Hangzhou Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

West Lake showing a garden and a lake or waterhole
Lingyin Temple featuring a memorial
West Lake featuring a garden and autumn leaves
West Lake showing a park
Hangzhou

Sensational natural beauty and a host of preserved cultural icons make this region of China a favourite among tourists.

Visit Hangzhou to discover historical streets and canals plus gorgeous natural surroundings. Hangzhou is one of China's biggest tourist attractions.

Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, which began in 1127, until the Mongols invaded in 1276. Back then, the city was populated by 1 million people. That's now ballooned to close to 9 million. Find high-quality and abundant accommodation in many parts of the city. Locals generally welcome foreigners readily.

Acquaint yourself with downtown Hangzhou by taking a stroll along Qinghefang Street, the city's best-preserved thoroughfare. Mingle with the locals, watch traditional handicrafts being made and sample delicacies like roasted walnuts and “dragon-whisker” candy. Next, visit China Silk City to sift through quality fabrics remember to barter before buying.

Another walk you must take while in Hangzhou is along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. You probably won't want to cover the entire length, since it is over 1,000 miles (1,700 kilometres) long. However far you get, appreciate it as the earliest and longest man-made canal anywhere.

The main reason for Hangzhou's tourist trade is undeniably West Lake. This enchanting body of freshwater is a UNESCO site and has been preserved and restored accordingly. Spend a weekend walking over Broken Bridge, climbing to the base of Baochu Pagoda and marvelling at the sumptuous halls of Lingyin Temple.

Take time to relax in the parks and gardens surrounding West Lake. Enjoy the colours of the tulip festival held at Prince Bay Park every spring. For other walks among trees and flowers, visit Hangzhou Botanical Garden.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport provides regular flights to and from Hong Kong and Beijing. Get around Hangzhou on the convenient bus and subway networks. Rent a boat or bike along West Lake’s shores to enjoy a pleasant jaunt. Humidity is high in Hangzhou between June and September. In spring and winter, the climate is very comfortable and the scenery magical.

Where to stay in Hangzhou

Broken Bridge featuring a bridge and a sunset as well as a large group of people

Xihu

5/5(9 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lake views in Xihu. Spend some time visiting top spots like West Lake, and catch the metro at Huanglong Sports Center Station or Huanglong Cave Station to see more of the area.

Xihu
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Downtown Hangzhou

4/5(5 area reviews)

While you're in Downtown Hangzhou, take in top sights like Hangzhou China Silk Town or Wulin Square, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at North Jianguo Road Station or Baoshan Bridge Station.

Downtown Hangzhou
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Shangcheng

Consider a visit to West Lake and take some time to enjoy the lake views during your time in Shangcheng. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Houchaomen Station or Nanxingqiao Station.

Shangcheng
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Xiaoshan

Xiaoshan is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yaqian Station or Kanshan Station to explore sights like Hangzhou Paradise Park.

Xiaoshan
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Gongshu

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Noted for its lake views and bars, there's plenty to explore in Gongshu. Top attractions like Westlake Culture Plaza and Hangzhou Tower Shopping Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Wujiajiao Port Station or Gaotingba Station to see more of the city.

Gongshu
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Binjiang

Visitors to Binjiang like its restaurants. Jump on the metro at Jucai Road Station or Chengye Road Station to see top sights like Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center while you're in the area.

Binjiang
Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou

Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou

5 out of 5
6 Changshou Road, Kerry Central, Yan'an Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is Rp2.132.987 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp2.132.987
Rp2.487.062 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions West Lake and Former Residence of Sha ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (206 reviews)
"Mike 张 is excellent!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou

Grand Hyatt Hangzhou

5 out of 5
28 Hu Bin Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is Rp2.676.672 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp2.676.672
Rp3.121.001 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions West Lake and Broken Bridge are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (418 reviews)
"Good. Very good location."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin

Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin

4 out of 5
28 Hushu South Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is Rp970.861 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp970.861
Rp1.132.028 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (533 reviews)
"Good value and walkable from sunbway"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Somerset IOC Hangzhou

Somerset IOC Hangzhou

4.5 out of 5
No. 2477 Jinji Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions West Lake and Qianjiang ...
"The employee are so nice"

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2025

Somerset IOC Hangzhou
Oakwood Residence Hangzhou

Oakwood Residence Hangzhou

4.5 out of 5
No 28 Jiaogong Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions West Lake and Yellow Dragon ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (298 reviews)
"Personal services, extra efforts by all who work here. Our home base each time when we are in Hangzhou. Exceptional service and perfect location."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Oakwood Residence Hangzhou
EVEN Hotel Hangzhou Yintai City by IHG

EVEN Hotel Hangzhou Yintai City by IHG

4 out of 5
Block 4, Intime City, 380 Fengtan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
"Great location. A shopping mall right beside it. Was extremely convenient. Loved the hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2020

EVEN Hotel Hangzhou Yintai City by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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