blend of seafood and tea.
- Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables (Meicai Kou Rou): A comforting Hangzhou dish — tender pork belly braised with preserved vegetables, which adds a savory and slightly salty flavor. The pork is fatty but not greasy, melting in your mouth.
- Xiaolongbao (Steamed Soup Dumplings): A popular Jiangnan snack — delicate dumplings filled with juicy pork and a rich broth. Bite a small hole first to sip the soup, then eat the dumpling — delicious and satisfying.
- Longjing Tea: Not a dish, but a must-try in Hangzhou. Fresh Longjing tea is light green, fragrant, and refreshing, with a sweet aftertaste. It’s best enjoyed in a lakeside teahouse or in Longjing Village.
- Osmanthus Cake: A sweet Hangzhou pastry made with osmanthus flowers, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. It’s soft, fragrant, and slightly sweet, perfect as a snack or souvenir.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: March–May (spring) — peach blossoms and willow trees bloom by West Lake, creating a poetic scenery; September–November (autumn) — the weather is crisp and cool, and the osmanthus flowers are in bloom, filling the city with fragrance. Avoid the hot, humid summer (June–August) and cold, damp winter (December–February).
- Cuisine Note: Hangzhou cuisine (a branch of Jiangnan cuisine) is known for its fresh, light, and delicate flavors, focusing on preserving the original taste of ingredients. It’s not spicy at all, making it suitable for all palates.
- Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted almost everywhere. Ask your hotel staff to help link your overseas bank card. Carry a small amount of cash (¥10/20/50 notes) for tiny street stalls that don’t accept mobile payments.
- Etiquette: Be quiet in temples and museums; ask permission before taking photos of locals, especially in ancient streets and tea villages. When taking a boat tour on West Lake, don’t litter in the lake — protect the beautiful environment.
- Language: Mandarin is the main language. Basic English is available at major attractions, hotels, and tourist centers. Download Google Translate for menu reading and casual conversations — it’s helpful for street food adventures.
- Emergency Contacts: Police: 110, Ambulance: 120, Fire: 119. Ask the hotel front desk to write down your hotel’s address in Chinese to show to taxi drivers or use in emergencies.
Ready to wander through West Lake’s poetry, taste the fresh flavors of Hangzhou, and experience the elegance of Jiangnan? Save this guide, bring a curious mind and an empty stomach, and let this beautiful city surprise you with its unique charm.
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